Epic Discovery Vail
Experience mountaintop thrills at Vail's Epic Discovery, featuring an alpine coaster, climbing wall, and bungee trampoline for family adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Epic Discovery Vail
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience mountaintop thrills at Vail's Epic Discovery, featuring an alpine coaster, climbing wall, and bungee trampoline for family adventures.
"The views are amazing and we loved the all day gondola pass, but the value is borderline at best."
Confirm Attraction Availability
Check which attractions are open before buying passes, as closures can impact value. :information_desk:
Clarify Pass Inclusions
Understand exactly what your pass covers, especially gondola access for adults. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Forest Flyer Alpine Coaster
Adventure Ridge, Vail Mountain
Soar through the trees on this thrilling mountain coaster for an unforgettable ride with stunning views.
Adventure Ridge Activities
Mountaintop, Vail Mountain
A hub of family fun with a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and summer tubing for all ages.
Scenic Gondola Ride
Gondola One or Eagle Bahn Gondola
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Rockies as you ascend to the mountaintop attractions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Epic Discovery
Understand Your Pass Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Attraction Availability
Check which attractions are open before buying passes, as closures can impact value. :information_desk:
Clarify Pass Inclusions
Understand exactly what your pass covers, especially gondola access for adults. :ticket:
Wear Appropriate Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are required for some activities; sandals are not permitted. :athletic_shoe:
Consider Alternative Parks
For teens, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park may offer more thrills for less cost. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Attraction Availability
Check which attractions are open before buying passes, as closures can impact value. :information_desk:
Clarify Pass Inclusions
Understand exactly what your pass covers, especially gondola access for adults. :ticket:
Wear Appropriate Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are required for some activities; sandals are not permitted. :athletic_shoe:
Consider Alternative Parks
For teens, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park may offer more thrills for less cost. :moneywithwings:
Book in Advance
Secure your tickets and passes online to save time and potentially money. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Epic Discovery Vail offers a fun mountaintop experience with highlights like the alpine coaster and various adventure activities, particularly enjoyable for families. However, visitors should be aware of the potentially high costs and the importance of clarifying pass inclusions to avoid unexpected expenses. Some teens might find the value proposition less compelling compared to other adventure parks.
"Came upon this during our hike on fireweed from gondola one. Looks pretty cool area for kids. They had rope course, rock climbing, mountain coaster, and more. We relaxed outside and play with the bean bag and toss games. They also have ice cream and food at the top if you are hungry. Wouldn’t say prices are cheap but it’s not a bad experience for a tourist destination."
Andy
"Paid full price for 2 teens & 2 adults & were not aware of closed attractions. Basically the Alpine Coaster was the only thing to do if you're not a small child. There was a rock wall & a trampoline attraction, but there was no ropes course entry or zip lining available. Definitely disappointed.
Better off driving to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for half the price and 10x the fun if you're a teen! Their rides are EPIC!!!"
Brandy White
"Passes are not clear on what they include, we bought the adventure pass with ride along (close to $400 for 2 passes). We have 2 adults and 2 kids under 12. I called to specifically ask about lift passes and I was told we did not to buy additional lift passes with the adventure passes we were buying. When we got here, they said we needed to buy adult lift passes, because the adventure pass only covered the kids on the gondola lift (which is why I called, kids under 12 ride free on the lift but apparently the adventure pass does not provide the adult lift pass). After that debacle and spending another $130 on 2 more lift tickets they never mentioned we were at the wrong lift and there would be a mile hike to get to the activities at the top. We hike the mile, get over there and discover I could not participate because I had sandals on. - another thing that was never communicated.
Other than the misleading pricing and requirements, the kids had a great time."
Tara Neal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Epic Discovery is located at Adventure Ridge on Vail Mountain. You can access it via Gondola One from Vail Village or the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead. Parking is available in the Vail Village and Lionshead structures.
Yes, paid parking is available in the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures. Consider arriving early, especially during peak season.
Vail has a free in-town shuttle system that connects Vail Village and Lionshead, making it easy to reach the gondola bases for Epic Discovery.
The most direct way to reach Adventure Ridge is by taking either Gondola One or the Eagle Bahn Gondola.
While there aren't specific transportation discounts for Epic Discovery, utilizing Vail's free shuttle system is a cost-effective way to get around.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Epic Discovery can be purchased online through the official Vail Resorts website or at the ticket office located at the base of Gondola One or the Eagle Bahn Gondola.
Vail offers various passes, including the Adventure Pass, which typically includes multiple activities like the alpine coaster, climbing wall, and bungee trampoline. It's crucial to verify what each pass includes, as gondola access for adults may require an additional lift ticket.
Pricing can vary depending on the pass and the number of activities included. Some reviews suggest that passes can be expensive, especially for teens who might find limited options.
Yes, some activities have age and height restrictions. For example, closed-toe shoes are required for certain rides, and younger children might have specific limitations on activities like the alpine coaster.
Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to check the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets and to inquire about potential compensation if key attractions are unexpectedly closed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Forest Flyer Alpine Coaster is a major highlight, offering a thrilling ride through the forest. Other popular activities include the Paramount Peak Climbing Wall, bungee trampoline, and summer tubing.
Yes, Epic Discovery is designed with families in mind, offering activities suitable for younger children like the bungee trampoline and tubing hills. However, some attractions might be more geared towards older kids and teens.
The mountaintop location offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, making the scenic gondola ride itself a worthwhile experience.
Yes, there are areas to relax, including outdoor spaces with bean bag toss games, and places to enjoy ice cream and food at the top of the mountain.
Dress in layers as mountain weather can change quickly. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for most activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food and ice cream options available at the top of the mountain near the Adventure Ridge activities.
While specific policies may vary, it's generally recommended to check with the venue. However, given the mountaintop location, purchasing food on-site is the most convenient option.
Expect typical mountain resort fare, including snacks, ice cream, and potentially light meals.
The mountaintop location offers dining with scenic views, enhancing the overall experience.
As with most tourist attractions, food prices at Epic Discovery can be on the higher side.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic mountain vistas from the top of Vail Mountain are incredible. Capture shots of the alpine coaster winding through the trees and the general mountain landscape.
Absolutely! The gondola ride offers stunning opportunities for photos of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and follow any specific guidelines posted by the venue.
Morning light often provides softer, more flattering light for landscape photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant peaks or details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the Forest Flyer Alpine Coaster is a thrilling ride for many, it's worth noting that younger children might have specific height or age restrictions. Always check these requirements beforehand. Additionally, ensure you clarify pass inclusions to avoid unexpected costs, especially regarding gondola access for adults accompanying children.
🧑🤝🧑 Teens and Thrill-Seekers
+1However, some reviews suggest that for teens who crave a wider variety of intense rides, other adventure parks like Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park might offer more bang for your buck. It's worth comparing the offerings and prices to ensure you're getting the best value for your thrill-seeking adventure.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
To maximize your budget, clarify all pass inclusions before purchasing and be aware of potential extra fees for gondola access. Consider if the activities align with your group's interests and if alternative, more cost-effective adventure parks might be a better fit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Vail's Epic Discovery Passes
Before purchasing, it's highly recommended to call Epic Discovery directly or thoroughly review the pass details online to avoid unexpected expenses. Some visitors have reported spending close to $400 for a family of four, only to discover additional lift ticket requirements upon arrival. This lack of clarity can lead to frustration and a diminished experience, especially for families on a budget.
For those seeking maximum thrills, especially teenagers, it's worth comparing the value proposition of Epic Discovery with other adventure parks. Some reviews suggest that parks like Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park might offer a more extensive range of rides and better value for money for this demographic.
The Thrills of the Forest Flyer Alpine Coaster
+1Described as a thrilling ride, the coaster typically lasts for a couple of minutes, covering a significant distance of approximately 3,400 feet. While the experience is often lauded as a highlight, some reviews point out that the short duration for the price can be a point of contention, with some visitors feeling it's borderline worth the cost.
Despite the cost considerations, the Forest Flyer is frequently mentioned as a must-do activity, providing a memorable adventure with stunning scenery. It's a key reason many families and thrill-seekers visit Epic Discovery Vail during the summer months.
+1Family Fun at Adventure Ridge
+1For those looking for a more active experience, summer tubing provides a classic thrill, while the Forest Flyer Alpine Coaster offers a more adventurous descent. These activities are often cited as major draws for families visiting Vail in the summer.
+1Beyond the adrenaline-pumping attractions, Adventure Ridge also provides spaces for relaxation and casual enjoyment. Visitors can find areas to play games like bean bag toss while taking in the magnificent mountain views. The convenience of having food and ice cream available on-site further enhances the family-friendly atmosphere, making it a complete destination for a day of mountaintop fun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit