Vail Resorts is launching a new summer program called Epic Discovery at Colorado’s Vail Mountain and Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Mountain Resort. The initiative blends outdoor adventure with physical challenges to give visitors active ways to enjoy mountain settings beyond winter sports. Activities will include zip lines, gravity-driven alpine coasters, expanded trail networks and wildlife-focused experiences.
“Epic Discovery will allow our summer guests to engage with alpine environments in immersive, hands-on ways similar to what skiers and snowboarders experience in winter,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Vail Mountain. “Working with partners such as the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy, we hope Epic Discovery will inspire a lasting appreciation for the outdoors across a wide range of summer visitors.”
At Vail Mountain, three new offerings are scheduled to open in June. Visitors can look forward to a creekside canopy tour that highlights forest habitats, a gravity-based alpine coaster that delivers high-adrenaline fun, and an enlarged trail system designed for hiking and nature viewing. These elements aim to provide a mix of thrill rides and quieter interpretive opportunities suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Heavenly Mountain Resort will introduce four new summer attractions in June. In addition to a canopy tour and alpine coaster similar to those at Vail, Heavenly’s program includes guided 4×4 tours that explore scenic routes and off-road terrain, plus interpretive learning experiences focused on local ecology and wildlife. The combination of guided tours and self-directed activities is intended to engage visitors with varying interests and ability levels.
The Epic Discovery concept emphasizes responsible recreation and environmental awareness alongside entertainment. By integrating educational components and collaborating with conservation partners, Vail Resorts aims to balance visitor access with stewardship of mountain landscapes. Guests participating in canopy tours, coasters and interpretive programs will have opportunities to learn about habitat preservation, local species, watershed protection and safe outdoor practices.
Overall, these summer expansions position Vail Mountain and Heavenly Mountain Resort as year-round destinations that cater to outdoor adventure, family recreation and nature education. With zip lines, alpine coasters, expanded trail systems, 4×4 tours and interpretive programs, the new offerings provide a variety of ways to experience alpine settings during the warmer months.