Press Kit

Dining Enhancements with Sustainability in Mind at Two Elk 

This winter season, Vail Mountain is investing in sustainability at its iconic mountaintop restaurant Two Elk, adding an industrial dish machine and reusable dishware to provide a better guest dining experience while reducing waste significantly. This initiative supports Vail Resorts larger Commitment to Zero: a goal to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030, including zero net emissions, zero waste to landfill, and zero net operating impact on forests and habitat. These additions at Two Elk are a natural next step for Vail Mountain to continue toward Vail Resorts’ Commitment to Zero.  

Live Music Returns 

Vail Mountain, the world’s premier mountain destination, will transform into the world’s premier high alpine stage this winter, featuring live concerts and on-mountain music. These concerts follow the success of experiences like Vail Summer Sessions, Summit at the Summit, and Après at the Amp. Stay tuned on the Vail Events Page. 

Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard School – An Unparalleled Learning Experience 

Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard School has embarked on a mission of continual improvement, solidifying the resort’s status as an industry leader in snowsports instruction. From Kids Adventure Zones to the Avanti Skills Zone and Performance Center, Vail Ski and Snowboard School offers an incredible experience for all levels. Vail Mountain was selected as the host to Interski 2027, recognizing the resort’s Ski and Snowboard School on the international stage. 

Kids Adventure Zones 

Vail Mountain’s dedicated learning terrain is getting a new look! The Vail Mountain Kids Adventure Zones encourage young explorers to learn about their natural surroundings through an on-snow scavenger hunt while improving their ski and ride abilities. This year, trails will be easier to find with updated welcoming signage for 13 Adventure Zones and 7 different ske-cology trails highlighting unique native animals. Below are a few adventure zones to explore this season: 

• The Roost: The Roost is on skiers left of Eagle’s Nest Ridge and is a great first glade run for competent beginner skiers and boarders. Participate in Owl ske-cology and learn about the forest’s Great Horned Owl while they explore and improve their ski and snowboard abilities.  

• Wildwoods: Wildwoods is another glade option for advanced beginners on the skiers right of Eagle’s Nest Ridge, just past the top of the Avanti Express Lift. Located directly across from The Roost, this adventure zone also has ske-cology trail signs providing an opportunity to learn about the diversity of trees on Vail Mountain. 

• Hideout: Hideout is an intermediate to advanced glade area located just beyond The Roost and Wildwoods on skiers right of Eagle’s Nest Ridge. This tree run has steeper aspects more suited to a skier or boarder that can make turns on demand. The glade offers widely spaced trees and usually hides great snow for days after a storm. 

All-Terrain Program 

Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard School is bringing back themed days for kids with the All Terrain Program (ATP). Kids will meet others their age and ability level and spend the day completing an ATP Challenge—a fun way to explore Vail's 5,317 skiable acres with a world-class guide. Every day at ATP is unique and challenges vary based on participants’ interests and weather conditions. The day concludes with prizes to commemorate their experience and completion of the ATP Challange. 

Green Run Guarantee 

For adults learning to ski and snowboard, Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard School offers value packages inclusive of lift and rentals. Trying a new sport has never been easier. Get three lessons for the price of two, with the goal of being able to make turns on a green run. If guests aren’t able to complete their turns by the third lesson, the next lesson is complimentary.  

Camp Hale at Vail

In its second season, the new Camp Hale at Vail is an interactive children’s learning area that connects Ski and Snowboard School students to Vail Mountain’s legacy. Inside Camp Hale at Vail, ski school students will learn through the lens of 10th Mountain Division Soldiers who skied here before Vail Mountain’s founding. The program’s Ski and Snowboard School Students, called Camp Hale Cadets, will learn about Vail Mountain’s partnership with the US Forest Service, how Vail Mountain employees create a safe mountain environment, alpine weather and conditions, types of machinery used on Vail Mountain, and how to safely conduct themselves in the alpine environment – including skiing and riding in the trees.   

This learning space is designed to heighten the student’s mountain awareness, allowing them to more safely enjoy skiing and riding through an exploratory experience. This immersive indoor lesson experience will be tied to outdoor learning experiences within our signature Children’s Adventure Zones. 

The Avanti Skills Zone & The Avanti Performance Center    

Build skills and confidence on specially designed learning terrain with the world’s premiere ski and snowboard instructors this season. Located at Avanti Express Lift (Chair 2), this fully integrated, indoor-outdoor learning area combines the Avanti Performance Center and the Avanti Skills Zone to offer cutting edge methodologies with world class terrain and coaching.   

The Avanti Skills Zone (located at the bottom of Avanti Express Lift) is a dedicated learning area with terrain specifically designed to help guests improve their abilities so they can tackle all of Vail Mountain’s legendary terrain. With a dedicated surface lift, The Avanti Skills Zone is the perfect space for skiers and snowboarders to unlock their potential.    

Adaptive Programs 

Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard School offers lessons to individuals with a wide variety of disabilities for skiing, snow biking, and snowboarding, focusing on cognitive, visual and physical impairment. The school is renowned for being one of the few adaptive programs where the instructors are largely full-time professionals in the field of adaptive snowsports instruction. Additionally, Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard School offers assistance to children who may be challenged to participate in group class lessons due to cognitive disabilities. The resort’s adaptive assistants work hard to integrate these children into class lessons and season programs with individualized care. The resort also offers specialized rental equipment for guests looking to enjoy Vail Mountain but may not be able to justify the cost of owning it. Vail Mountain supports a variety of nonprofit partners through the adaptive snowsports program, including Vail Veterans, Foresight Skiing Guides, Small Champions, and Access Unbound. 

Elevated Food & Beverage 

Two Elk Biergarten & Stein Club – Back for Another Season  

Located in the separated rear portion of Two Elk, the Biergarten will serve beers on tap, bratwurst, pretzels and more, in a Bavarian-inspired setting. On a first-come, first-served, while-supplies-last basis, guests can join the Two Elk Biergarten Stein Club. Stein Club members will have their own dedicated and commemorative stein at the Two Elk Biergarten, which will earn them discounts all season long. 

Signature Menu Items Return  

Vail Mountain culinary creators continue to dish up classic Vail favorites alongside new signature items across the mountain. Here are some signature dishes guests can expect: 

• Mid-Vail: Located at the top of Gondola One, Mid-Vail is back with iconic eats such as the house smoked gumbo. There’s something for everyone at Mid-Vail, whether guests are looking for healthy options at the salad bar, grabbing a cheeseburger, classic chicken tenders, or a hot soup.   

• Two Elk: Vail’s flagship restaurant serves Southwest style foods and is located at the top of China Bowl and Chair 14. Legacy dishes include pork green chili and chicken posole soup. Relax at the biergarten and order a signature dish. 

• Wildwood: Vail Valley’s best barbeque is at Chairs 3, 7, and 17. People all around the world come here to enjoy award winning barbeque and sauces, especially the world-famous smoked chicken and wild rice soup.   

Explore More

Milestone Pins 

Back by popular demand, the Vail Mountain Milestone pin program returns! Vail Mountain celebrates dedicated skiers and riders for getting their days on snow. After guests hit their milestone day, visit any ticket window to claim a commemorative pin and join the club. 

Free Guided Mountain Tours 

Departing daily, Vail’s Mountain Tours are led by some of the valley’s most passionate historians. All frontside tours start at the top of Eagle’s Nest—join them as they ski around the mountain, sharing stories and showcasing the pioneering spirit of Vail. All other tours depart from the Legacy Hut, and include Back Bowl, Women’s, and Legacy tours. The Legacy Hut is Vail Mountain’s own on-mountain museum, stop by to pick up postcards and learn about Vail’s legacy. 

Popular Vail Mail Returns 

Stop inside the Legacy Hut for FREE postcards featuring photography of Vail Mountain’s Legendary Back Bowls and send off commemorative well wishes from 11,250 feet. Postcards and postage are courtesy of Vail Mountain and can be mailed from the highest mailbox in Vail.   

Photo Stops 

• The most epic photo stop in Vail – the gateway to the Legendary Back Bowls 

• Visit the corbel archway at Eagle’s Nest, uniquely framing up Mount of the Holy Cross, Vail Mountain’s closest 14,000-foot peak.    

• Visit the Totem poles in Blue Sky Basin and at the top of Orient Express (21) in China Bowl.   

• Not to be missed is a custom designed mural at Wildwood that pays homage to Vail’s original Opening Day signage.     

Experience it All on the Epic Pass 

Skip the ticket line with Mobile Pass & Mobile Lift Ticket on the My Epic app. The app allows guests to buy their pass or lift ticket online, activate and store access on their phone in the new My Epic app. Put your phone in your pocket, and get scanned, hands free, via Bluetooth technology designed for low energy usage. More information about Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Ticket and the My Epic app can be found on the Epic Pass website. 

Getting To and Around Vail

Village to Village Access  

Vail is linked by three lively base areas filled with endless shops, restaurants, après hot spots and hotels. With a broad network of picturesque, heated cobblestone streets, getting around could not be easier. With intimate walkways closed off to cars, Vail's pedestrian villages set the stage for a luxurious shopping experience or the chance to stroll and appreciate the village atmosphere. Town of Vail also provides free in-town buses to make getting around easier than ever. Consider staying at The Lodge at Vail (Vail Village), The Arrabelle (Lionshead Village), or The Hythe (Lionshead Village) for the ultimate ease of access to Vail’s villages and mountain. 

Easy Access from Eagle Airport (EGE)  

Eagle County Regional Airport provides non-stop flights from 16 major markets in the winter, and three in the summer, which makes getting to Vail and Beaver Creek easy no matter when visiting. NEW this season are direct flights from Seattle and Southern California. One-stop connections are available from over 250 cities worldwide, making EGE the number one choice for frequent visitors to Vail and Beaver Creek. Eagle County Regional Airport is located just 30 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek. For more information and current flight schedules visit www.flyvail.com   

For more story ideas, facts and figures, and the latest news on Vail, visit Vail Resorts Newsroom. 

Images and b-roll for editorial use only can be found here. Please credit the photographer listed under “owner” and Vail Resorts in a visible location near the image.  
 
DATES AND HOURS 
2024-2025 Season starts November 15* 

Hours of Operations (MST) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Hours extend over the course of the season) 

* Dates are subject to change, based on weather and conditions 

Vail Mountain Facts 

ELEVATIONS 

Base Elevation 8,120 ft. /2,476 m 
Mid-Elevation: 10,250 ft. /3,125 m 
Peak Elevation: 11,570 ft. /3,527 m 
Vertical Rise: 3,450 ft. /1,052 m 

ACREAGE 

Total Skiable Terrain: 5,317 acres/2,141 ha 
Front Side: 1,627 acres/658 ha 
Back Bowls: 3,017 acres/1,221 ha 
Blue Sky Basin: 645 acres/ 261 ha 
 
TRAIL CLASSIFICATION 

53% Expert/Advanced 
29% Intermediate 
18% Beginner 
Conventional Trails: 195 
Longest Run: Riva Ridge – 4 miles/6.4 km 

SEVEN LEGENDARY BACK BOWLS & BLUE SKY BASIN 

• More than 4 miles between Ptarmigan Ridge in Sun Down Bowl to Silk Road in Outer Mongolia 

• More than 5 miles from the bottom of Game Creek Bowl to Silk Road in Outer Mongolia 

• Shangri La in China Bowl is Vail Mountain’s biggest run by acreage – almost the same size at Game Creek Bowl! 

• Nearly 7 miles from Vail’s Villages to the farthest point in Blue Sky Basin 

LIFTS 

Vail Mountain has a monster lift fleet, dedicated to high-speed chairlifts. This huge fleet of chairlifts, carpets and gondolas moves guests effortlessly across Vail Mountain’s vast terrain. Here are some Vail Mountain lift stats:  

• Total number of lifts: 32  

• Total Lift Fleet Vertical Rise: 32,357 feet - 22x the height of the Empire State Building  

• Total Lift Fleet Length: 134,464 feet - 25.5 miles, Vail to Beaver Creek Resort and back!  

• Total Lift Fleet Horsepower: 16,604 – the equivalent of 52 2024 Ford Mustangs  

• Total Lift Fleet Towers: 465  

SNOWMAKING 

Snowmaking requires a combination of compressed air, compressed water, fan and stick guns, and weather! Vail Mountain has over 2,020 snowmaking hydrants and 674 snow guns (not including ground sleds). Here are some Vail Mountain snowmaking stats: 

• 84 Miles of Snowmaking Pipe: More than 6x the length of New York’s Manhattan 

• 620+ Acres of Snowmaking: More than 2x the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

• The system’s Pump Capacity can fill an Olympic-size swimming pool every 26 minutes  

• The system’s Compressed Air Capacity can fill the Goodyear blimp in 12 minutes  

• Since the snowmaking expansion in 2019, Vail Mountain has made enough snow to fill the Dallas Cowboys Stadium from the turf to the roof 

GROOMING 

Vail Mountain’s grooming team executes an incredible feat each season. Moving snow and perfecting the snow surface across Vail Mountain’s vast terrain is a massive undertaking. Here are some Vail Mountain grooming stats: 

• During any given season, Vail Mountain grooming drives enough mileage to circle the earth almost seven times 

• Each night, Vail Mountain grooms the equivalent of 1,288 American football fields 

• Each night, Vail Mountain grooms more terrain than the total acreage of the 30 smallest sister resorts 

• Annually, Vail Mountain grooms a total amount of terrain roughly the size of Oahu, HI