Thank you to Charlie Vail, the Vail Pass project engineer who enabled 5,317 acres of land and put Vail Ski Resort at the top of the largest ski areas in the state of Colorado and second largest in all of North America.
Vail is home to some of the best ski bowls you may see in a resort and is scattered throughout with awesome terrain for every skier to enjoy.
By the time you're done reading this guide to skiing Vail, you may already have your flights booked.
What makes skiing in Vail unique?
The town of Vail does not have any history to it besides skiing. While that sounds to be a bit boring, it actually makes Vail very unique in the fact it was designed from the ground up to be a ski town.
Through and through, day one to present day, always a ski town. 1962 to be exact is when Vail Ski Resort was constructed and four years after in 1966 was when the town of Vail was incorporated.
As mentioned, Vail Resort is home to “The Legendary Back Bowls”. There are seven of these bowls out and over on the backside of the resort. These bowls provide 47 different trails and over 2,700 acres of skiable land.
Every nickname has a backstory and this one is simple, they are legendary.
The base elevation of the resort sits at 8,120 feet above sea level and the peak elevation goes all the way up to 11,570. The air is thin in Colorado so you best be in shape and ready for some gassers.
Struggling with the air is worth it when you're getting 278 trails to work with, the longest being four miles. 185 of those trails are rated green, 29% are rated blue and 53% are black diamond. Vail also gets an average of about 354 inches of snowfall every year.
One last thing that makes Vail one of the most sought out after resorts is its incredible prestige and luxurious vibe. The village is very beautiful with a European inspired design, the lifts and gondolas all have the best technology, and even the dining and shopping just enhances the experience that much more.
Gear needed to Ski Vail
The weather in Vail can differentiate every year, every month, and every day. It doesn't matter whether you are there in December or March, a visitor should be planning for everything. Freezing weather to sunny bluebird days to even rain storms on the mountain.
The average winter highs and lows range from single digits to right around 30 degrees fahrenheit throughout the core winter months. Preparing for colder conditions is always recommended and if it warms up you're a lucky duck.
Other than the random weather that vail can sometimes have, it really is just a standard ski resort. There is all sorts of different terrain to be explored. You could be skiing powder in the back bowls or ripping groomers in the sunshine. The resort themselves shoot it to you straight “Wide Open Groomers, Vast Back Bowls and Endless Legendary Terrain To Carve Your Own Path.”
Bring all your best gear because Vail is the real deal.
The Best Ski Runs in Vail
The best ski runs in Vail for any expert is going to be your choice of any of the seven back bowls. If you want a bit of an extra, conquer the resort, type of run then there is one special cornice. Prima Cornice is regarded as the most difficult section of the whole resort.
It's steep, it's sketchy and it will have your adrenaline pumping.
Another run that can be for anyone from beginner to intermediate level of skiing is the trail “Born Free” . It's a nice and long run that is diverse in the fact that there are many different sections of varying difficulty and terrain. One of the most popular runs on the mountain as well, it has something for everyone.
Where to Stay in Vail
The Arrabelle at Vail Square has a rooftop pool and is an ultra luxury hotel. There is no place that you would rather be staying if you want to be accommodated just steps from the resort where there is every amenity that you could possibly ask for. Bars and lounges to eat and drink at, fitness centers, you name it. This is an expensive stay but it is a legendary one that you won't regret.
If you're looking for a cheaper option than there are some options. One being The Evergreen Lodge at Vail. This place is going to give you great service, a good value deal, and a walk everywhere type of experience. They offer hotel rooms, 1- and 2-bedroom condos with fully equipped kitchens and off-site 3-bedroom homes. Pretty solid deals if you're looking to save some cash.
The Bottom Line: Skiing in Vail
We hope you look into visiting Vail this winter by using our ski guide. Vail is a one of a kind destination that is on so many peoples bucket list. If you have the chance to get there, it will 100% be an unforgettable experience.
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