Ski Vail: Mountain Activities

With more than 300 days of sunshine and more than 5,000 acres of skiing, it is easy to see why Vail is not only the largest ski resort in the United States, but also one of the favorites by veteran and novice skiers alike. The wide runs, thick powder, and plentiful lifts ensure a great day on the slopes. Easy access to restaurants, transportation to and from your accommodations, and diligent safety standards mean you’ll never need to worry about anything on and off the slope, other than beating your personal best. And, while downhill skiing and snowboarding continue to be the most popular activities on the mountain, there are several other mountain activities to enjoy in Vail. So, bring the whole family. There’s something for everyone in Vail.

Vail Mountain Activities

Skiing: Whether you are an expert and plan on skiing black diamond runs, or you’ve never hit the slopes and want a week of lessons, Vail offers it. From group lessons to individual instruction designed to get you on the slopes and enjoying the thrill of skiing, the instructions at Vail are some of the finest in the world. The longest run on the mountain is Riva Ridge and is 4 miles long, and there are currently 33 lift systems in place, making it fast to get to even the highest peaks.

Snowboarding: Host of the 2012-2013 Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championship, Vail is welcoming of all types of riders. From basic lessons to the advanced Burton Experience training that helps experienced snowboarders take their skills to the next level, Vail is the place to snowboard.

Tubing and Snowmobiling: Families love Adventure Ridge, where kids–and the young at heart–can enjoy ski bikes, a kids snowmobile track, tubing lanes, a bungee trampoline, and more. The snow park offers family friendly Bistro Fourteen, and all-day gondola runs, which make it easy for the whole family to enjoy the excursion. Sip hot chocolate and watch the sunset, or soar down one of the slippery tube lanes. Whatever you choose to do, the kids will have a great day, and, best of all, you’ll be building memories that last a lifetime.

Telemark Skiing: Enjoy the art of skiing downhill with your heels free, allowing your body to move more naturally. Lessons are available for those who wish to try out Telemark skiing for themselves.

Nordic (XC) Skiing: Try a new type of skiing or simply take a break from the downhill slopes with a backcountry cross country ski tour. Led by expert guides, these adventures are a great workout and allow you to see Vail wild life up close. Most groups and tours are available for children 14 and older.

Snowshoeing: Discover the peaceful side of Vail, with a guided snowshoeing trek. Encounter wild life and listen to falling snow as you make your way through miles of snowshoeing trails. Many of the guided tours provide snowshoes, making it easy to just show up and go. Perfect for families and all ages.

Avalanche Awareness: Learn more about avalanche safety in these helpful classes, which are ideal for skiers who wish to ski out-of-bounds, or cross country skiers and those who are snowshoeing and will be backcountry.

Visit the Vail Snow and Weather Report for an up-to-date report of current Vail mountain conditions.