Best of: Vail’s groomers

In our “Best of” series, we’re tapping our knowledgeable Mountain Travel Experts to help us pull together top trails in the terrain category (beginner offerings, groomers, moguls, steeps, powder, etc.) each ski resort is known for having the best of. 

For skiers and snowboarders who yearn for perfectly ridged, soft corduroy, Vail is one of Ski Country’s top resorts for carving up the groomers. Vail’s world-class grooming team works overnight, tackling more than 1,000 acres before the lifts start turning the next morning. If you’re lucky enough to shred first (groomed) tracks at Vail, you’ll have hard time deciding which you prefer: powder or fresh corduroy. With 1,000-plus acres of corduroy to enjoy, Vail offers an impressive array of manicured runs. To help you enjoy the best of the best, we tapped some of our knowledgeable Mountain Travel Experts to compile a list of Vail’s top groomed trails and the best chairlifts to access them.

The Frontside

Northwoods trail off of Northwoods chairlift provides a wide slope for those who like to make big G.S. turns.

Born Free is a vast, long cruiser than runs from Eagle’s Nest right to Lionshead base village.

One of Vail’s original trails, Riva Ridge is also the longest and descends for four miles.

Starting from the top of Wildwood Express, Hunky Dory is a wide groomer, while Picaroon is a faster, more challenging cruiser accessed via Avanti chairlift.

Picaroon

Best lift access: Avanti Express (#2)

Take Avanti Express up to access this spirited cruiser, which features an abundance of rolling hills. A steep pitch allows skiers and snowboarders to feel the Gs and let their edges run before the trail meets up with several other trails and funnels skiers back to Avanti.

Northwoods

Best lift access: Northwoods Express (#11)

One of Vail’s widest trails, Northwoods never feels crowded—even during the holidays. The moderate pitch and broad expanse makes Northwoods a joy for testing out your short radius turns or carrying some speed and carving big G.S. turns.

Born Free

Best lift access: Eagle Bahn Gondola (#8)

Ski from the top of Eagle’s Nest to the Lionshead base area on Born Free, a well-manicured, wide intermediate run. Once you’ve hit your ideal speed, you’ll be hootin’ and hollerin’ as you descend down this zippy, playful trail.

Riva Ridge

Best lift access: Northwoods Express (#11) or Mountaintop Express (#4)

One of Vail’s most challenging groomed runs, Riva Ridge will get your blood pumping. The black-diamond trail descends for four miles and is typically groomed on Mondays and Fridays.

Hunky Dory

Best lift access: Wildwood Express (#3)

Offering exceptional Gore Range views and tasty BBQ, Wildwood lodge is a great place to stop for lunch. After your meal, get your body back in ski mode on Hunky Dory’s broad, exuberant slopes, and make some hero turns.

The Back Bowls

Cloud 9 is a meandering blue, groomed run that provides intermediates will access to the beautiful Blue Sky Basin area.

Every ability level will enjoy zooming down Sun Up Bowl, but intermediates will especially love the corduroy on Yonder Gully.

China Bowl’s Chopstick run is always groomed to perfection and has long been a favorite for corduroy lovers.

Chopstick | China Bowl

Best lift access: Orient Express (#21)

At some point during your Vail ski vacation, you’re going to want to experience a lunch at the magnificent Two Elks lodge. After you’ve enjoyed a great meal and exceptional views from the humongous floor-to-ceiling windows, head to the famed Back Bowls. From Two Elks, China Bowl is just a couple steps away. Everyone in your family or group—no matter their ability level—will enjoy gliding down China Bowl’s Chopstick run. The gentle, vast trail drops skiers and snowboarders back at the Orient Express (#21) and provides access to Blue Sky Basin.

Cloud 9 | Blue Sky Basin

Best lift access: Skyline Express (#37)

Blue Sky Basin isn’t just for experts. Cloud 9 is a great intermediate trail that winds down through trees and over playful knolls. If you’re part of a family or group with varying skiing or snowboarding levels, Cloud 9 provides the opportunity for intermediates to enjoy a fun groomer while the more advanced members can test their mettle on Blue Sky’s many black-diamond runs. Everyone can rejoin at Skyline Express (#37) or Pete’s Express Lift (#39) and recount their experience.

Lost Boy | Game Creek Bowl

Best lift access: Game Creek Express (#7)

Beginners, intermediates and experts alike will love cruising along Lost Boy in Game Creek Bowl. The upper reaches of this long, wide trail provides gorgeous views of Mt. Holy Cross and the Gore Range. Everyone can carve up the corduroy at their own speed and meet back up at the lift.

Yonder Gully | Sun Up Bowl

Best lift access: Sun Up Lift (#17)

Located just off the Sleepytime catwalk on Sun Up Bowl, Yonder Gully is a zippy, wide groomer that drops skiers and snowboarders at Chair 17. Like China Bowl and Blue Sky Basin, Sun Up is a great area for a family or group with an array of comfort and experience levels. Everyone can choose their own line down the bowl, but corduroy lovers and intermediates will best enjoy Yonder for its smooth snow conditions.