Vail

Destination information

Biggest ski area in the US!

Vail Mountain is the largest single mountain in the US with 5,289 acres, 34 strategically placed lifts and an exceptional natural snow record. From smooth beginners’ slopes with great ski schools to moguls, sculpted corduroy cruisers and great facilities for boarders – there are plenty of well-marked trails to cater for all levels. Superb adventure runs can be found in the Blue Sky Basin area, giving Vail an edge for expert and strong skiers whilst much of the front face of Vail Mountain provides great intermediate territory. However, Vail’s most famous feature is the enormous back bowls which offer wide-open off-piste ‘powder’ skiing. Add to this the fact that your lift ticket gives you access to the nearby Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin, you are talking about an unparalleled array of trails!

Après-ski:

Vail is well known for its superb après-ski scene and with a choice of bars and restaurants just steps away from the slopes, it’s no surprise that it has attracted the odd celebrity or two! For live music every night, try the Red Lion or Los Amigos in Vail village, the latter with its superb deck area where you can see the last skiers of the evening make their descent. If eating out is more your thing, then Vail has the widest choice of restaurants in any ski resort in North America.

RESORT FACTS:

Snowboarding: Terrain park: 3.

Slopes access: Number of lifts: 34

Snow stats: Annual Rainfall: 346 inches (878cm). Snow making: 8%.

Mountain stats:

Base elevation: 8,120ft (2,474m).

Summit elevation: 11,570ft (3,527m).

Ski area: 5,289 acres (2,142ha).

Number of trails: 193

Longest run: 4 miles

Beginners ****

At Vail there are gentle slopes on which to build your confidence and practice your new-found skills.

Intermediates *****

Vail is an intermediates' paradise with cruising terrain liberally distributed all over the mountain.

Advanced ****

The Back Bowls will attract you like a magnet. Blue Sky Basin has glade skiing and double-black bump runs. The Birds of Prey at nearby Beaver Creek is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Snowboarders ****

There are 2 terrain parks in Beaver Creek, one that includes a 120m/400ft-long super-pipe. The park in Vail has over 30 rails and lots of jumps.