Skiing and snowboarding in Vail is like having two resorts in one. The front side serves up a classic resort experience, with well-groomed boulevards, clearly marked trails, and terrain that builds confidence. When you drop over the ridge into the Back Bowls, the scene shifts entirely. Suddenly, you're in wide-open alpine terrain where the runs are measured in hectares rather than metres, and you can ski fresh tracks for days after a storm.

Vail Mountain has distinct personalities across its seven bowls. Sun Down Bowl catches afternoon light and holds softer snow, while China Bowl tends to stay cold and chalky. Game Creek Bowl offers protected tree skiing when the weather closes in. This variety means conditions are rarely uniform, and knowing where to go on any given day makes all the difference.

Important for UK visitors: North American resorts use a different trail marking system than European slopes. Green circles indicate beginner terrain, blue squares cover intermediate runs (but note, these span a wider range than European blues and some can be quite challenging), black diamonds mark advanced terrain, and double black diamonds are expert-only. There's no direct equivalent to European red runs, so confident intermediates should expect some blue squares to feel more demanding than back home.

Skiing for beginners in Vail

Vail takes beginner skiing seriously. Dedicated learning areas at Golden Peak and Eagle's Nest feel properly separated from faster traffic, with gentle pitches and patient lift attendants who understand that first-timers need more time. The terrain here builds confidence gradually, with wide, smooth runs where you can focus on technique without worrying about experienced skiers cutting across your path.

Progressing from nursery slopes to full-length runs feels natural and well thought through. Once you're ready to explore, long green circle runs like Born Free and Simba wind down the mountain at a forgiving gradient. These aren't token beginner trails, rather enjoyable skiing that lets newer skiers experience the mountain properly.

WeSki insider tip: Start at Golden Peak first thing in the morning when the slopes are quiet and freshly groomed. The Gondola One provides an easier alternative to busy chairlifts for nervous beginners.

Intermediate skiing in Vail

Intermediates will find their happy place across Vail's front side and the gentler bowl terrain. The beauty of Vail's scale is that you could ski for a week without repeating a blue square run. Variety keeps things interesting here, and some days you may want wide-open cruising, while others you can weave through natural terrain features and rollers.

Vail's blue square runs range from cruisy groomers, like Northstar and Swingsville, to more engaging runs that test your technique without becoming intimidating. Game Creek Bowl offers a taste of bowl skiing with the security of defined runs and manageable pitch. When you're ready to push yourself, Highline run provides excellent steeper terrain while staying within comfortable limits.

WeSki insider tip: Head to Blue Sky Basin mid-morning. This area feels wonderfully remote yet stays groomed and accessible. It's perfect for adventurous intermediates who want to explore beyond the main mountain without venturing into expert terrain.

Advanced and expert skiing in Vail

The legendary Back Bowls are what put Vail on the map for serious skiers. Seven distinct bowls offer everything from steep groomers to genuine backcountry-style terrain within resort boundaries. Sun Up Bowl and Sun Down Bowl deliver sustained steeps with variable snow conditions that reward reading the terrain well. China Bowl's windswept exposures create challenging crust and require adaptive technique.

For experts, Blue Sky Basin extends the adventure with gladed runs through spruce forests and north-facing shots that hold powder for days. The Minturn Mile backcountry route (hike-accessed) challenges even accomplished skiers. On the front side, Highline, Primal, and the runs under Chair 5 offer legitimate steeps accessible by lift.

WeSki insider tip: After fresh snow, take the first chair to Patrol Headquarters and traverse skier's left to drop into the northern aspects of Sun Up Bowl. This side typically sees less traffic and holds untracked lines longer.

Snowboarding in Vail

Vail's terrain suits snowboarders well. The Back Bowls provide natural features, rollers, and windlips for freestyle exploration, while the front side's well-maintained groomers are ideal for carving. Its wide-open bowl terrain reduces the flat traverses that plague snowboarders at other resorts. Three terrain parks cater to different ability levels, from beginner-friendly features at Bwana to progressive jumps and rails in the main parks.

Off-piste skiing

Vail's inbound terrain includes substantial off-piste options. The Back Bowls themselves offer ungroomed terrain within controlled boundaries, while Blue Sky Basin extends this with challenging tree skiing and natural gullies. For genuine backcountry, the Minturn Mile provides a classic hike-to route dropping outside resort boundaries. Local guiding services offer deeper backcountry access to the surrounding White River National Forest.

Vail ski school and lessons

Vail Ski and Snowboard School operates one of the largest ski school programmes in North America. Group lessons, private instruction, and speciality clinics cover all abilities, from first-timers to expert skiers wanting to tackle the Back Bowls with guidance. Women's programmes, adaptive skiing, and children's lessons from age three are all available.

Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Vail ski deals to get started.

Vail terrain parks

Vail maintains three terrain parks across the mountain. Golden Peak hosts the beginner-friendly Bwana park with small features and mellow jumps. Pride Park and Pride Express offer progressive features for intermediate and advanced riders. Parks are regularly shaped and maintained throughout the season with new features added as conditions allow.

Vail piste map

1. Vail Family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Vail
3. Planning your trip in Vail
4. How to get to Vail
5. Vail FAQs

Vail family ski holiday

Vail works well for families partly because of its scale, and partly because of the thoughtful infrastructure. The pedestrianised village core eliminates traffic concerns, most accommodation connects easily to the slopes, and the terrain variety means families with mixed abilities can find meeting points mid-mountain. For parents, the village layout means you're never far from coffee, shopping, or a quiet restaurant while the kids are in lessons.

Kids have dedicated learning areas at Golden Peak with patient instruction and child-friendly lifts. The Small World Play School takes non-skiing children from two months, while ski programmes start from age three. Teenagers typically love the terrain parks, the Back Bowl adventure, and the independence of navigating a proper mountain town. Game Creek restaurant makes a popular lunch spot where everyone can arrive via different routes.

Off the slopes, Adventure Ridge at the top of the gondola keeps kids entertained with snow tubing, ski biking, and a mountain coaster, while evening options like ice skating at Solaris and the family-friendly bowling lanes at Four Seasons give plenty to do after dinner. The dining scene across Vail is generally family-welcoming, with restaurants ranging from casual slope-side spots to more relaxed village eateries where kids are comfortable and everyone can enjoy a good meal.

Things to do in Vail

Vail's pedestrianised villages, dramatic Rocky Mountain backdrop, and well-developed infrastructure make it exceptionally welcoming to rest days, non-skiers, and anyone wanting to experience more than just the slopes. From scenic gondola rides and winter walks to world-class dining and wellness facilities, the resort rewards taking time away from skiing just as much as time on the mountain.

Snow activities

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Vail delivers an impressive range of winter activities that make full use of its Rocky Mountain setting:

• Snowshoeing: Guided and self-guided trails through alpine forests with equipment rental available in the village.
• Snow tubing: Adventure Ridge offers dedicated tubing lanes with a lift-served hill for all ages.
• Snowmobiling: Guided tours through the surrounding backcountry with options from gentle to exhilarating.
• Dog sledding: Traditional mushing experiences through scenic mountain terrain with experienced teams.
• Cross-country skiing: The Vail Nordic Center maintains groomed trails for classic and skate skiing.
• Ice skating: The Solaris ice rink in Vail Village provides outdoor skating in a stunning setting.
• Fat biking: Explore groomed winter trails on wide-tyred bikes, with rentals and guided tours available.
• Ski biking: Try this skiing alternative at Adventure Ridge, it's easier to pick up than you'd expect.

Non-snow activities

For days when you want to give your legs a rest, Vail offers plenty away from the slopes. The villages combine serious shopping with excellent spas, cultural attractions, and scenic experiences that make rest days an indulgent part of the ski holiday:

• Spa and wellness: Multiple resort spas offer everything from hot stone massages to altitude recovery treatments.
• Scenic gondola rides: Non-skiers can ride to Eagle's Nest for panoramic views and mountain restaurants.
• Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum: Free museum exploring the history of skiing in the Rockies with excellent exhibits.
• Art galleries: Vail Village hosts numerous galleries featuring Western and contemporary mountain art.
• Shopping: From ski boutiques to designer fashion, the village offers excellent retail therapy.
• Cooking classes: Local culinary schools offer sessions ranging from haute cuisine to cocktail crafting.
• Denver day trip: Around 160km away, Colorado's capital offers museums, dining, and cultural attractions.

Vail restaurants

Vail's restaurant scene stands out, even among major ski resorts. Dining here ranges from authentic mountain cooking to internationally acclaimed fine dining, reflecting a community that takes food seriously. Whether you're after a casual slope-side lunch or a refined evening out, the quality and variety consistently impresses:

• Sweet Basil: Long-established fine dining institution known for creative American cuisine and exceptional wine list.
• Mountain Standard: Lively tavern serving excellent wood-fired dishes and craft cocktails in a buzzy atmosphere.
• Game Creek Restaurant: Snowcat-accessed mountain dining with refined New American cuisine and extraordinary views.
• Matsuhisa: Nobu's Vail outpost delivering signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion in elegant surroundings.
• Elway's: Classic American steakhouse from NFL legend John Elway with premium cuts and sides.
• Two Elk Restaurant: On-mountain dining at 3,400m with panoramic views - worth the journey for lunch.
• The Red Lion: Vail institution since 1966 serving hearty pub food and lively après-ski atmosphere.
• Almresi: Authentic Austrian and German cooking in traditional alpine decor - excellent schnitzel.
• Flame: Four Seasons restaurant offering sophisticated sharing plates and creative cocktails.

WeSki insider tip: Colorado's craft beer scene is exceptional. Try local breweries like Vail Brewing Company or 10th Mountain Division Brewing for distinctive mountain ales. Pair these with a green chilli burger, a regional speciality that tops the patty with roasted Hatch chillies.

Vail après-ski

Vail's après scene manages to be lively without reaching the frenetic intensity of party resorts. The après tradition here starts with sunny terraces and craft beers at slope-side bars, then transitions to the village for cocktails and live music. Its atmosphere tends to be sociable and low-key, where you can expect groups sharing pitchers after a good ski day rather than table-dancing before sunset.

The resort has distinct personalities across its different areas. Vail Village tends toward more sophisticated evening options, with wine bars and upmarket restaurants, while Lionshead keeps things more casual and family-friendly. For those wanting to dance, a handful of clubs and late-night bars keep things going late into the night.

Après-ski spots to know:

• The Red Lion: The quintessential Vail après spot since 1966, with live music, crowded terraces, and cold beers.
• Garfinkel's: Lively Lionshead bar with outdoor fire pits, strong cocktails, and a fun local crowd.
• Los Amigos: Legendary margaritas and Mexican fare in a lively, colourful atmosphere since 1978.
• Vendetta's: Italian restaurant with a popular bar scene and late-night dancing on weekends.
• The George: Sophisticated cocktail lounge at Four Seasons with craft drinks and refined atmosphere.
• Pepi's Bar: Austrian-themed bar with schnapps, Bavarian pretzels, and traditional Tyrolean decor.
• 10th Mountain Division Brewing: Local craft brewery with excellent Colorado beers and a relaxed taproom vibe.

Vail map

Planning your trip in Vail

Vail accommodation

Accommodation in Vail spans everything from ski-in/ski-out luxury hotels to more affordable condos further from the lifts. The two main village areas, Vail Village and Lionshead, offer the most convenient access to skiing and nightlife. Properties here command premium prices but eliminate transport hassles entirely.

West Vail and East Vail offer more affordable options, but require shuttle or car access to reach the slopes. The town bus runs frequently during peak hours, connecting outlying areas to the main lift bases. For the best balance of value and convenience, properties along the bus routes near the village edges often hit a sweet spot, they're walkable to some amenities while still remaining affordable.

Vail lift pass

Single-day and multi-day lift tickets are available for Vail, offering access to the resort's massive ski area, with 282 acres of slopes to discover. Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Vail ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment rental

Multiple rental shops operate throughout Vail Village and Lionshead, offering everything from basic packages to high-performance demos. The main rental outlets at Vail Sports and Golden Peak provide convenient ski-in/ski-out collection. Booking ahead secures availability during busy periods and often comes with better rates than walk-in pricing.

Getting around Vail

The pedestrianised village centres mean you won't need transport once you're there, and everything from lifts to restaurants sits within walking distance. If you're staying in the main villages, you can easily manage your entire holiday without needing a car.

Vail's bus system runs throughout the valley, connecting all accommodation areas to the main lift bases. During peak hours, buses run every few minutes along main routes. Evening buses continue running until late, though frequency reduces after the slopes close. Taxis and rideshares are available for late-night returns from the village.

How to get to Vail

Most visitors fly into Denver International Airport, around 160km east of Vail along Interstate 70. Eagle County Regional Airport sits just 55km away and receives direct flights from several major US cities during ski season, while Colorado Springs Airport is another option at around 280km. These airports offer straightforward road access, though winter conditions can occasionally cause delays on I-70.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private, shared, and scheduled transfers to Vail. Add them to your Vail ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Vail FAQs

How does the North American trail grading system work?

North American resorts use shapes rather than colours: green circles for beginner terrain, blue squares for intermediate, black diamonds for advanced, and double black diamonds for expert-only runs. The key difference from Europe is that blue squares cover a wider range than European blues. A confident intermediate may find some of these challenging, and there's no direct equivalent to European reds.

Is Vail good for beginners?

Yes, Vail works well for beginners despite its reputation as an expert mountain. Around 18% of terrain is dedicated to green runs, with excellent learning areas at Golden Peak and Eagle's Nest that feel properly separated from faster traffic. The progression terrain is well designed, and long green runs like Born Free let beginners experience real mountain skiing rather than being confined to short nursery slopes.

What is the snow like in Vail?

Vail receives an average of around 9 metres of snowfall annually. Snow tends toward the lighter, drier Colorado powder that skiers love, which is distinct from the heavier snow found in coastal resorts. The Back Bowls can get windswept, creating variable conditions, while the front side benefits from excellent grooming. Vail's high altitude helps maintain snow quality throughout the season.

How crowded does Vail get?

Vail can get busy, particularly during US holiday weeks like Christmas, Presidents' Day, and Martin Luther King weekend. However, the sheer size of the ski area, over 5,300 acres, means crowds disperse once you're on the mountain. The Back Bowls especially tend to absorb skier traffic well. Lift queues are most notable at base area gondolas, where arriving early or using alternative access points helps.

How does Vail compare to European ski resorts?

Vail offers a distinctly American ski experience. The grooming is exceptional and consistent, the lift infrastructure is modern, and the service culture is notably warm. The Back Bowls provide terrain that feels more like off-piste skiing than marked runs. Compared to the vast linked domains of the French Alps, Vail is a single mountain, but it's one with remarkable variety and excellent infrastructure.

Is Vail expensive?

Vail sits at the premium end of ski resort pricing. Ski passes, accommodation, and dining generally cost more than average resorts in both North America and Europe. That said, value exists. Staying slightly outside the main villages reduces costs significantly. The quality of terrain, infrastructure, and dining arguably justifies the premium for many visitors.

What makes Vail's Back Bowls special?

The Back Bowls are what set Vail apart from most ski resorts. Seven distinct alpine bowls offer over 1,200 hectares of terrain where you can pick your own line through open powder fields, natural gullies, and gladed runs. Unlike typical marked pistes, the bowls feel more like controlled backcountry, they're vast, quiet, and rewarding for skiers who enjoy exploration.

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