Vail Turns Up the Volume, Unveils First Wave of Artists for Its Biggest Music Season Yet

ILLENIUM and Ian Asher kick off Vail's biggest music season yet, alongside seven on-mountain performances and two brand-new venues

VAIL, Colo., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With the first snowfall on Vail Mountain's peaks this week and snowmaking kicked off last night, anticipation for winter is building fast. This season, Vail is raising the bar with its most ambitious music lineup yet, bringing more live music, more venues and more unforgettable performances to the mountain and village than ever before.

Headliners and New Venues
Kicking off the season on December 11, GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-platinum artist ILLENIUM will headline a marquee performance at the new Dobson Arena, ushering in a winter packed with music experiences designed for the mountains. With the potential for surprise performances throughout the weekend, fans will want to keep a close eye on social media at @VailMtn for artist announcements and unexpected moments.

On January 16, Southern California DJ, producer and remix sensation Ian Asher takes over Dobson Arena. Best known for his viral electronic and house remixes, including the billion-stream "Makeba" remix that earned Remix of the Year honors, Asher represents the next generation of dance music talent and expands Vail's growing lineup of nationally recognized artists.

Freshly transformed into a premier entertainment venue, Dobson Arena combines more than 56,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production capabilities with unmistakable alpine character, creating a concert experience unlike any other in the Rockies.

"There's nothing quite like live music in the mountains, and we're excited to bring even more of it to Vail this winter," said Shaydar Edelmann, vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. "Working alongside the Town of Vail and our community partners, we're creating more opportunities for guests to come together and enjoy incredible music in a legendary setting."

This winter builds on a breakout 2025/26 season, when Vail hosted on-mountain performances from globally recognized artists including SOFI TUKKER, Dillon Francis, Chris Lorenzo and John Summit. Always dreaming bigger, Vail is expanding its music footprint even further with seven on-mountain performances, three more than last season, plus two brand-new music venues.

Following the success of last season's first-ever sunrise concert beneath the Legendary Back Bowls sign, Vail is once again pushing the boundaries of what an alpine music experience can be. Additional artists, venues and mountain activations will be unveiled throughout the season, giving fans new reasons to visit and new ways to experience music at elevation. Announcements will be released throughout the winter on @VailMtn.

Vail Après Scene
As Vail's live music lineup grows, so does the experience surrounding it. This winter, the destination will pair headline performances and on-mountain sets with a robust lineup of après events, culinary offerings and nightlife experiences throughout the village.

• NEW! The Vail Ice Bar: A beloved Vail tradition returns. Located next to the Legendary Back Bowls Gate, the reimagined Vail Ice Bar blends alpine nostalgia with a lively outdoor gathering space for drinks, music and après in the heart of Vail Mountain. See images of the historic Vail Ice Bar HERE.
• Après All Day at Express Lift (base of Gondola One, starting opening day): More than 50 performing artists, nearly double last season with live DJs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2:30–5:30 p.m., in collaboration with Vail Mountain partner Outer Range Brewing. See full schedule HERE. 
• Chasing Rabbits: When the lifts stop spinning, the night is just getting started. The Rabbit Hole returns with high-energy DJ sets and unforgettable winter nights, following performances by Loud Luxury, Dombresky and Chris Lorenzo. This winter's lineup, coming soon, already includes a Coachella headliner, a Billboard Music Awards nominee and internationally recognized DJs.
• Stoke Sessions: Live Music every Friday for the first month of the ski season in Vail. Bundle up, sip something warm, and celebrate the season with the Vail community. Lineup Announcement coming soon! Follow @discovervailcolorado to be the first to know.

Epic Passes on Sale for the 2026/27 Winter Season
Epic Passes are on sale now and with new savings for young adults, skiers and riders ages 13-30 can save 20% on an Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass. Plus, guests who purchase an Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass now will receive five Epic Friend Tickets offering 50% off adult lift tickets, making it easier to bring the crew along and save. Epic Friend Tickets can also be used for 25% off child lift ticket prices.

About Vail Mountain
Vail Mountain spans more than 5,300 acres of terrain, including the Legendary Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. Founded in 1962, Vail is one of the world's premier mountain destinations and a part of the Vail Resorts network connected by the Epic Pass. For more information, visit Vail.com.

SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc.