About skiing in Vail
Vail’s large mountain extends beyond the groomed front side into the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. Its main village portals are Vail Village and Lionshead; transport should match the actual lodging and preferred first lift. Mixed-ability groups can start with the front-side map before planning longer bowl circuits. On-mountain connections and last lifts matter when moving far from the arrival portal.
Ski areas and terrain
Front Side
Groomers and learning/progression choices above the main village portals.
Back Bowls
Broad bowl terrain beyond the front side; check openings and weather.
Blue Sky Basin
A farther mountain sector that needs lift-timing and return-route planning.
Piste difficulty: 18% beginner, 29% intermediate and 53% advanced
Planning your arrival: Name Vail Village, Lionshead or the actual lodging. Pedestrian village accommodation may have a designated vehicle drop-off or luggage transfer.
Conditions, open lifts and published piste totals can change. Official terrain and current trail-map information ↗ Resort information ↗
GETTING THERE
Airport routes to Vail
Each guide compares the available transport options from arrivals to the resort, including transfers and public transport where available.