Vail

One of the largest ski resorts in North America, famous for its Back Bowls and legendary terrain variety.

Key Stats

Vertical Drop
1,067m (3,501ft)
The height difference between the top and bottom of the mountain
Summit Elevation
3,527m (11,572ft)
How high the highest lift or peak reaches
Base Elevation
2,476m (8,123ft)
Height of the main base village — higher means cooler, drier snow
Annual Snowfall
813cm (320in)
Average annual natural snowfall — higher is better for powder days
Trails
195
Total number of marked runs on the trail map
Lifts
31
Total number of lifts including chairlifts, gondolas, and t-bars
Resort Size
5,295 acres
Total groomed and patrolled terrain

Terrain Breakdown

The percentage of marked trails in each difficulty level. A higher beginner percentage means more terrain suitable for novices and families; a higher advanced percentage means more challenge for experts.

Beginner
18%
Intermediate
29%
Advanced
53%

Best For

When to go

Average monthly snowfall and snowpack depth, with the typical operating window shaded.

Vail's heaviest snowfall and deepest snowpack both land in February.

peak monthJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
Snowfall
peaks Feb
Snowpack
peaks Feb
Typical season
Oct – Apr

Snowfall: NOAA, 30-year normals (1991–2020).

Snow depth: NOAA, daily station data (1994–2023).

Location

Vail sits high in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, in the Gore Range along the Eagle River valley west of the Continental Divide. This is dry, continental high-alpine country, with much of the terrain reaching above the tree line.

Getting there

Easy to reach

Fly into Eagle/Vail (EGE), about 45 minutes from the resort by road.

Eagle has limited but direct winter flights. Denver, about a 2h drive, is cheaper and far more frequent.

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