Vail Ski Holidays

Why Ski in Vail?

Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States of America. The slopes are very extensive and also open out to large back bowls. The snow reliability is awesome with huge dumps on the front side early on in the season and the back bowls opening slightly later.

The village is extensive too and runs along a stretch of almost 4 miles at the base which gives you plenty of accommodation to choose from. There are large up market hotels adown to simple as you like condos with a handful of chalets in between. Your budget will largely determine where you stay. Vail Village is at the pedestrianised centre of this resort and houses the main hotels which are close to either the Vista Bahn chair or the Lions head gondola. It’s easy to get around all of Vail using the free ski bus which is both frequent and reliable.

Cheaper accommodation and chalets can be found in east and west Vail or on the other side of the I70 freeway.

Beaver creek can be easily reached by bus and is also on the Vail lift pass. Ski Line offer all sorts of accommodation in Vail, ranging from self catered apartments,hotels and even self catered chalets.

The Skiing in Vail

Beginners skiing in Vail

Beginners will find great nursery slopes both down at resort level and on the upper slopes with plenty of easy runs to progress on to. Snowboarders will also enjoy the runs on the front side of Vail.

Intermediates skiing in Vail

Vail’s intermediate runs are pure pleasure for the intermediate skier. There are wide cruising runs abound especially above Lions head. Intermediates can also try some of the runs in the back bowl area as many are often groomed and those that aren’t are ideal starting territory to learn the art of skiing on powder. Intermediate Snowboarders will be happy in the back bowls areas which offer ideal terrain.

Snowboarders have the choice of four different snow parks to play in too.

Advanced skiing in Vail

Advanced skiers and boarders will love Vail’s back bowls as 87% of them are classified as black. We’re told that some would be classed as reds in European resorts, so if you like it steep take advice from the locals as to the steeper slopes to try although Prima Cornice is one of the steeper runs and is reached via the Northwoods express.

Blue Sky Basin is great as it offers steep and some more gentle runs thorough the trees all leading down to the same piste which means if you get parted from your fellow skiers you’ll all end up in the same place eventually!

Snowboarding in Vail

There’s plenty of terrain in Vail for the avid snowboarder. Fast chairlifts on Vails front side will whisk beginners up to gentle pistes, then on to the back bowls which will satisfy intermediate and advanced boarders alike. Vail boasts three terrain parks too.

Après ski in Vail

Vail centre is pedestrianised and packed full of swanky shops bars and restaurants. There’s plenty to do and the bars and clubs often have live music and dancing if that’s your bag. The red lion bar is situated in the village centre and has been around for years, it features big screen TV, and great food.

There are many restaurants to choose from with food from all over the world which can vary from takeaways to fine dining. Some recommended restaurants include The Wildflower at The Lodge for fine dining, and Campo de Fiori for more reasonably priced Italian food.

Activities off the slopes in Vail

Silverthorne is a shopper’s paradise and can be easily reached by bus. Here you will find designer outlet shops galore.

Adventure Ridge at the top of the Gondola features a family night theatre event with dinner and there’s a Tubing hill in Vail which is enormous fun.