Skiing in Vail

Here's our guide to Vail

The Skiing and Mountains

• Vail is the largest single mountain in North America with 5,289 acres and 34 strategically placed lifts
• On an average day at Vail, there are only two skiers per acre…. on a busy day, a whopping four per acre
• There's plenty of skiing for all types of skier, a snowboard park with sculpted features such as half pipes, jumps and even a 50mph mini bobsled ride
• Most resorts are lucky to have one bowl. Vail isn't most resorts. At Vail, they’re blessed with not one, but seven natural bowls.  And, while the soft, dry, fluffy powder stretches over 6 miles wide, the legendary Back Bowls represent just one-third of Vail's total terrain
• A must for any intermediate to advanced skier is Vail’s legendary Blue Sky Basin, nestled more than 2 miles into the wilderness, in the centre of the ski universe.  Here you can explore 645 acres of natural, gladed terrain, away from the sites and sounds of civilization. Three high-speed lifts service the type of terrain typically reserved for those who choose to hike or helicopter in
• Service, both on and off the lifts, is a way of life here. Traffic lights inform you of busy runs and you'll find a sniffle station (free tissues) at the bottom of each lift
• If you ski Shangri La and Poppy Fields make sure you stop for a drink at the very special Elk Restaurant
• A great deal of thought has gone into planning for the needs of children. Special play and adventure areas around the mountain include an Indian tepee village, Fort Whippersnapper cowboy fort and ski-through Dragon's Breath Mine

Resort and Après-ski

• A wonderful choice of more than 120 shops is available to explore in the Vail Valley! There are speciality stores not found anywhere else in the world including custom jewellery to whimsical crafts, souvenirs to fine art, along with gifts for the unfortunate souls who had to stay behind
• For fantastic après ski visit the famous Red Lion pub in Vail village where live acoustic music is played till 11.00pm most days. Other bars worth visiting are Cyrano's & Mickey's Bar
• For a truly memorable dining experience you must visit the Game Creek Club, renowned for its fabulous views and American-French style cooking with regional ingredients. A true culinary destination high above Vail
• Other highly recommended restaurants are the Wildflower at the famous Lodge at Vail, Michael's and Sweet Basil
• Enjoy tubing on the original "locals" ski hill. A surface lift gets you to the top. A must do when in Vail! Safe and fun for the entire family
• A must visit for families is Adventure Ridge where kids can cruise around Blizzard speedway in mini snowmobiles and families can enjoy the well maintained outdoor ice rink together all located atop Vail Mountain with jaw dropping views of the valley below

Resort Facts