Giving new meaning to the phrase "size matters," Vail is a huge resort that offers something for everyone. While its appeal is based on its vast and varied terrain, it is often hard to decide which runs will best suit your tastes. Hopefully, this description of Vail's most popular runs will help you make your decision.

Best For Beginners

Unfortunately, many of the Green Trails at Vail are flat cat tracks. If you look at the trail map, these trails are designated by dotted lines. On a more positive note, Vail is one of the few resorts that feature beginner trails at the top of the mountain. The incredible scenery may inspire beginners to improve their skills. If you take the Eagle Bahn Gondola, you will be treated to a 360-degree view. There is a chairlift to the right of the top of the gondola that has a few runs that are only used by beginners. At the end of the day, you can avoid the mass exodus from the mountain by downloading on the gondola.

Cruiser's Paradise

Aside from its bowls, Vail is famous for its long blue cruisers. Riva Ridge, a long top to bottom run, is a favorite of advanced intermediates. In the Lionshead area, Simba and Born Free are also popular long, winding runs.

Expert Runs

On the front side of the mountain, as you face the hill, consider the double-black diamonds named Blue Ox, Highline and Rogers Run. Highline is a mogul run, but be advised, it is directly under the lift. If you don't like having your performance "evaluated," you might want to choose a different run. Expert skiers will want to test their skills in Vail's famous Back Bowls, which provide more than 2,734 acres of wide-open terrain. The steeps and glades in Blue Sky Basin give you the best of both worlds: Lift serviced backcountry terrain.

For Kids

Vail has some ski-through theme parks, as well as special kid-friendly trail maps. While kids love to ski or snowboard through Ricochet Ridge, Crazy Coyote Passage, Thunder Cat Cave or Animal Kingdom, a few adults secretly enjoy themselves in these snow sport theme parks

Vail for History Buffs

Located near the former Camp Hale, which was the former 10th Mountain Division training center, Vail as a variety of runs that pay homage to its history. For example, Minnie's Mile is named after Charles Minot Dole. Dole founded the National Ski Patrol in 1938. He was also instrumental in the formation of the 10th Mountain Division.

Ruder's Routes is named in honor of Leonard Ruder, a heavy equipment operator who was responsible for the construction of many of Vail Mountain's early ski runs.

Roger's Run is named after Roger Staub, the champion Swiss skier and Olympic Gold Medalist, who served as Vail's ski school director from 1965-69.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Marie Mercer.
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