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Ski · USA · Colorado
Intermediate Expert Powder Après Ski

🦅 Vail

America's most famous ski resort. The legendary Back Bowls, a purpose-built European village, and 5,289 acres.

Altitude
Summit3,527m
Base2,476m
Vertical1,051m
Terrain
Total pistes195km
Runs195
Lifts31
Season
OpensNov
ClosesApr
Transfer35m
Lift Passes
£75
Day pass
6-day pass£375
Getting There
AirportEGE
Transfer35m
Eagle/Vail
// Run Distribution

195km · 195 runs

18%
29%
0%
53%
● Green 18% ● Blue 29% ● Red 0% ● Black 53%
// Colorado

Why ski Vail?

Vail was designed from scratch in 1962 to be the perfect American ski resort — and in many ways it succeeded. The seven legendary Back Bowls on the south side of the mountain provide 3,000 acres of open powder terrain that's simply unlike anything else in Colorado. The front mountain has excellent groomed runs at all levels. Vail Village is architecturally European (deliberately) and works well as a ski-in/ski-out base.

// Ratings
Beginner 3/5
Off-Piste 5/5
Après-Ski 4/5
Snowpark 4/5
Family 4/5
// Top Reasons to Visit

What makes Vail special

01Seven Back Bowls — 3,000 acres of open terrain unlike anything else in Colorado
02Blue Sky Basin — hidden gem bowls that most skiers never find
03Vail Village — European-style car-free pedestrian centre
04Epic Pass — covers Vail, Beaver Creek, Park City, Whistler and more
05Gold Medal fishing on the Eagle River — accessible by 15-minute drive
// Where to Stay

Accommodation price guide

Per person per night — prices vary by season and booking lead time.

Budget
£85
per person / night
Shared rooms, basic B&B, self-catered apartments on the periphery.
Mid-Range
£210
per person / night
3–4 star hotels, comfortable half-board chalets, good ski-in/ski-out access.
Luxury
£700
per person / night
Premium catered chalets, 5-star hotels, best ski-in/ski-out locations.
// Insider Knowledge

The Back Bowls are the main event but they're often wind-affected and the snow can be heavy by Colorado standards. In those conditions, Blue Sky Basin is where the real powder lives. Head there first thing on a storm cycle day.

// Bespoke Ski Planning

Want to ski Vail?

We handle accommodation, lift passes, transfers and lessons. Just tell us your dates and budget.

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