Vail Ski Resort
Summit elevation
Skiable acres
Base Elevation
Total runs
Vail Ski Resort Overview
Vail Ski Resort is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts located in Vail, Colorado. Vail offers over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain and is particularly famous for its seven legendary Back Bowls.
Ski Terrain
Resort Trail Map
Vail Ski Resort Lift Tickets
Vail Ski Resort has several lift options including day lift tickets and different types of EPIC Passes. Below is a breakdown of the lift passes and the key differences between the passes.
The day lift ticket can be purchased at the ticket office and online. If purchased online, you will need to pick up the lift ticket at Vail ticket offices. This is almost always the most expensive option as you are purchasing last minute.
- Mountain Access: This ticket will give you lift access to Vail, as well as Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Crested Butte
- Cost: Price varies from day to day. Ranges from $159 - $226 for a 1-day adult ticket (prices subject to change).
- Days Valid at Vail: Valid for the set days you’ve purchased the ticket.
- Available for Purchase: After early December when EPIC passes go off sale.
- Ideal for: Unplanned ski vacation or a last-minute day trip to Breckenridge.
The Epic day passes range from 1 to 7 days with the option of restricted and unrestricted. Restricted passes cannot be used on blackout dates, while unrestricted passes can.
- Mountain Access: This pass gives you access to all 38 resorts owned by Vail Resorts plus partnered resorts (only for 4-day passes and above). This includes major Colorado resorts such as Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte.
- Cost: The cost of the pass depends on whether it is restricted or unrestricted, with restricted passes being cheaper. The cost also depends on when you purchase the pass. Prices increase around September and November. Ranges from around $80 - $100 per day.
- Days Valid at Vail: The number of ski days on the passes is valid throughout the entire season, except on blackout dates if a restricted pass is purchased.
- Available for Purchase: Usually available for purchase around April until late November to early December.
- Ideal for: When you are certain that you will be going skiing before the ski season.
The Epic Local Pass gives you unlimited and unrestricted access to 29 resorts, including Breckenridge and Keystone, plus restricted access to 8 other resorts with some access limitations.
- Days Valid at Vail: This pass gives you access to a total of 10 days to Vail, Beaver Creek and Whistler Blackcomb throughout the ski season except for blackout dates.
- Available for Purchase: This goes off sale around late November to early December.
- Ideal for: If you are planning to ski less than 10 days at Vail, or a lot at other Vail-owned ski resorts with flexible ski dates depending on the resort access restrictions.
This is the flagship Epic product. It has the same access as the Epic Day passes but is valid for the entire ski season with unlimited days of skiing. It is the most flexible and cheapest option if you are planning to ski for more than 7 days.
- Days Valid at Vail: This pass gives you unlimited access with no restricted blackout dates throughout the entire ski season.
- Available for Purchase: This goes off sale around late November to early December.
- Additional Benefits: You can purchase discounted over-the-counter lift tickets.
- Ideal for: If you are planning to ski a lot at Vail (or other Vail-owned ski resorts).
Vail Ski and Snowboard Lessons
Vail Ski and Snowboard School offer both group and private lessons.
- Group Lesson: This lesson is catered for a specific ability level for ages 3+ with the option of a full day or half day (AM or PM).
- Private Lesson: This is a customized full or half-day lesson for individuals, groups, or families of up to 6 people.
- DEVO Program: This is a Saturday 10-week program or an 8-week program for level 5 skiers and snowboarders who can comfortably make turns on blue mountain terrain. Participants must be ages 5-16.
- Focused Learning Program: This lesson is available for 2,3 or 4 days. It is a program designed to facilitate change and enhance movement.
- Her Turn: This is a 3-day program for women only and is taught by women instructors. This lesson can be purchased alone or can be purchased with a lift ticket.
Some important things to note:
- Lessons do not include lift tickets or rentals, however, you can add them at a discount when booking group lessons only.
- Lesson spots are limited so it is recommended that you book early. Bookings open in the fall.
- The prices of the lessons also vary depending on the dates, the most expensive being holiday dates.
- All children are required to be potty trained to participate in ski school lessons.
Nearest Town to Vail Ski Resort
Vail Ski Resort is located within the town of Vail, Colorado. Vail is approximately 120 miles drive from Denver International Airport and the town is known for its luxury accommodations and a diverse range of shopping and dining options.
Vail Ski Resort Lodging
Vail has a vast lodging option around the ski resort to suit different budgets and preferences.
There are four village areas in Vail that you should consider staying at:
- Vail Village: This is the main area where most of the shopping, dining and other amenities can be found. The Gondola One is the main lift to get up to the mountain. There are a few accommodations that are close to the lift, including Tivoli Lodge, The Lodge at Vail and Austria Haus.
- Lionshead: This is the second main village area conveniently surrounded by a handful of restaurants, bars and shops. The main Gondola to the mountain is the Eagle Bahn gondola and the Born free express lift. The Arrabelle at Vail Square is one of the top pick ski-in/ski-out hotels at Lionshead and Antlers at Vail is another popular hotel located just a 4-minute from the gondola.
- Golden Peak: This is a smaller area with the mellow Gopher Hill beginners’ ski area at the base area and is equipped with a children's skiing center. This area is also within walking distance from the main Vail village, making it an ideal spot for families.
- Cascade Village: This is a small village that can be accessed via the Cascade Village lift. Hotel options include Grand Hyatt Vail and Vail Residences at Cascade Village.
On Mountain Dining
Vail ski resort has several on-mountain dining options, below are some of the highly-rated dining locations.
The 10th
The 10th is located atop Gondola One at MidVail, offering spectacular views of the Gore Range. The 10th specializes in modern alpine cuisine and ski-in, ski-out access making it a popular choice for skiers. For non-skiers, Gondola One (#1) provides transportation to and from Vail Village. Reservations are highly recommended.
Opening hours (subject to change):
11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Mon-Sat)
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (Sun)
*Open in the summer only for weddings and events, check winter operations when available
Two Elk Lodge
Two Elk Lodge is located at the top of chair #14 with incredible views of the Back Bowls. The restaurant features a diverse menu that includes burgers, pizza, and sandwiches. The large cafeteria-style dining area is ideal for accommodating groups and families.
Opening hours (subject to change): 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are ski vacation packages available for Vail Ski Resort, which bundle lodging, lift tickets, rental, and transfers together to make your ski vacation planning a lot easier. See Vail ski packages for more information.
The resort usually opens in mid to late November and closes in mid-April. January and February usually provide the most consistent snowfall, leading to excellent skiing conditions.
Standard skis, boots and poles cost around $57 per day for adults and $41 per day for children. Snowboard packages include snowboard, bindings and boots cost around $67 per day for adults and $41 for children. Helmet can be added on for $14 per day.
Standard skis, boots and poles cost around $57 per day for adults and $41 per day for children. Snowboard packages include snowboard, bindings and boots costs around $67 per day for adults and $41 for children. Helmet can be added on for $14 per day.