Review: Vail Ski Resort

Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here?
Vail Ski Resort is great in all seasons—not just when there's snow. Head to Gondola One at the base of the faux-Bavarian Vail Village, or the Eagle Bahn gondola in nearby Lionshead Village, and ride the lifts 2,000 vertical feet up the mountain. In summer and early fall, you can mountain bike, hike, and explore the activities at Epic Discovery—adventure courses, ziplines, a mountain coaster, tubing hills, and a climbing wall await. Come winter, it’s all about (duh) skiing. Vail’s 5,289 skiable acres are some of the best in the state, with back bowls, trees, and well-groomed beginner areas.

Any standout features or must-sees?
The summertime ziplining is worth the expense; you’ll fly over beautiful fields of flowers and forests with the stunning Gore range all around you. In winter, head to Blue Sky for a backcountry-like skiing experience that’s still serviced by lifts. And if you happen to catch Vail on a powder day, the area’s legendary Back Bowls won’t disappoint even the most jaded of skiers.

Was it easy to get around?
Vail is big, really big. Make sure to grab a map at the base when you buy your lift tickets and study it carefully. Signage is clear throughout the resort, but a few wrong turns and you can end up out of bounds.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?Lift tickets are expensive, so arrive early to get in a full day. The resort caters to all skill levels, but if you can’t stand the outdoors, you might want to look elsewhere.