Cultural Education

The Vail Valley offers a multitude of educational programs for both visitors and locals alike to the area. Enjoy some of the following educational program throughout the year:

Nature:

  • Walking Mountains Science Center: The mission of Walking Mountains Science Center is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship through natural science education. As a non-profit science learning center, they offer innovative school programs, summer youth science camps, adult seminars and year-round interpretive programs.

  • Vail Nature Center: Located across Gore Creek from the Betty Ford Alpine Garden and the Ford Amphitheater. The Nature Center offers a wide variety of educational and fun programs, both at the Nature Center and out in the wild mountain country that surrounds it. With stream-side trails, plant and animal exhibits, and a friendly staff, it is truly one of Vail’s best kept secrets.

  • Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: The highest botanical gardens in the world with a unique collection of alpine, sub-alpine and other mountain plants and flowers. Open from dawn to dusk daily through September with tours, children's programs and many other daily activities.

    • Art:
  • Alpine Arts Center: The center offers a broad spectrum of classes, open workshops, drop-in sessions, summer programs, birthday parties, exhibits, public events, and outreach programs. Whether you are interested in learning a new craft or are a professional artist looking to enhance your technique, Alpine Arts Center offers art for all ages at all stages.

    • Performing Arts:
  • Vail Valley Theater Company: VVTC provides our very talented population an opportunity to participate in live theatre. The local non-profit offers opportunities to develop new friendships, discover hidden talents, laugh and cry and stand in awe. Locals and visitors can take in a number of performances throughout the year at various locations throughout the valley.

  • Vilar Performing Arts Center: Located in the heart of Colorado's Beaver Creek Resort, the Vilar Performing Arts Center is a 530-seat theatre, owned and operated by the Vail Valley Foundation, which presents a variety of year-round performances including Broadway musicals, concerts, family entertainment, comedy, dance, classical and more.

    • Film:
  • Vail Film Festival: Enjoy award-winning independent films at the annual Vail Film Festival, activities include film screenings, panel discussions, live music, nightly galas, and the filmmaker reception.

    • Cultural:
  • Vail Symposium: The symposium's mission is to provide educational programs for the Vail Valley community that are thought-provoking, diverse and affordable. With series such as Hot Topics, Cultural Arts, Unlimited Adventures, and two Film Series, the Symposium offers diverse programming.

  • Vail Valley Foundation: VVF is committed to providing leadership in athletic, cultural, educational and community-based endeavors to enhance and sustain the quality of life in the Vail Valley for its residents and guests. From annual programs such as the Vail International Dance Festival, Vilar Performing Arts Center, the American Ski Classic to the Teva Mountain Games, the Vail Valley Foundation is committed to keeping this community vital and exciting.

  • Vail Village Walking Tour: A free walking tour of Vail's public art collection meets at the Vail Village Visitor Information Center on the top level of the parking structure. The tour then winds its way through the Village with discussions of master planning and the importance of site specific commissioned art in creating the charm of the village.

  • Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum: Vail locals and tourists alike learn the history of Vail Village's past and present landmarks and stories about its first generation of residents.

    • Search our local business directory for contact information or check out our calendar of events.