Photo: David Herrera / CC BY 2.0About Vail
Vail is a ski resort in Colorado. It offers 3,450 feet of vertical drop, 5,317 skiable acres, 278 marked runs, served by 32 lifts, with an average of about 354" of snow a year. Vail was founded by Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton and officially opened for skiing in December 1962. Vail's Back Bowls account for nearly 3,000 acres of bowl skiing. Trail, area, and building names also preserve ties to the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division.
Why Visit Vail?
- 278 runs with 3,451ft of vertical drop
- Average annual snowfall of 354"
- 5,317 skiable acres with terrain for all ability levels
- 32 lifts including gondola, chairlift
Where to Stay
Live prices for hotels, condos and homes near Vail, plus places we’ve researched.
Our guideWhich area should you stay in? Every Vail base compared
Live prices & availability
Live prices and availability from Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo — hotels, condos and private homes. You book on their site. These are affiliate links: Everything Ski may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Places we’ve researched
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort
Hotel
Luxury village hotel steps from lifts, dining and shopping. Best for: Families / couples wanting village convenience
$$$$
Visit WebsiteThe Chalets at the Lodge at Vail
Chalet / Residence
Private-home feel with true ski-in/ski-out access in Vail Village. Best for: Families / groups Multi-bedroom chalets
$$$$
Visit WebsiteThe Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail
Hotel
Luxury hotel in the heart of Lionshead Village. Best for: Luxury travelers
$$$$
Visit WebsiteThe Lodge at Vail, a RockResort
Hotel
Vail's original lodge, steps from Gondola One and village amenities. Best for: Families / couples prioritizing location Rooms and 1–3 bedroom suites
$$$$
Visit WebsitePhotos (5)
Mountain Statistics
11,572ft
Summit Elevation
3,527m
8,120ft
Base Elevation
2,475m
3,451ft
Vertical Drop
1,052m
5,317 acres
Skiable Area
2,151.72 ha
278
Total Runs
4.0mi
Longest Run
6.44km
32
Lifts
354"
Avg. Snowfall
899cm annually
How Vail compares
Terrain Breakdown
18%
29%
53%
●Beginner
18% of trails
■Intermediate
29% of trails
◆Advanced / Expert
53% of trails
Trail Map
Open the current Vail trail map:
Season & Operating Hours
Last season (2025–26)
Opening DayNovember 15, 2025
Closing DayApril 19, 2026
Status Closed for the season
This season’s dates are set by the resort — check its official site for opening day.
Getting to Vail
By Car
Vail is in Colorado, USA. Tap the button below for turn-by-turn directions from where you are.
Get DirectionsGPS Coordinates
Latitude39.6403
Longitude-106.3742
RegionColorado, USA
Where to Eat & Drink
Popular après-ski spots near Vail — a mix of local favorites and community picks.
Local pick
Vail Brewing Company
Brewery
Recommended as a chill beer-focused après option.
$$brewery/chillVail Village
Hours & directionsLocal pick
Shakedown Bar
Bar
Recommended as a fun underground live-music spot.
$$live music/nightlifeVail VillageLive Music
Hours & directionsLocal pick
Chasing Rabbits
Bar
Repeatedly recommended for nightlife; especially worthwhile when a good act is playing.
$$upscale/nightlifeVail Village
Hours & directionsLocal pick
The George
Bar
Repeatedly endorsed as a Vail institution with comparatively good prices.
$$dive/localsVail Village
Hours & directionsLift Tickets
The rest of your Vail trip — for lodging, see Where to Stay above.
Nearby Resorts
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening and closing dates are set by the resort each season, so check its official site for this year's dates. Vail averages 354" of snowfall a year.
Vail rates 18% of its terrain as beginner, across 278 marked runs. Check the resort's site for its ski school and learning areas.
Vail averages 354" of snowfall a season, with a summit elevation of 11,572 ft.
Vail is located in Colorado, USA. Use the "Get Directions" button at the top of this page for turn-by-turn directions from where you are. GPS coordinates: 39.6403, -106.3742.
Our where-to-stay guide for Vail compares every base area — who each suits, which lifts it's near, and named places to stay — with live prices. You'll find it in the Where to Stay section near the top of this page.
Articles About Vail
Gear
Best All-Mountain Skis Under $800: Real Picks for Real Budgets
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Gear
Best Ski Goggles for Flat Light: See the Terrain When Everyone Else Is Guessing
Flat light days are where bad goggles get you in trouble. These lenses actually work when the mountain turns grey.
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Gear
Best Ski Helmets for 2026: Researched Picks by Budget and Ski Style
We compared the helmets most skiers shortlist on certification, MIPS, fit system, ventilation and goggle fit. Here are the picks worth your money — and who each one suits.
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Planning
Best Ski Resorts for Beginners in 2026: Start Here, Not Somewhere You Will Regret
Your first resort shapes your relationship with skiing for years. These mountains give beginners the best possible start.
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How to Plan a Ski Trip on a Budget: Real Numbers, Real Advice
Skiing has a reputation for being expensive. Some of that reputation is earned. But there are specific ways to cut the cost significantly.
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Planning
Best Ski Resorts for Families in 2026: Where Kids and Parents Both Win
Not every great ski resort is great for families. Here's where the kids programs, terrain variety, and off-slope amenities actually deliver.
9 min