Vail, Colorado, USA
When one talks of skiing in North America, and Colorado in particular, Vail is always on the tip of everyone’s tongue. It is hardly surprising, as Vail has 5289 acres of terrain spanning 7 miles of width, and comprises the front face of Vail mountain, the fabled Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin.
The focal point of your stay in Vail are the two base areas of Lionshead and Vail Village. Whilst Vail is a purpose built ski resort and does not have the mining heritage of many Colorado ski resorts, it has vibrancy and intimacy in equal measure. You will not want, for the full range of dining options, great bars and fabulous shopping. If you choose not to stay in the ‘downtown’ area of Vail, our advice is to make sure you are close to free shuttle that operates throughout the Vail Valley and offers reliable, efficient and regular transit.
Vail Stats:
Base elevation: 8,120 ft / 2474 m
Summit elevation: 11,570 ft / 3,526 m
Terrain: 5,289 acres
Average annual snowfall: 350 inches / 889 cm
Number of Lifts: 31
Number of Trails: 193
Longest Run: 4 miles (Riva)
Parks & Pipes: 3 terrain parks + 1 half pipe + 1 mini pipe + 1 quarter pipe
Trail Classification: 18 Beginner / 29% Intermediate / 53% Expert
Transfer Time: Denver 2 hours 30 mins / Eagle 45 mins
'Where to begin?' is always the question at the beginning of your day in Vail. The options are so wide and the terrain so vast it can be overwhelming. But a plan is a must and to get the best out of Vail mountain make sure you ask the friendly locals or the mountain ambassadors at the base area each morning to find that special stash or insight into where the slopes have been groomed overnight. Last but not least, pace yourself, the mountain is going nowhere!
Vail Stats:
Base elevation: 8,120 ft / 2474 m
Summit elevation: 11,570 ft / 3,526 m
Terrain: 5,289 acres
Average annual snowfall: 350 inches / 889 cm
Number of Lifts: 31
Number of Trails: 193
Longest Run: 4 miles (Riva)
Parks & Pipes: 3 terrain parks + 1 half pipe + 1 mini pipe + 1 quarter pipe
Trail Classification: 18 Beginner / 29% Intermediate / 53% Expert
Transfer Time: Denver 2 hours 30 mins / Eagle 45 mins
'Where to begin?' is always the question at the beginning of your day in Vail. The options are so wide and the terrain so vast it can be overwhelming. But a plan is a must and to get the best out of Vail mountain make sure you ask the friendly locals or the mountain ambassadors at the base area each morning to find that special stash or insight into where the slopes have been groomed overnight. Last but not least, pace yourself, the mountain is going nowhere!
Kids Ski Free
Many resorts offer free ski passes and ski equipment rentals for children.
