Skiing and Snowboarding in Vail and Beaver Creek
The Vail Valley is home to two of Colorado’s premier ski destinations—Vail and Beaver Creek—offering world-class skiing and snowboarding for all ability levels. From Vail’s expansive terrain and famous back bowls to Beaver Creek’s refined slopes, groomed runs, and family-friendly atmosphere, visitors can experience two distinct mountain styles within a single trip. Together, these resorts provide hundreds of trails, modern lift systems, ski schools, and terrain for beginners through expert riders.
Skiing & Snowboarding in Vail
Renowned as one of the best ski resorts in the world, Vail Ski Resort is comprised of 5,289 acres spanning nearly 200 trails and 7 Back Bowls for all levels. Vail receives 354" snowfall annually so powder-skiing seekers will find bottomless runs to enjoy. With three base areas, two ski villages, and an impressive network of chairlifts and gondolas, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed when skiing or snowboarding at Vail. We recommend hiring a ski instructor for at least one day. They'll help you get acquainted with the resort and you can cut the lift lines when you're riding with a ski instructor. Alternatively, there are daily mountain tours, Sun. - Fri. that depart from the Eagle Bahn Gondola at 10:30 a.m. Intermediate or above skiing or riding skills are recommended. Optimize your ski and snowboard experience while you learn about the mountain's history, terrain, and how to navigate ever-changing conditions.
Vail Mountain Statistics:
- Skiable acres: 5,289
- Base elevation: 8,120'
- Summit elevation: 11,570'
- Vertical dop: 3,450'
- Number of Trails: 195
- Terrain parks: 3
- Longest run: 4 miles
- Acres with snowmaking: 461
Vail Terrain Breakdown:
- Beginner: 19%
- Intermediate: 29%
- Advanced: 48%
- Expert: 4%
Skiing & Snowboarding in Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek offers a more relaxed, luxury-focused ski experience just minutes from Vail. Known for perfectly groomed runs, wide intermediate terrain, and expertly designed beginner areas, it is especially popular with families and those looking for a less crowded mountain. Advanced skiers can also find challenging tree runs, steep terrain, and consistent powder stashes throughout the resort. The village atmosphere, ski-in/ski-out access, and exceptional ski school make Beaver Creek one of the most well-rounded ski destinations in Colorado.
Beaver Creek Mountain Statistics:
- Skiable Terrain: 2,082 acres
- Base Elevation: 8,100 ft
- Summit Elevation: 11,440 ft
- Vertical Drop: 3,340 ft
- Number of Trails: 167
- Number of Lifts: 24
- Average Annual Snowfall: ~323 inches
Beaver Creek Terrain Breakdown:
- Beginner Terrain: 28%
- Intermediate Terrain: 38%
- Advanced/Expert Terrain: 34%
Beaver Creek Lift Tickets & Passes
Whether you choose Vail or Beaver Creek, both resorts offer exceptional skiing and snowboarding in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Visitors can easily ski both mountains during a single trip, enjoying everything from expansive alpine bowls to perfectly groomed runs and world-class mountain villages.