Parking in the Vail Valley during ski season can be a bit of a challenge, especially when looking for free options. Here’s a comprehensive skier parking guide for Vail Valley to help you navigate the winter rush.
Vail Parking Options
Paid Parking in Vail
Daily Rates for Vail Village Parking Structure and Lionshead Parking Structure:
| Daily Rate | NON-PEAK DAYS | PEAK DAYS |
| 0 to 1 hour | FREE | FREE |
| 1 to 2 hours | $5* | $10* |
| 2 to 3 hours | $10* | $20* |
| 3 to 4 hours | $20* | $30* |
| 4+ hours | $30** | $40** |
| Entry after 3 p.m. – 4 a.m. | FREE | FREE |
| Overnight Rate (4 a.m. – 5 a.m.)No top deck parking | $60** | $60** |
Red Sandstone Garage, Ford Park and Soccer Lot:
| Daily Rate | NON-PEAK DAYS | PEAK DAYS |
| 0 to 2 hours | FREE | FREE |
| 2+ hours | $10* | $20* |
| Overnight Rate (4 a.m. – 5 a.m.)Red Sandstone Garage levels 1, 2, & 3 Only | $35** | $35** |
Free Parking in Vail
Vail Village and Lionshead Parking Structures
- First 2 hours: Free
- Free entry after 3 p.m. until 3 a.m.
- South Frontage Road Overflow
- Located on the north side of the road across from the Vail Village and Lionshead Parking Structures.
- Available when both structures are full, until 11 p.m.
Red Sandstone Park
- Spaces: 15
- Location: 725 N. Frontage Rd. W.
- Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Donovan Park
- Spaces: 90
- Location: 1600 S. Frontage Rd. W.
- Availability: Only when the Pavilion is not in use (check signage at the entrance or visit vaileventparking.com for updates).
- Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
North Frontage Raod
- Spaces: 75 (across from West Vail Mall)
- Spaces: 100 (west of West Vail roundabout)
- Note: Park in designated areas only.
- Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Trailhead Parking
- Limited spaces available; some restricted to three-hour use only.
- Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Beaver Creek Parking Options
Paid Parking in Beaver Creek
Villa Montane Garage and Ford Hall Parking Garages
- Hours: Open from 7 AM – 11 PM (No overnight parking)
- Entry before 3 PM:
- Under 1 hour: FREE
- 1 hour to under 3 hours: $25
- 3 hours to under 4 hours: $35
- 4 hours and over: $50
- Entry after 3 PM:
- Under 3 hours: FREE
- 3 hours and over: $25
Bear and Elk Lots
- Located at the base of the main entrance to Beaver Creek.
- Complimentary shuttle available for a short ride to Beaver Creek Village.
- Before 1PM: $13 per vehicle
- After 1 PM: Free
- No overnight parking
Avon Parking Options (Access to Beaver Creek)
Free Parking in Avon
These spaces provide access to free buses and the Riverfront Express Gondola at the Westin Resort. Parking is available throughout the town center with on-street, parking lot, and structure spaces. All parking is free, but there’s no overnight parking from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Look for Avon’s parking signs with blue circles and “P” designations.
All-Day Parking Locations
- Lake Street On-Street Parking: 41 spaces
- Old Town Hall East Parking Lot: 76 spaces
- East Benchmark Road On-Street Parking: 21 spaces
3-Hour Parking
- Avon Recreation Center: 93 spaces
- West Beaver Creek Blvd On-Street Parking: 20 spaces
For a detailed parking map, visit www.avon.org/parking.
More Tips and Tricks
Monitor Parking Structures: On busy days, keep an eye on the town’s parking structures and opt for free spots along the frontage road when lots fill up. During holidays and weekends, especially after fresh snow, parking lots can fill quickly. You can watch real-time parking availability at Vail Parking Counts.
– Utilize the Free Bus System: All the listed parking areas are serviced by Vail’s free bus system. Check out the schedules at Vail Bus Schedules.
While parking options in Vail, Beaver Creek, and Avon can be limited during ski season, there are still plenty of choices if you’re willing to walk a bit or catch a shuttle. Opting for free parking can help you save money, allowing you to enjoy more of what the Vail Valley has to offer. Use this skier parking guide for Vail Valley to make your ski day stress-free. Happy skiing!
