Vail

Skiing Vail: Planning Your Trip

Vail Ski Resort, one of the largest ski destinations in the United States, promises a skiing experience like no other with its expansive 5,289 acres of terrain. Known for its legendary Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, Vail offers advanced skiers access to endless powder runs and untouched slopes. Its sheer size can be overwhelming, but to make the most of your time—especially on a powder day—you’ll want to navigate the mountain like a seasoned local. When the snow is fresh, expert skiers often kick off their day at Golden Peak’s Riva Bahn for fast access to prime terrain.

How to get to Vail

Vail is easily accessible through two main airports: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and Denver International Airport (DEN). For the fastest route, EGE is just 35 miles from Vail, a quick 40-minute drive via rental car, taxi or shuttle. Budget-friendly buses also connect EGE to Vail, making it a convenient option. For international travelers or those seeking more flight options, DEN is the most popular choice. Located 120 miles from Vail, it requires about a 2-hour 15-minute drive. Direct shuttles provide a hassle-free connection, while affordable bus routes from Denver Union Station to Vail (approximately 2.5 hours) offer a budget-conscious alternative. Rental cars and ride-sharing services are also readily available. While EGE provides the quickest access, DEN’s wider range of flights makes it the top choice for most visitors.

Getting around Vail is a sinch, and there’s no need for a car. The town’s free bus system and pedestrian-friendly layout make transportation seamless. Vail Village and Lionshead Village are fully walkable, featuring heated streets and convenient access to ski lifts, shops and restaurants. The complimentary bus service runs year-round, connecting Vail Village, Lionshead, Golden Peak, West Vail and East Vail. With buses arriving every 5–10 minutes during peak times, you can effortlessly reach ski lifts, accommodations and après-ski destinations without the hassle of driving.

Skiing in Vail

Beginner Skiing in Vail
Beginner skiers at Vail have plenty of options, with nearly 18% of the mountain’s 5,289 acres dedicated to them. Most beginner terrain is on the front side of the mountain, with views of the Back Bowls from the Sourdough Lift. Golden Peak and Lion’s Way offer wide-open runs and easy trails, perfect for those new to skiing or snowboarding. Vail’s ski school provides great instruction to help beginners build confidence and improve. Novices can start on magic carpets at Golden Peak or Eagle’s Nest’s Practice Parkway, then progress to chairlifts and green circle trails. At 10,000 feet, Practice Parkway also offers stunning views of Vail’s famous scenery.

Expert Skiing in Vail
Few resorts can claim that over half their terrain is designed for expert skiers, but Vail stands proudly in that elite category. With a staggering 53% of its 5,289 skiable acres dedicated to advanced runs, Vail is nothing short of a paradise for seasoned skiers. The resort offers everything from iconic thigh-burning trails like Riva and Prima to exhilarating cornice drops at Blue Sky Basin’s Lover’s Leap. You’ll find steep groomers on the former women’s World Cup run, International, and challenging, ungroomed terrain in Mongolia and Siberia Bowls. Vail’s vast and varied landscape delivers endless opportunities for adventure, making it a dream destination for expert skiers.

Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin
Start your journey by taking the lift to the top, then make your way to the Northwoods Express. From there, enjoy a few exhilarating runs on North and South Rim, where you'll find a mix of moguls, tree skiing, and some playful flowy drops right under the lift. Once you've had your fill, head back up the Northwoods Express and drop into the main Back Bowls catwalk, Sleepytime. Follow this into Tea Cup Bowl and traverse high on skier's right into the inviting lines of Morning Thunder.

Family vacations in Vail

Vail is widely celebrated as one of Colorado’s top family ski resorts, offering an unforgettable experience for all ages. The resort’s Vail Kids’ Adventure Zones feature exciting areas like Porcupine Alley and Chaos Canyon, where children can navigate interactive trails while learning about local wildlife. Vail’s renowned ski school further enhances the experience, with specialized programs tailored for kids and beginners, making it an exceptional destination for families introducing children to skiing.

For those eager to ski together, Vail’s Back Bowls provide groomed cruisers perfect for families, while the gentle, beginner-friendly slopes near Golden Peak and Lionshead cater to younger skiers. After an adventure-filled day on the mountain, families can head to Adventure Ridge for sledding, snow tubing, and mini snowmobile rides. Meanwhile, Solaris Plaza offers free ice skating, and The Remedy Bar serves up sweet après-ski delights like rich hot chocolate that kids will love.