The 6 Best Runs (Vail) Around Vail Valley

Some ski trails become favorites for their sweeping views, while others earn a reputation for steep pitches, deep snow or the satisfaction of mastering a difficult descent. Vail Mountain offers an expansive network of groomed cruisers, wooded terrain and challenging slopes that appeal to a wide range of skiers and snowboarders. With trails stretching across the Front Side, Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, each area brings a different character to the mountain experience. The Best of Vail Valley recognizes the terrain that keeps winter sports enthusiasts exploring, improving their skills and returning for another run.

Christmas

Christmas is a well-known intermediate run on Vail Mountain's Front Side, offering skiers and snowboarders a scenic descent through the resort's central terrain. The trail features a combination of open sections and changing pitches that encourage smooth, controlled turns. Its location near the Mountaintop Express Lift makes it a convenient choice for exploring other parts of the mountain. With groomed snow conditions when maintained and views of the surrounding peaks, Christmas offers a classic Vail skiing experience.

Lodgepole

Lodgepole offers an intermediate descent through Vail Mountain's Front Side terrain, combining a substantial vertical drop with a manageable trail rating. The blue-rated run stretches approximately one mile and descends more than 1,100 vertical feet, providing plenty of opportunity for linked turns. Its average grade of approximately 21% introduces enough variation to keep the descent engaging without requiring expert-level skiing. For skiers seeking a longer intermediate run, Lodgepole provides a rewarding way to explore the mountain.

Riva Ridge

Riva Ridge is one of Vail Mountain's most celebrated trails, stretching approximately four miles from the upper mountain toward Vail Village. Named in honor of the 10th Mountain Division's World War II victory at Riva Ridge in Italy, the run reflects the military history connected to Vail's founders. Its terrain includes challenging steep sections and more moderate stretches, creating a varied descent that demands attention and stamina. For experienced skiers, completing Riva Ridge offers both a physical challenge and a connection to the resort's heritage.

Big Rock Park

Big Rock Park introduces skiers and snowboarders to the expansive terrain of Vail Mountain's Blue Sky Basin. The intermediate run winds through a mountain landscape characterized by trees, natural features and views of the surrounding peaks. Its location in Blue Sky Basin provides an opportunity to explore terrain beyond the Front Side and Back Bowls. With a combination of rolling sections and changing terrain, Big Rock Park offers a distinctive experience for intermediate riders seeking variety.

Prima

Prima is an advanced run on Vail Mountain's Front Side, known for its steep terrain and demanding moguls. The trail descends through an area associated with some of the resort's most challenging inbounds skiing, requiring strong technique and confident turn control. Its sustained pitch gives experienced skiers an opportunity to test their skills on a classic black-diamond descent. Prima also occupies a place in Vail's early history, running along the ridge explored by founders Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton before the resort opened in 1962.

Shangri La

Shangri La offers skiers an adventurous descent in Vail Mountain's expansive Back Bowls, where open terrain and natural snow conditions shape the experience. The trail provides a different atmosphere from the resort's groomed Front Side runs, with mountain contours influencing route selection and turning rhythm. Nearby gladed terrain adds to the area's appeal for advanced skiers interested in exploring more challenging snow conditions. Surrounded by the broad alpine landscape of the Back Bowls, Shangri La captures the sense of exploration that makes Vail's backcountry-style resort terrain distinctive.

– Created or enhanced with ChatGPT