Vail Reviews: 4.35/5 from 50+ Verified Skiers | Snomad
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Ski ResortsUSAColoradoVail
Updated May 2026
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How Skiers Rate Vail

Overall Rating
4.35
Value for Money
3.32
Quiet Slopes
3.63
Après-Ski
4.19
Accommodation Options
4.53
Family Friendliness
4.52
Groomed Runs
4.68
Powder Zones
4.16
Tree Runs
4.21
Mogul Fields
4.03
Off-Piste
4.02
Snow Parks
3.47
Lift Efficiency
4.36
Eating Out
4.39
Ski School Quality
4.51
Beginners
4.42
Intermediates
4.50
Advanced
4.34
Experts
4.19
Snowboarders
4.52

Read All 50+ Vail Reviews

What Skiers Say About Vail

Vail attracts predominantly intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders who consistently praise the resort's massive size, diverse terrain, and the legendary back bowls. Blue Sky Basin and tree runs receive frequent positive mentions. Reviewers note excellent grooming, efficient lift systems once on the mountain, and a charming European-style village with quality dining options. However, the overwhelming majority cite high costs for everything from lift tickets to accommodation and food as a major drawback. Crowding, particularly at base gondolas and during peak times, is frequently mentioned. Several users note that while the mountain delivers when conditions are good, poor snow years significantly impact the experience, and the resort is criticised for not adjusting pricing accordingly.

AI-generated summary based on verified skier reviews

  • terrain variety
  • back bowls
  • Blue Sky Basin
  • resort size
  • grooming quality
  • tree skiing
  • village atmosphere
  • dining options
  • high prices
  • lift queues
  • expensive accommodation
  • costly food and drink
  • crowding
Filters
5.0
Overall Rating
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Uzayr
advanced snowboarder 🏂 🇺🇸 United States
Jan, 2 2025
This is the best resort I've ever been to it costs an arm and a leg but it gives you an unforgettable experience!
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3.0
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Ignacio
advanced skier ⛷️ 🇺🇸 United States
Dec, 28 2024
Love vail but compare with skiing in europe is extremely expensive. Nice areas specially in back bowls and blue sky. Front area is more for beginners. Food options are expensive and limited. Same with spares.
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4.0
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Arturo
intermediate skier ⛷️
Dec, 27 2024
In contrast to Breckenridge Ski resort I found Vail to be a little bit more challenging as most of the slopes were steeper. We only skiied there for a day, and the powder was very good as well as the infrastructure. The staff was very friendly and accomodating. The apres-ski in Vail is way better than in Breck, as well as the shopping options. Since you can purchase the lift tickets on the Epic Pass I did not find any price difference between the two resorts, but in general Vail had pricier restaurants and stores than in Breck. I also really enjoyed the serene atmosphere of the town and the german architecture.
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5.0
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Tiffany
advanced skier ⛷️
Dec, 26 2024
Vail has some of the best terrain and most navigable towns in Colorado. The worst thing about the town is that the highway runs through the middle of it. Not ideal for your quaint little mountain town but the skiing and amenities are great. Great night lived too with live music most nights during high season.
Family Friendliness
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5.0
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Tyler
expert snowboarder 🏂
Dec, 17 2024
Vail is HUGE and an entirely otherwordly experience. Higher difficulty runs and back bowls are where they excel, but their greens and blues are still world class.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
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Eating Out
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Value for Money
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5.0
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Mel
advanced skier ⛷️ 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Dec, 13 2024
Honestly the best mountain to ski on for me in the world, from the friendly staff to the amazing amount of beautiful tree lined skiing for all levels, the bowls to blue sky basin it has it all and those powder days are something else! After skiing you can wine and dine in numerous places and in the evenings there is plenty of options for amazing food. Very family friendly but also has a little partying for the adults. Love the place!
Family Friendliness
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Eating Out
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Value for Money
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4.0
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Luke
advanced skier ⛷️ 🇺🇸 United States
Dec, 13 2024
Vail mountain is an amazing getaway for both by yourself as well as your family. Vail is very family friendly and has something for everyone to enjoy from amenities all the way to an awesome terrain park for the trick skiers!
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
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Value for Money
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Mogul Fields
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4.0
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Thomas
intermediate snowboarder 🏂 🇺🇸 United States
Dec, 8 2024
Great resort, but it gets busy quick and feels full. Limited terrain park options, but great, long runs
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
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4.0
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Alessandro
intermediate snowboarder 🏂 🇺🇸 United States
Dec, 6 2024
It was my first time snowboarding, went out for the week and had a blast. Had a friend teach me the basics and then hit the slopes full send. Super fun, locals are very welcoming and easy to befriend. Many great options for dine in and fast food. Theres also so many runs to choose from, didnt even cover half the place. All around great resort.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
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5.0
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Philip
intermediate snowboarder 🏂 🇺🇸 United States
Dec, 6 2024
Powder here was my favorite, havent been snowboarding too much but still very much enjoyed the area and the slopes. Views are also GORGEOUS. 10/10
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5.0
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Nathaniel
beginner skier ⛷️ 🇺🇸 United States
Dec, 4 2024
The resort is super family friendly. Lots to do and many places to eat out with varying prices for all. The ski lift is more expensive than other resorts Ive been at but the views are truly incredible.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
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Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
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4.0
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Luke
advanced skier ⛷️ 🇺🇸 United States
Dec, 1 2024
Vail deserves the hype. Amazing resort. Everyone should go at least once.

Very diverse terrain options. Especially strong for off-piste terrain (back bowls). There is seemingly endless terrain to explore and the snow holds well in trees.

Plenty of groomers for those who want to go fast.

Beautiful resort town with lots of restaurants and shopping.

Very expensive! But worth it for the all-in ski experience
Family Friendliness
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Eating Out
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Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
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5.0
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Carter
intermediate snowboarder 🏂
Nov, 19 2024
Been skiing/snowboarding on Vail Mountain since I was 6 years old, and I gotta say there is something for everyone. No matter what kind of terrain or riding style you prefer, you can bet that you can do it at Vail. The staff takes great care of the facilities as well as the mountain itself, and Vail Village is a great place to shop around for a few hours.
Family Friendliness
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Eating Out
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Value for Money
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4.0
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Christopher
beginner snowboarder 🏂
Nov, 19 2024
For a beginner going into vail for the first time fully knowing well it is THE resort that Vail Resorts holds to a standard and its quite the atmosphere. From walking to the village to taking the gondola for the first time to Eagles Nest. With a view of all the slopes from Lionshead village it was a sight to behold but this was only the tip of the iceberg on my visit as I have so much more of this mountain to explore and then eventually to the legendary back bowls
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4.0
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Allan
advanced skier ⛷️
May, 1 2024
It wasnt quite worth the hype in my opinion; admittedly a gigantic mountain which Im sure would be amazing with the proper conditions, but when I was there it just wasnt as fun as the many other colorado resorts. Still cant have a bad time though.
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5.0
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Patrick
intermediate skier ⛷️
Apr, 30 2024
I love Vail because it's fairly close to where I live. It's got great runs. It's military friendly which I like because I'm retired military.
Family Friendliness
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3.0
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Paul
advanced skier ⛷️
Apr, 30 2024
twas like driving into Christmas. A beautiful ski town with every amenity you could think of. The Red Lion pub was one definately a highlight. The skiing... What can I say.. World class groomed runs with plenty of choice and a great lift system but boy is it expensive compared to Europe.. In every sense! Would go back if I could afford it but have to admit I found Breckenridge more 'real' with better skiing and better eating out/beer options. It was also - 25 deg C when I was there so neoprene mask it was which is always unpleasant.
Family Friendliness
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4.0
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Alexandra
advanced skier ⛷️
Apr, 30 2024
Love them! I think theyre super useful for advance people who can run more difficult runs. They are definitely worth trying if youre considering.
Family Friendliness
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Eating Out
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5.0
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William
advanced skier ⛷️
Apr, 29 2024
Vail is an incredible resort with more terrain than you can imagine. I was able to go this season and the Back Bowls are indescribable. I stood outside the Two Elks lodge after eating and just admired the view of the bowls and Blue Sky Basin off in the distance.
Once you come into the Vail Village there are plenty of signs for parking, accommodations , etc. Parking in the garage is the best for easy access and its partially covered in case of weather. From the garage its a short walk into the village which my remind someone of an amusement park. The shoppes and Vail staff are very helpful and welcoming, providing directions and information for newcomers.
Again the resort is massive, so to really enjoy, if possible plan to stay a few days. Which is what I'm planning for next year!
Most of my skiing was done at Breckenridge this year, but my single day at Vail was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to go back next year for a few days. I've already renewed my Epic Pass!
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5.0
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Brian
advanced skier ⛷️
Apr, 28 2024
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