Considering a Vail vacation? Discover where to ski in Vail, a world-class resort with manicured corduroy runs and the famous Back Bowls’ powder. Beyond skiing, immerse in Vail’s luxurious Alpine atmosphere, and indulge at renowned eateries like Pepi’s, famed for its signature umbrellas. The slopes are just the start of the Vail adventure!
Front Side
Vail is widely considered the “King” of American ski resorts – for good reason! It excels at nearly everything it sets out to do – offering great terrain, an impressive hotel selection ranging from luxury to budget hotels, outstanding customer service and fantastic apres ski dining options.
Easy to navigate and not overcrowded on peak days. One of the first places to welcome snowboarders and it still welcomes them today.
Vail Village and Lionshead serve as two main base areas, both featuring pedestrian pathways suitable for strolling and shopping, providing the ideal setting to find that special something. You may also opt to experience Colorado scenery on a dinner sleigh ride; these unique experiences tend to sell out quickly!
Back Bowls
While Vail’s Front Side boasts exquisite groomers, Vail’s Back Bowls provide an amazing challenge for skiers and snowboarders who prefer ungroomed terrain. Like an ancient wilderness of sorts, these back bowls provide untamed snow with several cliffs in wide-open spaces that provide challenging skiing or riding experiences.
Locals advise keeping an eye on the forecast in the evening prior to any trip, particularly its snowfall forecast for the following day. If fresh powder looks likely, be at the mountain early so as to secure first tracks!
Beginners to back bowling will find Game Creek Bowl and Blue Sky Basin ideal, offering green, blue and occasional black runs. However, advanced bowlers should explore Tea Cup Bowl, Cloud 9 Big Rock Park and Ouzo on powder days; always enter with a group and keep everyone visible!
Blue Sky Basin
The Front Side boasts 18% beginner terrain, including the Kids Adventure Zone and various green runs for newcomers to experience without fear of advanced skiers zipping by them – especially during off peak periods and weekdays! Beginners can relax knowing there is safe terrain reserved exclusively for them to learn on.
Back Bowls are vast, while Blue Sky Basin, which faces north, is an exciting new addition. Unlike its sun-exposed counterparts, this area can hold powder well and makes for great skiing conditions.
Blue Sky provides plenty of intermediate and advanced terrain, and is an excellent destination for those seeking something different than Front Side. The best trails can be found above Chair 5, where crowds tend to gather during peak times or on powder days – be mindful to check lift status in advance if going there during these busy periods! However, rest of Basin makes for an enjoyable playground, featuring plenty of trees and pitches designed to suit all members of your ski party.
Lodging
Vail is an idyllic alpine ski village. From luxurious hotels that aim to treat guests like VIPs upon check in to an array of dining establishments offering everything from high-end gourmet cuisine to casual pub fare, it offers everything a visitor could possibly desire from their stay here.
Vail offers an abundance of lodging options ranging from luxury hotel suites and rustic cabins, as well as small apartment-style units and Airbnb properties with the best value for your dollar. No matter if you are seeking an intimate romantic retreat or an adventure-filled family trip, there’s sure to be something perfect in Vail for all types of visitors.
Vail can be broken up into various areas: Vail Village, Lionshead, West Vail and Cascade – each offering different lodging, restaurants and activities to the visitors of Vail. Visit their official website to determine which area suits your needs the best.
Dining
Vail is not only one of the largest ski resorts in the US; it also provides a host of on-slope and off-slope activities suitable for all travelers. From an apres ski happy hour, to quick bites or lavish dining experiences – there’s something here for every type of traveler.
Vail offers numerous restaurants and bars within its various villages, most accessible via free buses. Visitors and residents alike can sample an array of cuisines while making lasting memories in Vail.
Root & Flower is one of Vail Village’s hippest places to grab a drink, located right on Bridge Street but feels hidden away, creating an intimate setting. Featuring long metal flower light fixtures and comfortable turquoise banquette seating, Root & Flower boasts an extensive menu with everything from apps and wines by the glass to full meals.
Activities
Vail offers something for everyone in its luxurious ski town setting and outstanding customer service, making it an excellent destination for families, beginners, intermediates, advanced skiers, non-skiers, foodies, spa enthusiasts and luxury lodging enthusiasts.
The Front Side provides plenty of easy green runs perfect for beginners to develop their skills, while experts may find more challenging terrain at Back Bowls or Blue Sky Basin. Don’t forget the Big Mountain terrain at neighboring Breckenridge; with an Epic Pass you can switch back and forth between both areas!
Vail Village provides many activities to keep visitors occupied in the off season, like shopping and dining on Main Street; strolling South Frontage Road to see gorgeous fall foliage; or checking out Los Amigos slopeside bar scene where skiers crash Pepi’s Face directly overhead.
