The 2020 ski season is the perfect time to check out Vail, Colorado. With the largest improvements made in the mountain’s history, new snowmaking pipes, new runs and a new lift await skiers and snowboarders alike.
Most travelers have a bucket list of dream trips. For one it might be seeing the Egyptian Pyramids, for another, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef. For anyone who loves to ski, it’s hitting the slopes in Vail. And this iconic Colorado destination keeps adding more attractions for skiers of all levels. Here’s a look at some recent additions:
New on the Slopes
Vail is showing off the results of the largest capital improvement project in the ski area’s history. With 19 miles of new pipes and over 400 new snow guns, snowmaking has arrived at the top of Vail Mountain for the first time. Along with the new technology, Vail has unveiled three new runs and one new surface lift, resulting in almost 200 acres of new and enhanced snowmaking terrain.
The three new runs, Slalom Alley, Fall Line, and Golden Peak Race Trail, are meant for ski competitions and practice areas, with day and Epic Pass holders allowed access at certain times. The Epic Pass gives skiers unlimited, unrestricted skiing at 17 Peak Resorts worldwide, including Vail.
For the first time, skiers are able to go from the top of the mountain from the start of the Vail ski season. The new equipment ensures that Vail can open early regardless of natural snow conditions, and stay open later in the year — all while creating an amazing experience for skiers and snowboarders alike.
New in the Village
Après ski is a time-honored mountain tradition, and this season Vail is making it official. Every day at 3 p.m., bells ring through the town to call people off the slopes and into the village for Vail Après, featuring drinks, appetizers and retail specials.
Elsewhere in the Village, perennial favorite restaurant, Alpenrose, has undergone a complete remodel and revamped its menu featuring classic German cuisine. Vail’s go-to bar for wine and craft cocktails, Root & Flower has a delicious tapas-style menu and offers a host of wine and spirit-tasting classes. The lounge’s former location is now Two Arrows, a gourmet coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night.
Throughout the Village, a new public art program has produced several Instagram-worthy murals. The artworks were all created by well-known Colorado artists like Pat Milbery, the former professional snowboarder behind Denver’s, “Love This City,” mural program.
School’s in Session
One thing that hasn’t changed in Vail is the ability for anyone to get on the slopes, with the help of a lesson, or maybe five. The Vail Ski & Snowboard School offers a variety of group and private instruction classes for children (as young as three years) and adults. There are multi-day, full- and half-day group and individual programs available for both skiing and snowboarding.
Beyond Skiing
If skiing isn’t your thing, Vail offers plenty of winter thrills. At The Vail Mountain Nordic School, you can experience a backcountry snowshoe experience trek through the White River National Forest. For more high-octane adventure, Nova Guides offers snowmobile tours on groomed trails that reach altitudes of nearly 13,000 feet. Those wanting a luxe ride to enjoy the glorious mountain scenery can opt for the multi-passenger heated snow coach.
Whether you’re still getting the hang of the bunny slope, are a legitimate ripper, or are just in it for the après ski scene, the Vail skiing resort continues to show off its evergreen magic.