Holiday weekends are some of our most popular times to ski and ride at Vail Mountain, and we can’t wait to see you! We’ve got the inside scoop on everything that’s happening, and some tips on how to make the most out of your holiday weekend.
The first thing to plan your weekend around are the exciting events happening from Friday through Monday. We’ve got fun things planned all weekend long:
Gray Malin in Vail: Ahead of the January 17th debut of his fine art photography series, Gray Malin in Vail, Gray will be celebrating IN PERSON with us. Here’s how to get involved:
- Friday 11am – 1pm: Behind the Scenes with Gray - Join Gray for a Behind the Scenes tour of the locations featured in his Gray Malin in Vail fine art photography series. Meet at the Eagle’s Nest Ice Bar at 10:45am (First come first served basis, limited spots).
- Friday 4am – 5am: Après with Gray at The Hythe - Join Gray at the 10th Mountain Whiskey Bar at The Hythe for champagne pours, limited book signings, meet-and-greet opportunities, and to learn about his fine art photography series inspired by Vail Mountain’s 60th Anniversary.
- Saturday 10am – 11am: Vail Mail Signing – Gray will be at the Legacy Hut singing postcards that feature his fine art photography. Meet Gray and mail your souvenir home with his signature.
- Saturday 1pm -3pm: On Mountain Après and Giveaway with Gray - Join Gray for an on-mountain après at the Eagle’s Nest Ice Bar and see his latest collection inside Bistro 14 before it’s released to the public. DJ, celebratory toast and a giveaway that includes custom skis featuring Gray’s fine art photography and a Gray Malin photo.
DJ at the Eagle’s Nest Ice Bar: On Friday from 12:30-2 pm and Saturday from 1 pm – 3 pm, après on-mountain with a live DJ performance at our Eagle’s Nest Ice Bar right at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola (19). The weather is looking sunny and beautiful – perfect to lounge under blue skies with a spritz or classic cocktail. Celebrate our 60th Anniversary in style! We’ll also have a DJ at Gondola One on Sunday. Sit out on the patio at Express Lift to enjoy!
AVOID THE WAIT
Arrive early, plan your day, and get the most out of your time on the hill.
Holiday skiers and riders can... well... party a little hard when they’re on vacation. So why not beat those who need to sleep in and get out early? If you arrive a little before opening at 8:30 am, you’re guaranteed to get the best corduroy on the groomers while the snow in the Back Bowls softens up in the morning sun. When everyone else starts making their way to the mountain to warm up on the front side, you’ll be ready to move on to softer turns in the Back Bowls.
We’ve got the tools to help you plan your day. Use the Epic Mix App (free to download) and look at the real-time and predictive chairlift wait times. We know how folks ski and ride our mountain, so check ahead and maybe take skier’s right to a shorter lift line, and come back skier’s left when we predict the lift wait times to be shorter.
FOOD, FOOD & MORE FOOD
The earlier you’re up, the earlier you’ll be ready to eat. That’s another great way to skip the lunchtime rush.
We have SO many options open right now, including some off-the-beaten-path options like The Coop at Avanti Express (2), or The Dawg Haus in Blue Sky Basin. Want to lunch like a local? Maybe pack a hot dog or some marinated chicken and hit the self-service grills at Belle’s Camp.
Our favorite? An early lunch at Wildwood Smokehouse at the top of Wildwood Express (3). Grab lunch to-go and enjoy it on Windows Deck (please pack out your trash).
EVERYTHING ELSE
Check out our Holiday Blog for everything you need to know. Read up on Mountain Access, Arrival Tips, Access Portals, Free Tours, and tips for Dinner Reservations. Be in the know, before you go – that way you can make the most out of your time with us!