Vail
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About Vail
Vail Ski Resort, one of the largest ski destinations in the United States, promises a skiing experience like no other with its expansive 5,289 acres of terrain. Known for its legendary Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, Vail offers advanced skiers access to endless powder runs and untouched slopes. Its sheer size can be overwhelming, but to make the most of your time—especially on a powder day—you’ll want to navigate the mountain like a seasoned local. When the snow is fresh, expert skiers often kick off their day at Golden Peak’s Riva Bahn for fast access to prime terrain.
For beginners and intermediates, Vail provides 195 trails boasting wide, groomed runs and designated learning zones. Family-friendly areas like Chaos Canyon and Coyote’s Escape ensure fun and exploration for all ages. Additionally, traverse trails such as Lion’s Way, Gitalong Road, and Trans Montane make it easy for less experienced skiers to cover significant parts of the mountain. For breathtaking views of the Gore Range, beginners can take a scenic run along Eagle’s Nest Ridge, accessible via the Avanti or Wildwood Express lift.
Beyond the slopes, Vail’s charming alpine village exudes European flair with its pedestrian-only streets, boutique shopping and world-class dining. Guests can enjoy everything from Iron Chef-inspired dishes to casual après-ski fare, while families will appreciate activities like ice skating at Solaris Plaza or tubing at Adventure Ridge. Conveniently located just a two-hour drive from Denver International Airport (DEN), Vail is an ideal destination for family ski vacations. While lift tickets are among the priciest in North America, the resort’s unparalleled amenities, diverse terrain and stunning natural beauty make it worth every penny. Vail truly offers an unforgettable experience for skiers and visitors of all levels.
5 best things about Vail according to our Mountain Travel Experts
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Where to stay in Vail
As one of the most renowned, and visited, North American ski resorts, it’s safe to say that Vail lodging options can accommodate a wide variety of guests, with nearly two million visits annually. While there’s certainly no shortage of luxury accommodations, the amount of Vail budget hotels are also nothing to scoff at. Vail offers everything in between too: small boutique hotels, vacation home rentals, ski in ski out condos and recognizable chain hotels.
Vail Trail Maps
How to get to Vail
Vail is easily accessible through two main airports: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and Denver International Airport (DEN). For the fastest route, EGE is just 35 miles from Vail, a quick 40-minute drive via rental car, taxi or shuttle. Budget-friendly buses also connect EGE to Vail, making it a convenient option. For international travelers or those seeking more flight options, DEN is the most popular choice. Located 120 miles from Vail, it requires about a 2-hour 15-minute drive. Direct shuttles provide a hassle-free connection, while affordable bus routes from Denver Union Station to Vail (approximately 2.5 hours) offer a budget-conscious alternative. Rental cars and ride-sharing services are also readily available. While EGE provides the quickest access, DEN’s wider range of flights makes it the top choice for most visitors.
Getting around
Getting around Vail is a sinch, and there’s no need for a car. The town’s free bus system and pedestrian-friendly layout make transportation seamless. Vail Village and Lionshead Village are fully walkable, featuring heated streets and convenient access to ski lifts, shops and restaurants. The complimentary bus service runs year-round, connecting Vail Village, Lionshead, Golden Peak, West Vail and East Vail. With buses arriving every 5–10 minutes during peak times, you can effortlessly reach ski lifts, accommodations and après-ski destinations without the hassle of driving.
Skiing in Vail
Beginner Skiing in Vail
Beginner skiers at Vail have plenty of options, with nearly 18% of the mountain’s 5,289 acres dedicated to them. Most beginner terrain is on the front side of the mountain, with views of the Back Bowls from the Sourdough Lift. Golden Peak and Lion’s Way offer wide-open runs and easy trails, perfect for those new to skiing or snowboarding. Vail’s ski school provides great instruction to help beginners build confidence and improve. Novices can start on magic carpets at Golden Peak or Eagle’s Nest’s Practice Parkway, then progress to chairlifts and green circle trails. At 10,000 feet, Practice Parkway also offers stunning views of Vail’s famous scenery.
Expert Skiing in Vail
Few resorts can claim that over half their terrain is designed for expert skiers, but Vail stands proudly in that elite category. With a staggering 53% of its 5,289 skiable acres dedicated to advanced runs, Vail is nothing short of a paradise for seasoned skiers. The resort offers everything from iconic thigh-burning trails like Riva and Prima to exhilarating cornice drops at Blue Sky Basin’s Lover’s Leap. You’ll find steep groomers on the former women’s World Cup run, International, and challenging, ungroomed terrain in Mongolia and Siberia Bowls. Vail’s vast and varied landscape delivers endless opportunities for adventure, making it a dream destination for expert skiers.
Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin
Start your journey by taking the lift to the top, then make your way to the Northwoods Express. From there, enjoy a few exhilarating runs on North and South Rim, where you'll find a mix of moguls, tree skiing, and some playful flowy drops right under the lift. Once you've had your fill, head back up the Northwoods Express and drop into the main Back Bowls catwalk, Sleepytime. Follow this into Tea Cup Bowl and traverse high on skier's right into the inviting lines of Morning Thunder.
Family vacations in Vail
Vail is widely celebrated as one of Colorado’s top family ski resorts, offering an unforgettable experience for all ages. The resort’s Vail Kids’ Adventure Zones feature exciting areas like Porcupine Alley and Chaos Canyon, where children can navigate interactive trails while learning about local wildlife. Vail’s renowned ski school further enhances the experience, with specialized programs tailored for kids and beginners, making it an exceptional destination for families introducing children to skiing.
For those eager to ski together, Vail’s Back Bowls provide groomed cruisers perfect for families, while the gentle, beginner-friendly slopes near Golden Peak and Lionshead cater to younger skiers. After an adventure-filled day on the mountain, families can head to Adventure Ridge for sledding, snow tubing, and mini snowmobile rides. Meanwhile, Solaris Plaza offers free ice skating, and The Remedy Bar serves up sweet après-ski delights like rich hot chocolate that kids will love.
FAQs
Yes, Vail is generally considered expensive. As one of the most prestigious ski resorts in Colorado, it offers high-end accommodations and services that come with premium pricing. Hotel rooms can range from $300 to over $1,000 USD per night during peak season, and ski lift tickets often cost over $200 USD per day. Dining, shopping and other activities in Vail Village are also priced higher, catering to luxury travelers.
Whether Aspen or Vail is better depends on what type of experience you’re looking for, as Aspen is known for its glamorous atmosphere, celebrity sightings and vibrant nightlife, with four separate ski areas offering diverse terrain. It's perfect for those seeking upscale luxury paired with a lively cultural scene. Vail, on the other hand, boasts one of the largest single-mountain ski areas in the U.S., with more extensive intermediate terrain, making it a favorite for skiers who love vast, varied runs. Vail has a charming European-style village, but it’s more family-friendly and laid-back compared to Aspen’s bustling scene. Ultimately, Aspen is ideal for luxury and nightlife, while Vail is better for expansive skiing and a more relaxed vibe.
Skiing at Vail caters to all fitness levels, but a basic level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. Beginners can ease into the sport with gentle, groomed runs and ski school lessons, which require moderate balance and endurance. For intermediate and advanced skiers, navigating long descents, moguls, and Vail’s iconic back bowls demands strong leg muscles, core stability, and solid cardiovascular fitness. Keep in mind that Vail’s high elevation—8,120 feet at the base—can pose a challenge for those unaccustomed to altitude. To maximize your time on the slopes, focus on staying hydrated, incorporating leg-strengthening exercises into your routine, and stretching to enhance endurance and reduce fatigue.
Vail stands as one of the world’s most iconic ski destinations, celebrated for its expansive terrain, luxurious atmosphere and exceptional amenities. Boasting 5,317 skiable acres, it holds the title of Colorado’s largest ski resort, offering something for every skier—from the legendary Back Bowls and scenic groomers to diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels. Beyond the slopes, Vail enchants visitors with its charming European-inspired village, home to upscale dining, boutique shopping and vibrant après-ski experiences. Renowned for its reliable snowfall, state-of-the-art lift system and premium lodging, Vail consistently ranks as a top choice for skiers worldwide. Its role as a host for major ski events and a magnet for celebrities only adds to its prestige.
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