Vail Trail Map
Vail Mountain Ski Area
► Alpine ski area
Vail is arguably one of the most well-known ski areas in the world, and the main reason for that is its sheer size. Boasting 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, 7 back bowls (3,017 acres) and Blue Sky Basin (645 acres), Vail mountain offers something for every ability level. The front side (1,627 acres) of the mountain is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers looking to cruise perfect corduroy while more advanced skiers can head to the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin for a backcountry ski experience inbounds. The total number of runs is 195.
On a powder day, there is no better place in the world than Vail’s Back Bowls. Chair 5, also known as High Noon Express, which services Sun Up and Sun Down Bowls is a great place to start. Take a pristine run down a classic like Forever or Ricky’s Ridge before working your way east. From the top of Chair 5, take a run in the Sun Up Bowl, and head up Chair 17 (Sun Up Lift), which will put you in a position to ski into Teacup Bowl.
The base elevation is 8,120 feet, mid-elevation 10,250 feet, and peak elevation 11,570 feet, with 3,450 feet of vertical rise. The breakout of the runs is 18% beginner, 29% intermediate and 53% advanced. The area gets 354 inches of snow on average. The longest run is Riva Ridge at 4 miles long
► Groomers and Family-Friendly Runs
Vail’s world-class grooming is a little slice of heaven for skiers of all ability levels. More advanced skiers will enjoy black diamond cruising on Vail’s longest run, Riva Ridge which gives you four miles of thigh-burning excitement. Northwoods, accessed from Chair 11 (Northwoods Express) is a great option for intermediate skiers as are all the runs off Chair 2 (Avanti Express).
Beginners should head to friendly slopes like Flap Jack and Sourdough off Chair 14 (Sourdough Express) on the East side of the mountain, Lost Boy in Game Creek Bowl or the myriad of green runs at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. For first-timers, Eagle’s Nest is the place to be. Easily accessible from the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, a practice area with magic carpets and a non-intimidating beginner lift make this the perfect setting to find your ski or snowboard legs.
For the young, and the young at heart, Kids Adventure Zones are scattered across the mountain, teeming with opportunities to discover. Runs like Chaos Canyon, Magic Forest, Sherwood Forest, Porcupine Alley, Coyote’s Escape & Den, and Buckskin Glade await young skiers and riders, promising adventure and excitement at every turn.
► Tubing Park and Snow Play
When the ski day is done, Adventure Ridge, located at the top of the gondola, is open into the evening—offering even more family activities like tubing, snow bikes, a kids’ snowmobile track, and free guided nature snowshoe tours.
► Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Vail offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing lessons and tours from Golden Peak. You can also book a private tour, rentals, and telemark and backcountry ski programs.