At A Glance
Months:
Nov - April
Vail Skiing & Snowboarding
With 5,317 acres of skiable terrain — including seven Legendary Back Bowls and three parks that attract elite athletes, it’s no wonder Vail, Colorado’s ski resort is considered one of the top winter-sport destinations in the world. So, gear up and get ready for some extraordinary descents this winter.
VAIL MOUNTAIN TERRAIN
Arriving at Vail Mountain, you’ll be stoked to find loads of powdery space to roam. Expect expansive fields of groomed corduroy, even deep into the Back Bowls. Whether you’re into moguls or glades, Vail Mountain has acres of fun designed to get your adrenaline pumping. Make sure to venture into Blue Sky Basin — an in-bounds playground that feels like backcountry — featuring open meadows, playful tree runs and jaw-dropping views of soaring snowcapped peaks all around.
The Legendary Back Bowls
The Legendary Back Bowls offer wide-open slopes for intermediate to experienced skiers and riders — and they’re the place to be on a powder day. Sun Down Bowl entices seasoned skiers with challenging, lesser-traveled terrain, while the Sun Up Bowl has the perfect mix of groomed slopes and heart-racing tree skiing. To uncover a true hidden gem, head to Tea Cup Bowl and glide through tight aspens, small cliffs and a playful traverse.
China Bowl’s wide-open spaces and frosted summit views create an expansive playground to explore and take in some Rocky Mountain beauty. Meanwhile, Siberia Bowl is known for its electrifying low-angle glades, cliffs and steep drops — including one of the most difficult runs on Vail Mountain, Rasputin’s Revenge. For a backcountry-like escape, trek way back to the Inner & Outer Mongolia Bowls, where you’ll be rewarded with secluded expert terrain, making it an ideal spot to ski powder in a more remote area.
Vail Terrain Parks
Ready to work on your slides, flips and spins? Vail Mountain’s terrain park is brimming with pipes, boxes, jibs and pro-style rails alongside thrill-filled natural features like jumps and hills. Located under the Riva Bahn Express Lift, Golden Peak Terrain Park offers a variety of features for all skill levels. From spines and rollers to jibs and boxes, the park has something for everyone. Its jumps range from extra small to a medium triple line, perfect for building confidence and progressing tricks.
Vail Adaptive Skiing
If you’re new to adaptive skiing, Vail’s adaptive-ski program provides a fun-filled, tailored experience for individuals with disabilities. Specially trained instructors ensure your safety and customize your ski equipment to suit your needs — so you can start carving down the powdery slopes as soon as possible.
Navigating Vail Ski Resort
When exploring a ski resort as large as Vail Mountain, it’s never a bad idea to plan out which sections you want to conquer on each day of your trip. Take a look at the map and consider focusing on one area of the mountain to avoid spending too much time traveling back and forth. Before venturing out, check the terrain and lift status to see what is open. This is especially important early and late season, when parts of the mountain may not be open due to snow conditions.
Discover More Things to Do in Vail This Winter
Looking for even more winter trip inspiration for your Vail adventure? Check out these resources:
- Learn how to plan a sustainable winter vacation in Vail.
- See tips to get in shape for your Vail ski trip.
- Get itinerary inspo for a weeklong winter trip in Vail.
- Book a Vail ski lesson to master the mountain.
- Check out the Vail snow report before heading out.
- Dash through the snow on a Vail sleigh ride.
- Find your crystal-covered trail snowshoeing in Vail.
