Vail Opening Day

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Coveted as one of the largest ski resorts in the world with more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls spanning seven miles, and the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail has been an extraordinary winter vacation destination for passionate skiers and snowboarders for more than 50 years. It is home to world-class athletes during the U.S. Ski Team early-season training sessions in Golden Peak, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships and the future 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, friends and families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth.

Vail Mountain is accessed by three base areas: Lionshead, Vail Village, and Golden Peak, as well as by the Cascade Village Lift (#20). Lionshead is home to the Eagle Bahn Gondola and Born Free Express Lift (#8). Mountain access out of Vail Village is via Vail’s new state of the art Gondola One. Golden Peak is home to the Riva Bahn Express Lift (#6), accessing the terrain park, the race course, and Northwoods Express Lift (#11), and the race course. Also located at Golden Peak is the new Gopher Hill Lift (#12), servicing the beginner learning area and Vail’s youngest Ski School guests.

The Front Side of Vail is home to the most groomed terrain on the planet. Wide, long runs such as Riva Ridge, Born Free, Simba, Lodgepole, and Bear Tree are popular. Check the daily grooming report for up-to-date info on the best places to ski groomed terrain. The Front Side is also home to Kid’s Adventure Zones, three Terrain Parks including Golden Peak Terrain Park, home of the 22 foot superpipe and site of the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships, Game Creek Bowl, The EpicMix race course, and mountain dining restaurants at Eagles Nest (including Bistro Fourteen), Mid-Vail, the 10th, Wildwood, Buffalo’s, Two Elk and Larkspur at the base of Golden Peak.

The Legendary Back Bowls offer wide open skiing and amazing views. Start by exploring Sun Up and Sun Down Bowls, and work your way back to China and Teacup Bowls. China Bowl offers the only groomed blue runs in the Back Bowls [easily accessed via the Sourdough Express Lift (#14) on the Front Side].  If you are feeling adventurous, make your way all the way out to Siberia Bowl and the surface T-Bar style Mongolia Lift (#22) to access the far reaches of Inner and Outer Mongolia Bowls!

Not enough terrain for you yet? Follow signage from Patrol Headquarters back to the three high-speed quad lifts of Blue Sky Basin. Ski the steep and snow filled sections under Skyline Express Lift (#37), or explore the runs on Pete’s and Earl’s Express Lifts (#39 and #38), named after Vail’s founders Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton. With so many options, it’s no wonder that so many people choose a Vail season pass. All this mountain simply can’t be conquered in one visit!