Vail doesn’t need an introduction, it’s practically ski royalty. From the moment you crest the mountain pass and see those endless ridgelines, you know you’re in for something special. This is the place that defined Colorado skiing: 5,317 acres of meticulously groomed trails, open bowls that seem to go on forever, and a European-style village that glows like a snow globe at night. Whether you’re carving groomers, chasing powder in Blue Sky Basin, or sipping an après cocktail under twinkle lights, Vail feels like the blueprint for what a ski town should be.

Quick Stats

• Location: Vail, Colorado
• Elevation: 8,120 ft base / 11,570 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 3,450 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 5,317 acres
• Annual Snowfall: ~350 inches
• Number of Runs: 273
• Lifts: 32
• Vibe Check: Classic Colorado luxury meets deep-snow adventure

The Vibe

Vail carries a quiet confidence. It’s refined without being exclusive, sophisticated without losing its ski bum soul. The front side is all about long, rolling groomers and sweeping views, while the legendary Back Bowls offer powder playgrounds that keep advanced riders grinning for hours. The village hums with energy—families strolling cobblestone streets, skiers clinking glasses at the Red Lion, and the aroma of wood-fired pizza cutting through the cold. Vail isn’t trying to be trendy; it’s timeless.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Born Free – gentle and scenic, perfect for families and first-timers
• Lionshead – easy access from the gondola and smooth corduroy every morning

🟦 Blues

• Avanti – a classic intermediate cruiser with wide turns and great views
• Simba – long, playful descent into Lionshead Village
• The Slot – fun, fast, and a favorite for carving laps all day

♦ Blacks

• Blue Sky Basin – open glades, natural hits, and the most fun you’ll have off-piste
• Forever – one of Vail’s best-known black runs with a big vertical drop
• Genghis Khan – steep, sustained, and an absolute must for expert skiers

Après + Town Stays

Vail’s après scene is pure magic—mixing classic Colorado pubs with modern mountain dining.

• The Red Lion – live music, legendary nachos, and the most iconic bar in town
• Sweet Basil – high-end yet welcoming, serving inventive seasonal dishes
• Mountain Standard – relaxed wood-fired restaurant from the Sweet Basil team
• Vendetta’s – classic pizza joint for post-ski carb refueling
• Alpenrose – cozy Bavarian bistro with schnitzel, fondue, and alpine charm
• The Arrabelle at Vail Square – slopeside elegance with unbeatable views
• The Sebastian – Vail – modern boutique luxury right in the village center
  
• Vail Brewing Company - independent artisan craft brewery

Travel Tips

Fly into Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)—only 30 miles away—or Denver International (DEN) for more flight options. Shuttles like Epic Mountain Express run daily to Vail Village and Lionshead. Once you’re there, ditch the car; the free in-town bus connects both base areas seamlessly. Visit mid-January to early March for the best snow and manageable crowds.

Fun Facts

• Opened in 1962, Vail was founded by World War II veterans from the 10th Mountain Division.
• The Back Bowls span more than 3,000 acres alone.
• Riva Ridge, Vail’s longest run, stretches over four miles.
• The mountain is part of the Epic Pass network, making it a major stop for global skiers.
• Vail hosts the Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships each year.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Vail set the gold standard for modern ski resorts. Its mix of scale, variety, and mountain-village charm makes it the ultimate Colorado experience. You can ski all day, eat like royalty, and still find untouched snow in the Back Bowls. Vail isn’t just a destination—it’s a pilgrimage every skier should make at least once.