Vail Mountain is one of the largest ski areas in North America, offering a vast array of terrain, lifts, and amenities across multiple zones and base areas. With so much to explore, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start or how to get from one part of the mountain to another. This guide is designed to help you navigate Vail efficiently, from the base areas to the legendary Back Bowls and beyond.
Base Areas and How to Navigate Between Them
Vail Mountain has three primary base areas: Vail Village, Lionshead Village, and Golden Peak. Each offers unique services and amenities, and it's important to know how to get between them.
Vail Village (Gondola One):
- Located centrally, Vail Village is the heart of the resort. From here, Gondola One provides access to a variety of terrain.
- Restrooms are available near the lift base and guest services. Ticket offices and ski rentals are easy to find near here as well.
- Golden Peak is a short walk away from Vail Village, while Lionshead may be easier to reach by taking one of the many free buses offered in the village.
Lionshead Village:
- Situated on the western side of the resort, Lionshead is served by the Eagle Bahn Gondola. From here, you can access beginner terrain from Little Eagle (#15) or explore further out to intermediate and expert terrain in Game Creek Bowl.
- To move between Lionshead and Vail Village, you can take Born Free Express and traverse from Cub’s Way to Gitalong Road. You can also walk between Lionshead and Vail Village base areas, which takes roughly 15 minutes.
- Lionshead also has access to Ski & Ride School.
Golden Peak
- Home to the main ski & ride school and a terrain park, Golden Peak is perfect for families or freestyle enthusiasts.
- Riva Bahn Express Lift offers direct access to intermediate and advanced terrain as well as an alternative way to Northwoods Express Lift.
Getting Between Base Areas
Moving between base areas is relatively simple but may require some time. Walking between Vail Village and Lionshead takes about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the free in-town shuttle buses, which run frequently throughout the day and evening. Skiing between the villages can be done via the Born Free Express lift or by taking green or blue runs that connect the areas.
Key Lifts and On-Mountain Navigation
Navigating Vail’s expansive terrain is all about understanding the key lifts that provide access to the mountain’s various regions, from the Front Side to the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin.
Front Side (Vail Village, Lionshead, Golden Peak)
- Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola: These two gondolas serve as the primary access points from Vail Village and Lionshead, respectively.
- Gondola One will take you to Mid-Vail, where you can branch off to both the western and eastern sides of the mountain.
- Eagle Bahn Gondola leads you directly to Eagle’s Nest Ridge, which provides access to Game Creek Bowl and terrain connecting to Avanti Express Lift.
- Riva Bahn Express: From Golden Peak, this lift grants access to intermediate and expert terrain on the Front Side, including signature runs like Riva Ridge as well as access to the bottom of Northwoods Express Lift.
The Back Bowls
The Back Bowls are a highlight of Vail, offering vast, open terrain ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers. The three main Back Bowls–Sun Up, Sun Down, and China Bowl–are serviced by several lifts, but the key ones include:
- Sun Up Express: Accesses Sun Up Bowl and adjacent terrain.
- Tea Cup Express: Connects China Bowl and provides access back to the Front Side.
- Orient Express: Serves Siberia, Inner and Outer Mongolia Bowls with its wide-open spaces and challenging runs.
Here’s a closer look at several of the Legendary back bowls:
- Sun Down Bowl: Can be accessed via the Wildwood Express, Mountaintop Express and Game Creek Express. Signature runs like Windows offer tight turns that open into wide vistas, while Never provides a long traverse across the west face.
- Tea Cup Bowl: Nestled between Sun Up and China Bowls, this bowl is served by the Tea Cup Express, which also provides access to Blue Sky Basin.
- China Bowl: One of Vail Mountain’s largest and most popular Back Bowls, it’s renowned for long, flowing groomers and powder-filled glades. The Orient Express serves China Bowl.
You can find more information on all the back bowls here.
Blue Sky Basin
Blue Sky Basin is one of the most remote areas of the resort and a must-visit for those seeking untracked powder and a true backcountry feel. Here’s how to get there and what to expect:
- Getting to Blue Sky Basin: From Mountaintop or Northwoods Express, take Sleepytime Road until you reach Skyline Express. Skyline Express will provide access to the rest of Blue Sky Basin.
- Pete’s Express Lift and Skyline Express are the main lifts in Blue Sky Basin. They service a mix of intermediate and expert terrain, including popular runs like Big Rock Park and Lover’s Leap.
Blue Sky Basin is your chance to explore the backcountry in bounds, with open meadows, playful groomed glades, and stunning 360 views of the area’s surrounding peaks.
Restrooms, dining, and Support Services
- Restrooms: You can find restrooms at the top of most major lifts, including Eagle’s Nest (Lionshead), Mid-Vail (Vail Village), and Two Elk Lodge. Blue Sky Basin also has restrooms at Belle’s Camp.
- Dining: Vail offers plenty of on-mountain dining options. Two Elk Lodge (accessible via Sourdough Express or Tea Cup Express) offers a full-service cafeteria and beautiful views. Located at nearly 11,000 feet, Wildwood Smokehouse at the top of Wildwood Express is famous for its BBQ. Smoking Two Miles High!
- Support Services: Ski patrol huts are scattered across the mountain, with major stations at Patrol Headquarters and China Town at the top of China Bowl. Guest services can also be found in all base areas for ticketing, rentals, and lessons.
Tips for Efficient Navigation
- Plan Your Day: Vail Mountain offers expansive terrain, so it’s best to plan your day based on which areas of the mountain you want to explore. If you’re aiming for the Back Bowls or Blue Sky Basin, try to get there early for fresh snow!
- Check Lift Times: Lift closing times vary from the Front Side to the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basic, so always keep an eye on the clock.
- Use the Shuttle: The in-town shuttle is a convenient way for non-skiers or those looking to rest their legs to move between Vail’s base areas.
Final Thoughts
This guide should equip you with some essential knowledge for finding your way around Vail Mountain, ensuring you can enjoy the slopes with confidence and ease. Vail Mountain offers vast terrain to explore, so be sure to make a plan ahead of time to reach wherever on the mountain you want to explore.