Vail, Colo. - November 15, 2024 – Today, Vail Mountain, Colorado’s largest ski resort, opened for the 2024-25 winter season. The resort welcomed guests to experience 130 acres of terrain and five lifts for skiing and riding, including signature runs Swingsville and Ramshorn. Mountain access is now available from both Vail and Lionshead Villages via Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola (19). Starting today, the terrain package will also include beginner experiences that includes Little Eagle (15), accessed from Lionshead Village, as well as terrain accessible by Avanti Express (2). In celebration of Opening Day, guests were treated to complimentary strudel, paying homage to the resort’s Bavarian inspired heritage, as well as DJ experiences throughout the morning.
“This is an incredible opening day terrain offering at Vail Mountain,” said Beth Howard, Vail Mountain’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Thanks to our incredible Vail Mountain team, best-in-class snowmaking system, cold temperatures, and two feet of natural snow since the beginning of November, our operations teams were able to provide guests with 130 acres of skiing and riding to start the season. An opening like this is made possible by our 2019 snowmaking expansion, which was North America’s largest snowmaking expansion in history.”
Starting today, Vail Mountain will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for skiing and riding, scenic gondola rides, ski and snowboard school, and on-mountain dining at Mid Vail and Eagle’s Nest. Dining options will include the new Powerline Pub at Mid Vail. The resort will continue to make snow at every opportunity and quickly expand its skiable acreage.
Photos and b-roll are available here.
Announcing a Full Season of Live Music
Vail, the world’s premier alpine destination, is now the world’s premier alpine music venue. The renowned ski destination, famous for its Seven Legendary Back Bowls and its timeless pursuit of excellence, is excited to announce a season-long, high energy music program that will captivate guests on and off the mountain.
Headlining Performances
Legendary artists Tiësto, John Summit, L'Impératrice, Jungle, and Goth Babe will headline three incredible performances throughout the season, across amazing outdoor venues like Vail’s Ford Park and The Gerald R. Ford Ampitheater (The Amp). Thanks to Vail Mountain, the Town of Vail, and the Vail Valley Foundation, Vail is now synonymous with high energy music performances.
- Tiësto @ Ford Park on Dec. 13: As a part of Stifel Birds of Prey, GRAMMY Award-winning Tiësto brings his distinct style of house music to Vail on Friday, Dec. 13. Known for his electrifying beats and groundbreaking tracks, Tiësto is a world-renowned artist who has shaped the electronic dance music scene for over two decades. Tickets are now on sale. Learn more here.
- John Summit @ Ford Park on Feb. 14 & 15: Electronic house and techno DJ John Summit returns to Vail, captivating audiences at Ford Park on February 14 & 15 with his winter Experts Only weekend. Summit’s Experts Only ski town outdoor event debuted last year in Vail, and this winter’s show follows his most recent album Comfort in Chaos. John Summit creates boundary-pushing music and unforgettable experiences, which perfectly pairs with Vail Mountain’s expansive terrain and Legendary Back Bowls. Tickets are now on sale. Learn more here.
- L'Impératrice, Jungle, and Goth Babe @ Après at The Amp on April 4 & 5: Following two successful years of Après at The Amp at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the event returns featuring its biggest lineup yet. Après at the Amp will feature an international roster of electronic, dance, and indie artists, headlined by French nu-disco sensation L'Impératrice, British electronic duo Jungle, indie rock phenomenon Goth Babe, and more. Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 22 at 10a.m. Learn more here.
On-Mountain Pop-up Concert Series
Vail Mountain joins the season-long festival atmosphere with pop-up performances by incredible artists. Following the success of last season’s pop-up performance by John Summit, venues like the Eagle’s Nest Rooftop and Talon’s Deck at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola will welcome artists throughout the season. Limited wristbands for these pop-up concerts will be available for FREE, with dedicated availability for Epic Pass holders for select experiences.
- Eli & Fur @ Eagle’s Nest Rooftop on Dec. 13: Kicking off the pop-up series is platonic soulmate duo Eli & Fur. This DJ duo unapologetically pushes the boundaries of electronic music and is one of the music industry’s most in-demand acts with unprecedented fervor. Eli & Fur will open for Tiësto later this evening.
- Pop-up for a reason: Pop-up concerts offer guests a thrilling and spontaneous live music experience in an intimate and immersive atmosphere that can only be found above 10,000 feet on Vail Mountain. Guests should follow @VailMtn on Instagram and Facebook for the latest pop-up concert announcements. Will John Summit be back on Vail’s peaks? You’ll have to follow the resort’s social accounts to find out.
Vibrant Villages Vibrate with Music
Vail’s Bavarian and Swiss inspired villages get in on the energy and excitement. Live music can be found around every corner, all season long.
- Après at Express Lift: Starting on opening day, Express Lift at the base of Gondola One will come alive with sixteen Après Days, featuring live DJs like Mark Farina, a name that rings out across the global dance music industry. These events are in collaboration with Vail Mountain’s partners Pepsi and Kona Big Wave Learn more here.
- Dance your way through the village: Guests will be both surprised and energized as impromptu dance parties unfold at bars and restaurants across Vail’s villages. From live music during Margarita Mondays at Los Amigos to live DJs at Treff Cafe on Fridays, to the disco ball at Two Arrows, guests should always be ready for the beat to drop. Phil Long, a local legend, will regularly perform at Vail Chophouse, and Johnny Schleper will make regular live appearances at Vail’s classic après spot, The Red Lion. Vail’s lodging properties also turn into live music hot spots with Cucina at The Lodge at Vail, Tavern at The Arrabelle, and Gambit Bar at The Sebastian featuring regular live music throughout the season.
- From the Underground to the Unconventional: Quite literally below the streets of Vail, Shakedown Bar is a 198-person live music venue that delivers a musical experience you won’t soon forget. With a cutting-edge sound and lighting system with full studio recording capabilities, visitors should venture below ground for an excellent live music experience. New to the scene, Chasing Rabbits represents the next step forward in entertainment. Immerse yourself in Vail’s most unique nightlife scene with a full schedule of music events, including world-renowned DJs.
- Announced Today! Chasing Rabbits will host L.A. based DJ and producer J. Worra, best known for bringing her inimitable swagger and technical prowess to dance music’s underground scene. J. Worra will play on Saturday, Jan. 15 and tickets go on sale on Friday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.
- Vail Après - Welcome to Winter, Nov. 15 – Jan 5: When the lifts start spinning, Vail Après comes to life. After your day on the hill, dive into après magic with silent discos, art pop-ups, and ice-skating shows, plus tree-lighting festivities and live music that’ll keep you dancing. Returning this year are crowd favorites like Kringle Crossing, a charming holiday village, and “Smile with Santa,” where kids meet the jolly icon himself. Uncover the season’s best at DiscoverVail.com.
Epic Passes Available for a Limited Time – Prices Increase Nov. 17
2024-25 Epic Pass products are on sale this early season for a limited time and skiers and riders have until Nov. 17 to purchase before prices increase. Don’t miss the chance to lock in the best value in skiing and riding by purchasing in advance, with a variety of options for every type of skier and rider from Epic 1-7 day passes, the Epic Local Pass and the full Epic Pass. Perfect for Pass Holders looking to make the most of their experiences, limited memberships to My Epic Gear unlock access to over 60 of the latest ski and snowboard models with the convenience of daily slopeside pick-up and drop-off. Visit EpicPass.com for more information and to purchase.
Your Pass, Now on Your Phone with the New My Epic App
This season, enjoy more laps and fewer lines thanks to the Mobile Pass feature on the My Epic App. Buy your pass or lift ticket online, activate and store on your phone in the new My Epic app, put the phone in your pocket and you’re ready to go! Bluetooth technology designed for low energy usage means you get scanned, hands-free, on-the-go. For those who may not want to use Mobile Pass, cards will continue to be available. More information about Mobile Pass and the My Epic app can be found on the Epic Pass website.
Follow Vail Mountain for updates and important information, as well as trip planning tips and inspiration, on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. For more information about Vail Mountain, visit www.vail.com.
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Media Contacts
John Plack: john.plack@vailresorts.com
Michelle Dallal: michelle.dallal@vailresorts.com