Vail Ski Resort in Colorado is known for some of the best skiing in the world, and the 193 trails represented for the mountain is a large reason for it. With 193 different trails on the mountain, finding the one that fits your particular skiing best can certainly be a challenge. Vail Ski Resort has plenty of people to help out with instruction and getting you to the right slopes, as they have a staff of over 1500 instructors. The top trails for Vail Ski Resort listed here is based upon several factors such as crowd density, challenge, and what types of view the particular run has. Not many people have enjoyed all of the 193 choices to make a comparison, but these are great places to start. There are three trails for each experience level.
Expert and Advanced Level Runs :
The Back Bowls (all)- Any Expert level discussion begins and ends with this monster acreage full of totally free run powder. There are over 6000 acres to explore, and the fact that you choose your own paths is a huge draw. If you are wanting to ski free of people, this is the place for you to go. With so much acreage, and so much untouched snow, you are sure to find your solo bliss..
Prima-Pronto – This tough endurance trail is located on the Front Side, and is close to Northwoods Express. This is the endurance trail that the top skiers use to test their mettle. Many like it as it gets lots of lookers from the bystanders in line at the drops. Prima is not particularly dangerous, just grueling. This is powder slicing action at it’s best!
Gandy Dancer – This is a very tight run, but beautiful to look at. The view and challenge of staying with the skinny run combine to make for a fantastic experience for the hardcore skier. Of all the runs, this one is the most visually stunning to many.
Intermediate Level Runs :
Riva Ridge – This is a top to bottom joy ride that every intermediate level skier should experience. You must remember that parts of Riva Ridge is considered expert territory and be mindful of this if you are not ready for that yet. A visually stunning slope buster that is surrounded by sheer beauty can be had at Riva Ridge, and powder to die for most of the time.
Born Free – This long, lazy, drifting trail is true to it’s name as it is a very liberating ride. It is very wide and loopy, and a cruiser’s paradise with some difficulty thrown in. Born Free is an exhilarating ride, though it can sometimes be a bit crowded.
Blue Sky Basin – If you are a confident intermediate, and wish to roam free, this is the place for you. Not open all of the time, Blue Sky Basin is simply beautiful. Wide open skiing and exploring is available to you on a pallet of milky white powder. Be sure you are capable of the level of skiing however, as it has it’s tougher parts.
Beginner Level Runs :
Cub’s Way – A great little cat track that will challenge but not endanger the beginner, it is a great starting point. It is also adjacent to others that are very similar and will help you get started. Great views all around.
Flapjack – This is a long run for beginners that will challenge them. It is located between Roger’s Run and Tin Pants and loops all the way down to the Northwoods Express Lift. This is a nice scenic run, with little challenges along the way.
Atop Eagle Bahn Gondola – This is the big draw for beginners, as most mountains do not offer beginner skiing at the top of the mountain. This panoramic view is worth the trip all by itself. There is a fantastic beginner’s area to practice, and again, the view is where it is at. You can see all around the mountain and it is breathtaking.
Regardless of your skiing experience level, you will enjoy Vail Ski Resort in Colorado. It is a paradise of winter, and is a must for any skier at some point in their life.
