Vail’s hard earned reputation is based on the fact that this ski resort really is a ‘hard to beat’ ski destination. Offering over 5,200 acres, 193 marked trails on three faces (the front side, the back bowls, and Blue Sky Basin) plus 2 ice skating rinks; shopping galore; on mountain dining options; luxurious accommodations; and a fine selection of village restaurants and bars.
• Skiable Terrain: 5,289 acres
• Summit: 3,527m
• Vertical: 1,052m
• Ski Season: Mid-Nov to Mid-April
• Average Snowfall: 899cm
• Longest Run: 6.4km
• Average Temp: -5C
• Trail Difficulty: 18% Beginner, 29% Intermediate, 53% Advanced
• Lift System: 31 Total including 2 Gondolas/Trams, 3 High-Speed Sixes, 15 High-Speed Quads, 1 Quad Chair, 3 Triple Chairs & 9 Surface Lifts.
Voted yearly as no. 1 Ski Resort in North America
Renowned for its 7 back bowls and Blue Sky Basin access
Largest single mountain resort in the USA created with architectural flairs
Receives just under 10 metres of dry Colorado powder yearly
A: The easiest way to get to Vail is to fly from New Zealand into Denver, then continue by private transfer, shared shuttle or rental car into the Colorado mountains. The drive from Denver International Airport to Vail usually takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on weather and traffic. AMPED can organise your flights, stopovers, transfers and accommodation so the journey is seamless.
A: AMPED recommends Vail Village if you want the classic Vail atmosphere, premium dining, boutique shopping and easy mountain access. Lionshead is a great choice for families and travellers wanting gondola access, ski school convenience and a slightly more relaxed village feel, while Golden Peak is well suited to families using ski school or travellers who prefer a quieter base close to learning areas and performance terrain.
A: Yes, Vail has a strong range of ski-in ski-out and close-to-lift accommodation, particularly around Vail Village, Lionshead and Golden Peak. AMPED recommends booking early if ski-in ski-out convenience is important, as the best-located rooms, condos and premium properties are usually the first to sell during peak travel dates.
A: Vail is known for reliable Colorado snow, high-altitude terrain and a huge variety of groomers, bowls, glades and powder areas. The resort receives an average of 354 inches of snow each year, with 5,317 skiable acres, 278 trails and 32 lifts across the mountain, giving travellers an impressive amount of terrain to explore.
A: AMPED recommends January to March for the best balance of snow coverage, terrain availability and classic Colorado winter conditions. December can be popular for festive travel, but Christmas and New Year book very early, while March can be excellent for longer daylight, softer conditions and family-friendly spring skiing.
A: Yes, Vail is a fantastic all-round resort for mixed-ability groups, with terrain for beginners, families, intermediates and advanced skiers. The resort’s terrain is listed as 18 percent beginner, 29 percent intermediate and 53 percent advanced, so AMPED recommends matching your accommodation, lessons and lift pass setup to your group’s ability before booking.
A: The Back Bowls are one of Vail’s most famous ski areas, known for wide-open terrain, powder days, long descents and a sense of scale that sets Vail apart from many other USA ski resorts. AMPED recommends them for confident intermediates and advanced skiers, while beginners and cautious skiers may prefer to build confidence on the front side first.
A: Yes, AMPED can pre-book your ski or snowboard rentals at Vail so your equipment is organised before you arrive. Pre-booking is especially useful in a large resort like Vail, as it helps save time on your first ski day and ensures the right gear is arranged for your ability, children’s needs and preferred ski style.
A: Yes, AMPED can pre-book your ski or snowboard rentals at Vail so your equipment is organised before you arrive. Pre-booking is especially useful in a large resort like Vail, as it helps save time on your first ski day and ensures the right gear is arranged for your ability, children’s needs and preferred ski style.
A: Yes, AMPED can organise your Vail lift passes as part of your USA snow holiday package. We can help compare standard lift tickets, multi-day options and Epic Pass products, depending on your travel dates, length of stay and whether you plan to ski other Vail Resorts destinations.
A: Yes, Vail is one of the headline resorts on the Epic Pass, with Epic Pass products offering access to Vail and a large network of other resorts. AMPED can help you work out whether an Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass or standard lift ticket is the best value for your itinerary, especially if you are also considering Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Park City or Whistler Blackcomb.
A: No, most travellers do not need a car in Vail if transfers and accommodation are organised well. AMPED can arrange your Denver to Vail transfer, and once you are in resort, Vail’s village layout and local transport make it easy to move around without driving. A rental car can be useful if you want to road trip through Colorado or combine multiple resorts.
A: AMPED recommends staying in Vail for 6 to 8 nights. This gives you enough time to explore the front side, Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, enjoy the village atmosphere, add lessons if needed and still have time for a rest day or off-snow experience.
A: Yes, Vail has one of the strongest dining and après scenes in the USA ski market, with everything from casual family meals to premium restaurants, bars and lively evening options. AMPED recommends Vail for travellers who want a complete ski holiday experience with excellent food, après, shopping and village atmosphere alongside the skiing.
A: Vail has plenty to do off the slopes, including scenic gondola rides, spas, shopping, ice skating, snowshoeing, dining, village events and winter activities for non-skiers. AMPED can build these into your itinerary, which makes Vail a strong option for families, mixed-ability groups and travellers who want more than just ski days.
