In addition to being the second largest ski destination in the United States, Vail Ski Resort is one of the most diverse of its kind in the world, which is why it’s such a great ski destination for families. Every level of skiing, every lodging preference and just about every budget can find a cozy place to call home during a ski vacation to Vail, Colorado.
Skiers and snowboarders looking for incredible views will be thrilled with the scenic vistas of the surrounding Gore Range while they explore Vail Ski Resort. Restaurant-goers can find everything from Iron Chef foodie-fare to down-to-earth pub food and New York City-quality pizza in Vail Village. Those looking to relax in luxury will be happy to find a multitude of hotels whose objective is to pamper their guests like VIP's all throughout their stay in Vail.
Vail Resorts operates some of the largest and most iconic resort destinations around the world, including Heavenly, Kirkwood, Keystone and Whistler Blackcomb. All of these and the partner resorts are accessible with purchase of the Epic Pass. The namesake and flagship Vail Resort is located in Vail, Colorado and is a renowned option for guests who travel both domestically and internationally when skiing resorts. The Vail Ski Resort is one of two located in the Vail area, with the second being Beaver Creek, plus Breckenridge and Keystone which are along the I-70 route in the Colorado Front Range ski country.
Yes, Vail ski resort is a good option for beginners, with terrain that’s perfect for learning and beginner levels at all three of its base villages. This world-class resort boasts more than 5,200 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain located at 8,150 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest-elevation resorts in the United States. The size and variety of terrain at Vail also enables access to beginner terrain all around the mountain, meaning they won’t be limited to base areas and can still enjoy some of the breathtaking views Vail, Colorado has to offer. The ski school at Vail is excellent and provides classes for all levels; whether you're a total novice or just brushing up on your skills, you'll find an instructor who can help you.
in one of the villages of Vail Ski Resort, like Golden Peak, Lionshead or Vail Village. Or, find lodging in one of the nearby neighborhoods of East Vail or West Vail.
at a top elevation of 11,571 feet on an annual average of 350 inches of snow throughout 5,289 acres at Vail Ski Resort.
by flying directly into Eagle County Regional Airport, only about a half hour drive from Vail, or take the shuttle to the ski resort when flying in from Denver, Grand Junction or Colorado Springs.
the breathtaking views at Vail Ski Resort, specifically of the rugged Gore Range to the east.
Vail’s seven wide-open Back Bowls.
Vail's 100+ world-class restaurants.
yourself to designer shopping and award-winning spas around the villages of Vail.
cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, ice skating and snow tubing, which are just a few examples of Vail’s many winter activities.
As North America's fourth largest ski area (behind Whistler, Park City Mountain Resort and Big Sky Resort), the terrain in Vail will please every level of skier or snowboarder. Vail ski resort's vast 5,289 acres offers wide-open, pristine bowl skiing, a plethora of meandering intermediate trails, multiple beginner areas and plenty of steep and deep terrain in the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin to keep expert skiers satisfied.
The beginner skiing at Vail is found all over the mountain, providing novices and first-timers with breathtaking views they won’t soon forget. Beginner skiing at Vail ski resort can be found at all three base villages: Golden Peak, Vail Village and Lionshead Village. Gentle traverse trails allow beginner skiers to explore nearly the entire front-side of the mountain.
But, at its heart, Vail is an intermediate to advanced intermediate's paradise. From the legendary Back Bowls to the many zippy, groomed runs off of the Mountaintop Express lift, the varied groomed terrain is perfect for skiers and snowboarders alike. Blue Sky Basin is the expert skier’s playground, with cornice drops, leg-burning mogul runs, trees and open powder fields making it one of the highlights at Vail ski resort. As North America's fourth largest ski area (behind Whistler, Park City Mountain Resort and Big Sky Resort), Vail's terrain will please every level of skier or snowboarder. The resort's vast 5,289 acres offers wide-open, pristine bowl skiing, a plethora of meandering intermediate trails, multiple beginner areas and plenty of steep and deep terrain in the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin to keep expert skiers satisfied.
The best month to ski Vail likely falls between mid-January and mid-February, based on snowfall history for the best overall conditions. However, it is also a good idea to try visiting Vail Ski Resort in off-peak times, so avoiding holidays and other popular vacation times can be in your best interest when deciding when to visit Vail, Colorado.
Mountain Stats
3450'
Vertical Drop
8120'
Base Depth
11570'
Summit Depth
Activities
TerrainPark
No
Tubing
No
Night Skiing
No