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Vail Ski Resort Review

Wertu ski expert
May 1, 2024

Vail Ski Resort is a diverse winter wonderland that checks all the boxes. It's a hot spot for families, beginners, and experts alike, offering various lodging options and stunning Colorado scenery.

Vail overview

Stats

4.6
/5
Rating
2450
m
Resort height
3433
m
Summit

KM of slopes

57
Beginners
84
Intermediates
57
Experts
234
Total

Best for

Fun
Intermediates
Experts
Boarders
Off-piestes
Fun
Families
Couples
Snowparks

Vail for beginners

Beginners rating -
57
Perfect
Newbies won't feel left out; nearly 18% of Vail's terrain is designed with beginners in mind. Magic carpets at Golden Peak and Eagle's Nest offer a gentle introduction, and scenic green trails like Lion's Way provide an excellent setting for progress. The resort's ski school is top-notch, helping beginners transition to chairlifts and beyond with ease.

Vail for intermediates

Intermediates rating -
Intermediates
Perfect
This resort is an intermediate skier's paradise, boasting around 30% of its terrain for this skill level. Vail offers impeccably groomed trails that aren't as intimidatingly steep as those in some other resorts. Iconic runs like Born Free and Bwana make for excellent skiing, and China Bowl provides a must-visit experience with runs like Chopstick and Poppyfields.

Vail for advanced

Advanced skiers rating -
Experts
Perfect
Vail is a haven for experts, with over 53% of its terrain rated as advanced or expert. The mountain offers a wide array of challenges, from leg-burning runs like Riva to ungroomed trails in the Mongolia and Siberia Bowls. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Blue Sky Basin's Lover's Leap is the cornice to conquer.

Vail for snowboarders

Snowboarders rating -
Boarders
Perfect
Vail is a snowboarder's dream with its seven Back Bowls offering wide-open terrain, perfect for carving up the mountain. The resort also features three terrain parks, including Golden Peak Terrain Park, known for its massive superpipe and variety of jumps and rails. The diversity of the terrain, from groomed runs to backcountry-like glades, ensures that snowboarders of all levels can find their perfect ride.

Vail for off-pistes

Off-pistes rating -
Off-piestes
Perfect
Vail's Back Bowls are a freerider's dream, offering vast expanses of untouched powder and challenging terrain. The resort's Blue Sky Basin is another off-piste haven, with its steep glades, cliffs, and natural features providing endless opportunities for exploration. The snow conditions in Vail are consistently excellent, with frequent snowfall ensuring fresh tracks for off-piste enthusiasts.

Vail for families

Families rating -
Families
Perfect
Vail is a family-friendly resort that offers something for everyone, irrespective of age or skiing level. With designated "discovery" zones on the mountain and kid-friendly dining options, young skiers have plenty of opportunities to learn and have fun. Accommodations like the Antlers at Vail and Vail Cascade offer the conveniences of home along with resort amenities, making it easier for families to plan their stay. Activities like "boutique bowling" at Bol and communal dining experiences at Swiss Chalet ensure that families have plenty of off-mountain entertainment options as well.

Vail apres-ski

Apres-ski rating -
Perfect
Fun
Vail's après-ski scene is electric, offering a range of experiences from sun-soaked patio cocktails at Garfinkle's in Lionshead to a bustling nightlife in Vail Village. Sports bars, live music venues, dance clubs, and authentic ski bars provide something for everyone looking to unwind after a day on the slopes. Whether you're into quiet cocktails or wild dance parties, Vail ensures that the fun doesn't stop when the skiing does.

Vail

food scene

Vail food scene

Vail is a family-friendly resort that offers something for everyone, irrespective of age or skiing level. With designated "discovery" zones on the mountain and kid-friendly dining options, young skiers have plenty of opportunities to learn and have fun. Accommodations like the Antlers at Vail and Vail Cascade offer the conveniences of home along with resort amenities, making it easier for families to plan their stay. Activities like "boutique bowling" at Bol and communal dining experiences at Swiss Chalet ensure that families have plenty of off-mountain entertainment options as well.