Embark on a winter wonderland adventure that will ignite your passion for skiing and create unforgettable memories for your entire family. Picture this: the majestic Back Bowls of Vail, a paradise spanning 5,317 acres of pure skiing exhilaration. Whether you’re a seasoned slope shredder or a first-time skier, the legendary slopes of Vail beckon with a promise of excitement and exploration. 

However, the vastness of the resort can make it difficult for first-time visitors to choose the right place for skiing. We suggest that you grab a map and study the area carefully before navigating through the powder-filled bowls. 

Presenting a curated selection: 7 expert skiing trails near Vail Resort. But before we go into that, let’s take a quick look at the main skiing zones around Vail.

Vail Skiing Zones

To make the vast area more navigable, the skiing and boarding terrain around Vail is divided into three sections- the Front Side, Back Bowls, and the Blue Sky Basin.

The Front Side is around 1,655 acres and has 128 individual trails. While it has the best north-facing verticals, it is also more heavily treed. From smooth slopes ideal for beginners to groomed terrain and glades, the Front Side has it all. Apart from two gondolas, and ten 10 high-speed quads, the area also has multiple beginner lifts for adults and children.

The Back Bowls is a powder paradise for adventuresome intermediates and advanced skiers. The zone stretches across 3,017 acres offering splendid views and plenty of bumps and jumps. You can choose from the seven south-facing vertical bowls that are mostly treeless. And if you manage to hit them after a two-day storm, you will be entering a skiing wonderland.

The Blue Sky Basin is the smallest segment covering 645 acres and is the most untouched zone. Adventurers will love exploring the open meadows and lovely glades in the backcountry that offer tons of fun along with fantastic panoramic views. You will find four Vail ski lifts servicing this area.

7 Expert Skiing Trails in Vail Mountain

Here are our picks for the best skiing trails around Vail Mountain.

Northwoods

Serviced by the Northwoods Express, this popular terrain on the Front Side is great for all types of skiers. It has multiple groomed trails with varying degrees of steepness that even newbies can enjoy. This is also one of the best places to be after a storm as the Northwoods receives more snow due to its location. Since the area is wide open, it never feels congested.

Even without fresh snow, Northwoods remains well-groomed and offers plenty of fun on any regular day. Experts will find the area around the North and South Rim offering plenty of untouched powder. 

Or else, they can head to the Northstar, one of the best black diamond runs in Vail. Since the double-black diamond run in Vail called The Narrows was closed recently, this is one of the most challenging runs you can try.

China Bowl

This well-known bowl in the Back Bowls zone gets its name from the tall limestone headwall that stands out like the “Great Wall” at the top. It has plenty of groomed runs for intermediate skiers along with steep leeward slopes like that of the Genghis Khan- a favorite run among the experts. It can be accessed by the Sourdough Express #14 or Chair #9

Other popular runs include the Chopstix and Poppyfields which are gentler and great for intermediates. More exciting options include the Sweet N Sour and the Dragon’s Teeth Cliffs at the top of the bowl. If you are looking for an endless tree run, go for the Shangri-La in the eastern section.

Riva Ridge

The Riva Ridge is the longest run on the Vail Mountains and also one of the best. Dropping around 3,000 vertical feet in four miles, the trail will surely test the mettle of any expert skier. You can reach it by using the Northwoods Express or Mountaintop Express lift and then follow the trail from the Swingsville run.

The alpine views from the trail are fantastic and even if you attempt it passively, it is a definite leg burner. It has plenty of bumps, hollows, and the infamous steep funnel jokingly called the Tourist Trap. Overall, a perfect mixture of blue and black sections that is a Must-Do for any seasoned skier visiting Vail.

 Lost Boy

Do not let the name deceive you as the Lost Boy is a fantastic cruiser run that also offers excellent views. The name comes from the incident that involved a 14-year-old boy, Martin Koether, who lost his way in the area and had to be rescued the next morning.

Note, this is a downhill trail and is around a mile long. It is in the Game Creek Bowl and is accessed by using Game Creek Express #7. 

The best part is, this wide trail can be enjoyed by beginners as well as experts. Even on the weekends, the trail does not remain crowded. Plus, it offers excellent views of Mount the Holy Cross and the beautiful Gore Range.

Sun Down at Dawn

The Sun Down at Dawn is another classic bowl in the Legendary Back Bowls and can be reached by the Game Creek Express # 7. This zone is known for its steeps and the extreme terrain that can be intimidating for intermediates. Even two or three days after a storm, you can experience pristine skiing on some of these glades.

One of the best runs is Forever, which descends 1,850 feet following the ridge that separates the Sun Up and Sun Down Bowls. This is an exciting run that allows you to rip through trees and make plenty of high-speed turns. The solitude and vastness of the surroundings make you want to rub through this trail forever. 

Champagne Glade

Located in the Blue Sky Basin, the Champagne Glade is perfect for any skier between the intermediate and advanced levels. Like most other trails in the Blue Sky basin, this glade is wooded, which makes it a great choice for tree skiing. Moreover, you can stay immersed in the breathtaking views all through the run.

The glade has some dense clusters of trees broken up by large meadows. There are several small cliffs that will allow you to take a few jumps as well. The snow remains light and fluffy due to less sun exposure and you will find plenty of untouched portions on the edges of the trail.

Ouzo and Ouzo Glade

For many locals, Ouzo and the Ouzo Glades are the best spots to hit on a powder day. These trails are on the front end of the Game Creek Bowl and are one of the best options for enjoying steep and speedy runs. If you want to find fresh snow, the Ouzo Glade can be a more memorable choice.

The Ouzo remains well-groomed and offers a smooth ride. There are pine forests and fairly steep sections that make the run more challenging.  Note, the area faces south and receives more sun. So, the snow can turn soft later in the day. You can reach the trail by using the Avanti Express Lift #2.

Wind-up

Quite simply, the skiing opportunities in Vail Mountain are vast. And at the end of a busy but fun-filled day, your legs might be screaming in protest. 

But the truth is, Vail is the promised land for skiers in alpine paradise. If you want a world-class skiing experience, these are the slopes you need to hit. 

Vail Mountain is a fantastic family destination in both summers and winters. But for anyone wanting to discover the hidden joys of skiing, a winter trip to Vail is a must.

How can you resist?

By: Joy Jovani

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