Vail

Vail is a vast and fantastic ski area, one of the USA’s largest resort towns and it is home to some of the world’s smartest hotels and best in-resort restaurant and bars.

Current conditions:

Max temp:
Min temp:
Last snowed:

Last Updated:

Favourite

Current conditions:

Max temp:
Min temp:
Last snowed:

Last Updated:

Favourite

24%Beginner

36%Intermediate

40%Advanced

Vertical drop

Pistes

Runs

Lifts

Terrain by difficulty

This Colorado big hitter is perhaps the state’s most famous resort, if not the most well-known resort in the entire country.

It has long attracted the rich and famous from around the world and for good reason. The town is always buzzing, the range of accommodation is unrivalled in the Rockies and there is a huge range of food options – just be prepared to pay for the privilege as prices here can be extremely expensive.

Although not everyone comes for the skiing, choosing instead to enjoy the town, Vail is home to some fantastic ski terrain. The highlights are the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin – open powder bowls and tree runs, all served by fast lifts.

Perhaps the only slight downside is that Vail is a victim of its own success and extensive queues can form, particularly at the weekends and during major holidays.

Beginner
Fast lifts
Intermediate
Resort Activities
Advanced
Aprés
Snow
Value

Pros and cons

Huge ski area and epic terrain in the Back Bowls
Every main lift is fast and there’s been lots of investment recently
Loads to do in town if your budget allows

Resort can get busy and queues often form at weekends
Super expensive lift pass and high prices in town
Some accommodation can be a decent walk away from the lifts

On the Slopes

A huge 5289 acres of terrain is on offer at Vail, with something for everyone.

Even absolute beginners are well catered for at Gopher Hill and at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. The area really comes into its own however for intermediates upwards, especially if you follow the corduroy by picking up the day’s grooming map each morning. Our favourite runs lie in Game Creek Bowl, around the recently revamped Northwoods Express and over the back of the mountain down to the Orient Express.

Vail’s ski area comes alive on a powder day, especially when a Rocky Mountain snowstorm loads the Back Bowls with fresh snow – just be sure to get there as early as possible to score fresh tracks. Blue Sky Basin is one vast playground filled with tree runs and gladed terrain, some of which is seriously steep and it is here where you’ll find the best powder stashes long after fresh snowfall.

Nearly 200 acres of new and improved snowmaking terrain for this season will ensure that Vail will open pre-Thanksgiving every season.

In the Resort

Vail is vast and spreads for almost four miles along the southern flank of the I-70 Highway, with two distinct bases at the foot of the resort’s two gondolas at Vail Village and Lionshead. In between lies a plethora of luxury accommodation – whether you’re looking for smart hotels or luxury condos, Vail has so many options. Those looking to save some cash should look at staying further along the valley at Eagle Vail or in Avon below Beaver_Creek, then catch the bus back to the Vail ski area.
The resort is also home to some fantastic après spots and places for a drink in the evening – just try to make the most of the daily happy hours for the best value drinks. Vail is also home to perhaps the widest range of ski resort restaurants in the USA, with everything from classic American BBQ food to sushi, the resort has something for everyone.

Season Dates

Opens: Friday 15 November 2024
Closes: TBC

Vail Resorts has not confirmed closing dates for 2024/25 leaving them flexible depending on conditions

Courtesy NSAA

Green Credentials

Ski Club Recognised: Environmentally Sustainable Resort

The Ski Club uses third party independent assessments and accreditation of ski resorts to determine a resort “environmentally sustainable” – more information can be found here.

Vail and Vail Resorts Alta was the 2023 winner of the NSAA Golden Eagle Climate Change Impact award, given to resorts that pioneer