Check spring skiing in Vail off your bucket list with an itinerary that spans your ideal Vail Mountain route, plus tips on the best restaurants and bars.
Morning — Breakfast in Vail Before Skiing
7:30am — Enjoy a leisurely morning with coffee and breakfast to fuel your day. For a quick breakfast spot, head to Yeti’s Grind in Solaris (Vail Village) for specialty lattes and breakfast burritos. Similarly, in Lionshead, the French Deli offers breakfast sandwiches and hot drinks. For a more extravagant “sit-down” breakfast experience, Vintage is a French brasserie serving an incredible Champagne Brunch (Fridays–Mondays) including huckleberry-bacon French toast, signature smash browns and a half-dozen variations of Bloody Marys.
9am — Head out to Vail Mountain, giving the snow a little extra time to soften up from the overnight freeze cycle that can happen during spring evenings. Head up either Gondola One or the Eagle Bahn Gondola to start your day. Find Vail breakfast spots >>
Spring-Skiing Route
In the morning, stick to the groomers on the front side of the mountain. Areas off Avanti Express (Chair 2), Mid Vail Express (Chair 4) and Northwoods Express (Chair 11) will have many groomed-run options for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders. Game Creek Bowl is another bowl option but stay on the northern-facing runs like Dealer’s Choice, Lost Boy and The Woods, as the south-facing runs could be icy until the sun hits them. Or head to Blue Sky Basin for north-facing runs like Big Rock Park, The Star and Grand Review. In the Wuides, if groomed, will offer solid spring terrain and conditions as well.
Grab lunch at one of the incredible on-mountain decks. There are also more “primitive” decks (no amenities) all over the Vail Mountain if you want to pack in a picnic. Or head to an on-mountain restaurant with outdoor seating and views for miles, plus delicious food and beverages. Check out Vail Mountain’s decks >>
Afternoon — Follow the Sun
As the sun gets higher and sits on the bowls, the afternoon is the time to head back to the bowls. The warm temperatures make the snow softer and even slushy (in a good way) as the day progresses. The Slot, Rickey’s Ridge, Milt’s Face, Poppyfields, Emperor’s Choice, Genghis Khan and Forever are some of the springtime favorites in the back. The key is to follow the sun! And, once the sun starts going down and the temperatures start dropping, head back to the frontside of the mountain until the lifts close at 3:30pm. A popular route down into the village is Lindsey’s, all the way down the infamous Pepi’s face. If you’re headed down to Lionshead, Simba is a fantastic last run of the day.
Après-Ski Time Around Vail
To celebrate your day on the mountain, après-ski happy hour is definitely in order on a sunny spring day. In Vail Village, Los Amigos has a prime location at the base of the mountain. Or walk into the village for après action on the decks of The Red Lion, Pepi’s or Vendetta’s. In Lionshead, Garfinkel’s can’t be beat with a huge deck at the base of the mountain. Or for live music, the Vail Chophouse is ideal. On the third Thursday of the winter season each month, join in the après-ski celebration at Après Vail parties around town. Learn more about Vail’s après decks and patios >>
Recharge Before the Evening
It’s easy for après to run right into dinnertime — but assuming you take a break to change out of your ski boots and ski clothes, we suggest you hit your hotel’s hot tub and pool scene. Grab a big bottle of water and relax before venturing out for the evening. This could also be the perfect window of time to enjoy a luxe spa treatment at one of the many spas in Vail. Find Vail spa information >>
Dinner in Vail
Enjoy a wonderful dinner at one of Vail’s many world-class restaurants. We do suggest making a reservation in advance of your spring vacation so you don’t miss out dining at your favorite spot. Discover Vail’s restaurant scene >>
Late-Night Vail Bar Scene
If you’re up for it, after dinner, check out a Vail bar that’s open for late night cocktails, music, dancing or just a quiet nightcap. But don’t stay out too late, so you can have another amazing day on Vail Mountain tomorrow. Explore Vail nightlife >>