Everything You Need to Know About Vail Mountain: Winter 2026/27
THE FAST FACTS
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Dobson Arena opens as Vail's newest music venue — a reimagined 56,000-square-foot space in the heart of the village.
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NEW Pop-Up Mountaintop Music venues debut on Vail Mountain with surprise performances at Eagle's Nest rooftop and NEW locations to be announced.
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Epic Ascent reinvents the private ski lesson, pairing world-class instruction with a dedicated concierge and skip-the-lift-line access.
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Mountain dining reimagined from the first bite. From a rebuilt butcher's-blend burger to the return of the legendary Ice Bar at the Back Bowls gate.
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Après All Day doubles in size at Express Lift, with more than 50 performing artists playing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from opening day.
Why Ski Vail Mountain?
Vail Mountain is Colorado's largest ski resort and the world's premier mountain destination: more than 5,300 acres of prepared ski and snowboard terrain, Seven Legendary Back Bowls, and blue skies more than 300 days a year. Framed by the Gore and Sawatch Ranges, with European-inspired pedestrian-friendly villages, shops, spas, restaurants and luxury lodging, at the base. Vail is like nothing on earth.

Can't-Miss Music and Events at Vail This Winter
Vail is redefining how sport, culture and travel converge, turning the world's premier mountain destination into the world's premier alpine stage. Expect globally recognized artists alongside emerging talent, with new announcements dropping all season long.
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NEW! Dobson Arena: Newly opened and reimagined as a modern, multi-use event venue while honoring its roots as a Colorado icon. More than 56,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production capability blended with alpine character — a space unlike any other in the Rockies.
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Pop-Up Mountaintop Music: Exclusive, surprise performances by top-tier artists on the mountain, at Eagle's Nest rooftop plus additional NEW locations announced throughout the season. Follow Vail Mountain's social channels for announcements.
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Looking for the Best Après-Ski at Vail? Après All Day at Express Lift (base of Gondola One, starting opening day): More than 50 performing artists, nearly double last season with live DJs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2:30–5:30 p.m., in collaboration with Vail Mountain partner Outer Range Brewing.
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NEW! The Vail Ice Bar: A callback to a longtime Vail tradition, this vibrant outdoor bar sits adjacent to the iconic Legendary Back Bowls Gate, a place to reminisce on the past while celebrating the present.
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Two Elk Biergarten & Stein Club: A Bavarian-inspired setting in the rear portion of Two Elk, with beers on tap, bratwurst, pretzels and more. Join the Stein Club (first-come, first-served, while supplies last) for your own commemorative stein and discounts all season, or order The Alpine Duet, two beers, two brats and a shared dessert.

Where should you eat on Vail Mountain this winter?
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NEW! A Better Lunch Break: The classics - chili, burgers, pizza, fries, hot dogs, chicken fingers, mac and cheese - elevated with higher-quality ingredients and more refined presentation, led by a butcher's-blend burger with melted New School American Cheese and pecan-smoked bacon on a griddled brioche bun, served with crispy waffle fries and a signature sauce. Menu and venue-level details come in the months ahead.
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NEW Look! Bistro 14 at Mid Vail: A retro apres revamp with new booths, high-tops and a specialty Spritz menu offers elevated options.
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The 10th at Mid Vail: Upscale mountain cuisine, elevated cocktails and Gore Range views, with a nod to Vail Mountain's founders and the 10th Mountain Division including The Two Martini Lunch for two: an oversized Caesar salad, truffle fries and martinis.

NEW: What Is Epic Ascent at Vail Mountain?
Epic Ascent transforms the traditional private lesson into a fully customized mountain experience, combining world-class instruction with concierge-level service so guests maximize their time skiing while every detail is handled behind the scenes.
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Personalized instruction for up to six guests, with flexible start times and meeting locations
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A dedicated concierge for dining, transportation, rentals and trip planning, plus a private gear-fitting experience when rentals are added
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Exclusive skip-the-lift-line access
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Flexible Full-day (9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) or half-day (9 a.m.–noon, or 1–4 p.m.) options

Classic Vail Traditions to Check Off Your List
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Milestone Pins: Vail Mountain celebrates 25, 50, 75 and 100 days on snow — claim a commemorative pin at any ticket window after your milestone day.
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FREE Vail Mail: Free postcards and postage at the Legacy Hut, featuring Legendary Back Bowls photography — send well wishes from 11,250 feet, via the highest mailbox in Vail.
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Dine with the Dogs at Buffalo's: back December 13 and February 21, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Meet Vail Mountain's heroic avalanche dogs and the trained professionals who work with them, enjoy complimentary hot dogs and explore premium Helly Hansen gear.

How Do You Get Access to Vail Mountain?
The Epic Pass. Explore all 2026/27 offerings — including the Epic Pass, Military Pass, College Pass and Epic Day Pass — for wide-ranging access to Vail Mountain. Pass holders also get Epic Mountain Rewards: 20 percent off on-mountain dining, lodging, group ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals and more at Vail Resorts' 40 North American owned and operated resorts.

For more story ideas, facts and figures, and the latest news on Vail, visit the Vail Resorts Newsroom. Images and b-roll for editorial use only are available here; please credit the photographer listed under “owner” and Vail Resorts in a visible location near the image.
Media Contact: Lee Nielsen, lee.v.nielsen@vailresorts.com