Vail Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in the United States, where you can explore 5,289 acres of skiable terrain that is more than 7 miles wide. The resort is divided into three areas that include the Front Side, Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. Regardless if you are a beginner or seasoned veteran, Vail Ski Resort caters to your skill level. These trails are designated as 18 percent beginner, 29 percent intermediate and 53 percent expert.
Front Side
With 1,627 acres of skiable terrain on the Front Side, this part of the resort gives you an area to explore that is larger than most ski resorts. Rather than having runs that are contained in a single area, if you are a beginner the entire Front Side is linked with beginner trails. The Front Side is also linked with intermediate and difficult trails that are easily accessible, once you begin feeling comfortable with slopes on the mountain.
Back Bowls
If you ski at an intermediate or expert skill level, you may want to explore the 3,017 acres of mogul fields and open powder trails in the Back Bowls. The Back Bowls area is 6 miles wide and presents you with seven different bowls. Varying greatly in steepness, there are several opportunities for you to ski or snowboard in heavily treed areas.
Blue Sky Basin
You'll find steep and fast runs in the Blue Sky Basin area, where you have a few groomed runs for intermediates and mostly backcountry style trails for experts. Rather than having marked trails, Blue Sky Basin offers you generally suggested markers. Located at the southern-most tip of Vail Ski Resort, Blue Sky Basin is spread across 645 acres.
Additional Activities
There are three different terrain parks for you to choose from on the Front Side, catering to all skill levels with a half-pipe and super-pipe. Adventure Ridge is a snow park, where there is tubing, ski biking, kids snowmobiling and a trampoline area for family entertainment. Other activities at this winter wonderland are cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, ice skating, sleigh rides and dog sledding.
Considerations
Since the level of difficulty varies greatly from one resort to another, beginning on easier runs at Vail Mountain will allow you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Paying attention to signs is essential, since on the Front Side you can ride the Highline Chairlift to double black diamonds that challenge the best skiers and snowboarders. Staying on marked trails is also critical to your safety, when you stay on slopes that are frequented by ski patrols.
Member Comments