VAIL, Colo. — Dec. 23, 2011 — Vail Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, opened the first ever cross country track at Eagle’s Nest today, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. The 5K track is located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19), just west of the Pride Express Lift (#26) overlooking Mount of the Holy Cross.
“This is a great opportunity for us to introduce our guests to the basics of classic track skiing in a stunning environment that offers beautiful views and the Gore Range as a backdrop,” said Joe Schmitt, supervisor of the Vail Mountain Nordic School. “It also offers guests the opportunity to learn the art of cross-country skiing before venturing out on a wilderness tour with the Nordic School.”
The new track offers various cross country routes that include flats suited for beginners as well as rolling terrain for the more experienced skier. It is open to the public free of charge during gondola operating hours and a valid season pass or foot passenger ticket is required to ride the gondola.
The Vail Nordic School offers lessons daily from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and guests can register at the Golden Peak Nordic School desk at 9:30 a.m. to get outfitted for the lesson. Transportation is provided from Golden Peak to Lionshead and the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19). Lessons are $87 and include all rental equipment. Reservations are not required.
More Activities at Adventure Ridge
In addition to the new cross country track Adventure Ridge at Eagle’s Nest offers tubing, kids’ snowmobiling, bungee trampolines and ski biking Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the last tubing session beginning at 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. and into the evening. Ski biking is offered Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 4:45 p.m.
For more information about the cross country track or for lesson reservations, call (970) 754-3210. For more information about Vail Mountain including Adventure Ridge, visit
Vail.com or contact the Mountain Information Center at (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).
About Vail Mountain
Quickly approaching its 50th anniversary in December 2012 and coveted as the largest ski resort in the United States with more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is an extraordinary winter vacation destination. Spanning seven miles are seven legendary Back Bowls, blanketed last season with more than 40 feet of powder snow. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year and with more groomed terrain than anywhere on the planet, families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is world class, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to the events, activities and festivals, the shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail can still credibly lay claim to being a resort like nothing on earth.
www.Vail.com.
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