Vail Ski Resort (The Ultimate Guide)

👉 Jump to: About Vail Ski Resort | Where to Stay | Things to Do | Restaurants | Tips for Visiting | Map | FAQs

I’m an avid skier based in Colorado and in this article, I cover what to expect when visiting Vail Ski Resort. 

Vail is the largest of all Colorado ski resorts and trust me, you don’t want to arrive unprepared. Find out where to book lodging and restaurant reservations with this comprehensive guide. I also recommend activities off the slopes — which you’ll also want to reserve in advance. Plus, I share key tips like where to ski based on your skill level, how to claim discounts, and more!

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About Vail Ski Resort

Vail Resort Stats

• 📍 241 East Meadow Drive, Vail CO 81657
• 📞 (970) 754-8245
• 💻 Website
• 📅 Ski area open November 10, 2023 to April 2024
• 🎿 Lift Hours: 9 am to 3:30 pm 
• ⛰️ Summit elevation: 11,570 feet (3,527 meters)
• ❄️ Average annual snowfall: 354 inches (899 centimeters)
• 🗺️ Skiable terrain: 5,317 acres
• 🏂 Number of trails: 195
• ⛷️ Vertical drop: 3,450 feet (1,052 meters)
• 🚡 Number of ski lifts: 32

Vail Ski Resort History

Former Civilian Conservation Corps worker Earl Eaton and 10th Mountain Division veteran Pete Seibert first climbed Vail Mountain in 1957. The two expert skiers recognized its development potential. They sought investors to obtain a permit from the United States Forest Service, which oversaw the property at the time [source].  

The duo successfully acquired funds and Vail Ski Resort opened on December 15, 1962. Lift tickets were just $5 and provided access to one gondola, two chairs, and nine ski runs. Lionshead Village and a connecting gondola appeared in the ‘60s. New lifts and trails, plus a transit system, library, ice arena, and parking structures were established in the ‘70s. 

Four high-speed quads were installed in 1985. Another went into place in 1988, which made Vail Ski Resort the largest ski area in North America. Vail and Beaver Creek Resort together hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships the following season. This established the Vail Valley as a global ski destination. 

Vail Resorts announced its purchase of Keystone Ski Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort in 1997. The Eagle Bahn Gondola replaced the old Lionshead gondola that same year. 

Vail and Beaver Creek presented the World Alpine Ski Championships again in 1999. The resort premiered its Blue Sky Basin terrain the following season and began working on another high-speed quad in Pete’s Bowl that summer. 

The year 2004 brought new condos, an ice rink, and many new restaurants and retail establishments to Lionshead Village. Three chairs were upgraded between 2008 and 2011. Vail Ski Resort continues to expand and improve visitors’ experiences on and off the slopes to this day. 

Vail Ski Resort Terrain

Vail Ski Resort features 5,317 acres of skiable terrain as of the 2023/24 season. It’s the largest ski area in Colorado and now the second-largest in North America. A total of 32 lifts provide access to 195 trails. 

Beginner (green) terrain makes up 18% of the mountain, while 29% is intermediate (blue) terrain. Most of these runs are found on the front side of Vail Ski Resort, which is directly accessible from Vail Village and Lionshead Village. 

Advanced (black diamond) terrain dominates The Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. Expert (double black diamond) terrain is rare at Vail Ski Resort. But a few runs are located on the front side of the mountain, accessible via the Northwoods and Highline Express Lifts.

Take the latter to reach some of the resort’s best mogul terrain — which are a few of my favorite runs. I also recommend the gladed double black diamonds off Gondola One, along with similar trails throughout Blue Sky Basin. Head to The Back Bowls if you prefer wide-open terrain with an impressive vertical. 

Freestyle skiers and riders will enjoy the Golden Peak Terrain Park. It offers a medium triple jump line, four small jumps, and a 13-foot mini-pipe. There are also a variety of medium to large rails, jibs, and boxes, plus several options for beginners. Reach the park via the Riva Bahn Express Lift and find more features adjacent to the Avanti Express. 

Where to Stay Near Vail Ski Resort

Here are some of the best places to stay near Vail Ski Resort:

• The Arrabelle at Vail Square – This top-rated luxury resort is steps from shops, restaurants, the Vail Square Ice Rink, and the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Enjoy on-site spa services and a rooftop hot tub après ski.  
• Tivoli Lodge – Stay at this Vail Village hotel for ski-in, ski-out access via Gondola One. This hotel also features an outdoor hot tub, an on-site spa, a cocktail lounge, and a daily deluxe breakfast buffet.  
• Austria Haus Hotel – This sophisticated hotel is also within walking distance of Gondola One and Vail Village amenities. It features a year-round outdoor pool and hot tub, plus daily breakfast and room service. 
• Grand Hyatt Vail – This Cascade Village hotel is on the quieter side of Vale, but still provides ski-in, ski-out access. It has two heated outdoor pools, three hot tubs, and a fitness center, plus an on-site spa, a restaurant, and a fireside lounge.  
• Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort – I think this is the best budget hotel in the Vail Valley! Take the free bus to Vail Village and skip the expensive eateries in town, as each unit has a full kitchen. 
• Browse Top Apartment Rentals on VRBO
• Browse Top Apartment Rentals on Plum Guide 

Vail Village and Lionshead Village feature some of the best places to stay in Vail. Dozens of hotels and condo rentals provide ski-in, ski-out access. Many restaurants and retail establishments are also within walking distance. 

Cascade Village is set west of these areas, and East Vail is on the opposite end of town. Both of these pockets are less crowded but have fewer amenities. However, you can easily get to the slopes via the Cascade Village Lift and the free bus system, respectively.  

5 Things to Do Near Vail Ski Resort

Scenic Gondola Ride

Watch skiers carve down the mountain and admire panoramic views, then relax at an on-mountain eatery. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 754-8245 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 3:30 pm daily | Entrance: $61 per adult, $43 per child ages 5 – 12  

Don’t ski but want to witness epic Vail Valley views? Take a scenic ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola or Gondola One! You can disembark at Eagle’s Nest Marketplace or Mid-Vail, respectively. Enjoy lunch at either on-mountain eatery while taking in the incredible surroundings. Then, return the way you came — no skills or gear required. 

Vail Nordic Center

Cross-country ski or fat tire bike across groomed trails, or venture across the landscape on snowshoes. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-8366 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $24 per adult day pass, $19 per child ages 6 – 12 | 👉 Book Ski Rentals on Viator

Visiting the Vail Nordic Center is one of the best things to do in Vail. It features 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) of skate and classic track for all skill levels. Ski lessons and rentals are also available on-site. 

Additionally, the center offers snowshoe and fat tire bike rentals. Respectively, they can be used on 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) of dedicated trails. Warm up with hearty soups and hot drinks when you need a break, available at the on-site restaurant. 

Snowmobiling with Vail Backcountry Tours

Plunge into deep powder stashes and witness incredible scenery on this guided experience. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-7749 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $250 single / $270 double for a 2-hour tour; $350 single / $470 double for a half-day tour 

Explore the surrounding White River National Forest on a snowmobile! Vail Backcountry Tours offers two-hour, half-day, and private outings. All tours are led by a professional guide and come with helmets, suits, and boots, plus transportation. 

Mid-tour, you’ll also receive a hot beverage and a snack when stopped at its backcountry yurt! Expect breathtaking views during the entire experience, which is suitable for most ages and abilities.  

Vail Square Ice Rink

Skate beneath twinkling lights and be dazzled by The Arrabelle chalet’s romantic ambiance.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 754-7754 | Hours: 2 – 9 pm daily | Entrance: $20 skate rentals 

Find Vail Square Ice Rink outside The Arrabelle in Lionshead Village. Here, you’ll be surrounded by Bavarian-inspired architecture and skate beneath twinkling lights. The experience captures the town’s cozy, yet elevated atmosphere. Outdoor fire rinks are just steps away, as are warm cafes serving hot chocolate. 

⛸️ Take Note: This is a popular attraction in the winter months (which is, obviously, one of the best times to visit Vail). Head to the Solaris Plaza ice rink in Vail Village if this attraction is overcrowded or rentals sell out. 

Well & Being Spa

Book unique recovery therapies and luxurious treatments at this top-rated, full-service spa.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 479-5004 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily 

Rest and rejuvenate after a day outdoors at Well & Being Spa. It’s located within The Hythe in Lionshead Village and features an array of spa services. The Himalayan salt therapy room is one of the most popular. Breathing in its salt-infused air can help restore respiratory function, as well as improve one’s sleep and mood. 

Oxygen therapy is another recovery-focused option. The spa also offers body treatments, facials, and massages, plus hair and nail services. What better place to pamper yourself than in one of the most luxurious Colorado destinations? 

Restaurants Near Vail Ski Resort

These are some of the best places to eat near Vail Ski Resort: 

• 🥨 Alpenrose Vail – Since 1974, this German-Austrian restaurant has added to the charming ambiance in Vail Village. Dine on iconic fare like schnitzel, weisswurst, and Bavarian pretzels, plus authentic beers and glühwein.  
• 🥪 Big Bear Bistro – This Vail Village cafe is one of my favorite casual eateries in town. Select from an array of all-day breakfast items, gourmet sandwiches (including vegan options!), salads, soups, and more. 
• ☕ Gorsuch Ski Café – Don’t miss this quaint stop in Vail Village! Enjoy pastries, espresso drinks, and other cafe treats while perusing its ski apparel and accessories. Cozy European decor completes the aesthetic. 
• 🍷 Sweet Basil – This chic New American restaurant in Vail Village is perfect for special occasions. Enjoy cocktails and light bites après ski or sit down for a full dinner. Any entree will pair beautifully with its curated wines. 
• 🥞 The Little Diner – Red leather stools and snug booths fill this vintage-inspired diner in Lionshead Village. Savor biscuits and gravy, Dutch baby pancakes, or smothered breakfast burritos, along with lunchtime favorites. 
• 🍔 Buffalo’s Roadhouse Grill – Find this on-mountain eatery at the top of the Northwoods Express Lift and Mountaintop Express Lift. Hearty burgers, grab-and-go concessions, and cold beer make up the menu. 
• 🍕 Mid-Vail – Take Gondola One to reach Mid-Vail. This on-mountain cafeteria has an array of lunch options like burgers, pizza, Asian-inspired bowls, salads, stews, and more. The views from here are stellar. 

Vail has dining options for every preference, like many popular mountain towns in Colorado. You’ll find the largest selection throughout Vail Village, though Lionshead Village has a good share, too. Find everything from coffee shops to après ski cocktail bars, plus casual diners and elevated restaurants. 

There are also eateries scattered throughout Vail Mountain. These are my favorite places to dine while skiing, as the views are simply unmatched. 

Tips for Visiting Vail Ski Resort

Stay Overnight If Commuting from Denver

Eagle County Regional Airport is the closest airport to Vail. However, most out-of-state visitors will fly into Denver International Airport. 

I’m a Denver local and trust me, you won’t want to commute to and from Vail during peak ski season. Weather conditions and traffic on I-70 can easily double the length of your journey. Save yourself the frustration of a 6-hour drive by booking one of many Vail hotels, even if just for a night.  

📚 Related Reading: 12 Best Ski Resorts Near Denver (for 2023)

Consider Your Parking Options

There are two public parking garages in Vail: one in Lionshead Village and another in Vail Village. The former is within walking distance of the Eagle Bahn Gondola and Born Free Express Lift. The latter provides mountain access via Gondola One. It’s also the best place to park for Golden Peak Base Area amenities, including the ski and ride schools. 

Here’s how winter rates compare between the two garages (as of the 2023/24 season): 

Lionshead Parking Garage

• 0 – 2 hours: Free
• 2 – 3 hours: $10
• 3 – 4 hours: $20
• 4 – 15 hours: $30
• 15 – 24 hours: $50

Vail Village Parking Garage

• 0 – 1 hours: Free
• 1 – 2 hours: $5 non-peak / $10 peak 
• 2 – 3 hours: $10 non-peak / $20 peak
• 3 – 4 hours: $20 non-peak / $30 peak
• 4+ hours: $30 non-peak / $40 peak 
• Entry after 3 pm – 4 am: Free
• Overnight rate (4 am – 5 am): $60

Study the Trail Map Ahead of Time

Vail Ski Resort is massive. It’s the second-largest ski resort in North America with 5,317 acres of skiable terrain. Believe me, you cannot experience it all in a single day, or even a single weekend. I recommend studying its interactive trail maps before visiting. That way, you’ll get in more laps and won’t miss your favorite types of runs!  

In general, beginner and intermediate skiers will want to stick to the front side of the mountain. Advanced skiers and riders will find challenging terrain throughout Vail Ski Resort. The Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin are especially suitable, having dozens of black diamond trails.  

👉 Pro Tip: Blue Sky Basin is the furthest mountain section from the base areas. Head there first thing in the morning if that’s where you want to ski, as simply getting there will take some time!  

Don’t Miss Out on Epic Pass Perks

All Epic Pass holders can claim discounts at Vail Ski Resort! Lessons at the ski and ride school are 20% off, as are gear rentals. Additionally, get 20% off food and beverages, applicable on orders totaling up to $150 per day. Passholders can also save 20% on select lodging, including The Arrabelle. The same markdown applies to Epic Mountain Express shuttle transportation.

Other perks apply to both winter and summer activities in Vail. See the Epic Pass website for more details.  

Vail Ski Resort Map

FAQs About Vail Ski Resort

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Hopefully, you feel better prepared for your trip to Vail Ski Resort! Continue planning with our guides to snowboarding and skiing essentials.