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

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
No user avatar
Ethan
advanced skier ⛷️
Jan, 24 2024
Much variety of runs and awesome back bowls. Runs for beginners to experts and great tree runs and expecialy and great experience and town. Every thing about the resort is magicle and great food.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
4.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Lisa
intermediate snowboarder 🏂
Jan, 22 2024
Vail is one of my favourite ski resorts on a powder day! The back bowls are amazing when theres fresh snow. However, on a normal day without fresh snow its not my favourite mountain since the back bowls arent as much fun. It can get very crowded and lift lines can get veeery long. The ski resort is one of the biggest in North America I believe so theres always something new to explore and you wont get bored.
Family Friendliness
Snow Parks
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
4.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Charity
expert skier ⛷️
Jan, 21 2024
Vail offers the best skiing in North America, but it will cost a lot, you can do it cheaper by renting an Airbnb down valley, eating in West Vail and bringing your own ski equipment, the skiing will be worth it, there are plenty of family friendly things to do off the slopes
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
4.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Jeremy
expert skier ⛷️
Jan, 18 2024
Vail is Disney World for skiing: its expensive, can be crowded as heck, parking sucks, and feels like an artificial Americanized faux-European dreamscape.

But holy hell can Vail deliver. It has soooo much terrain, so many options, so much variety, all of the highest quality. Truly, its eye-wateringly expensive and often overhyped. Yet it still is undisputed the best single area for acreage, variety, and snowfall. (Only Steamboat, Created Butte, Monarch, or Wolf Creek could claim better snow, but they dont have nearly the terrain)
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
3.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Ian
beginner skier ⛷️
Jan, 17 2024
Not alot of options for beginners... It's not great when you a green run that criss crosses a blue run- it's like playing frogger.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
5.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Zachary
advanced skier ⛷️
Jan, 16 2024
Vail has the best terrain out of anywhere Ive skied. It gets a bad rep for crowds, but vail is so expansive its always possible to find powder fields with empty lifts at the bottom. The back bowls truly are legendary, with an unbelievable amount of terrain. Vails beautiful with lovely staff and great dining option. Even in peak season, its relatively easy to avoid the crowds as long as you know where to go. Vail only falls short with its price, eating, lodging, and lift tickets are VERY expensive.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
3.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Julianna
advanced skier ⛷️
Dec, 25 2023
I love the skiing at vail. Its a very large mountain with diverse terrain and exceptional backbowls. That being said, the mountain can be difficult to navigate. In order to get across the mountain you have to take extremely long catwalks. The parking is expensive and even after paying, you still have a long walk to get to the slopes. The lines are always long and the initial gondola is extremely inefficient.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
5.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Tyler
advanced skier ⛷️
Dec, 25 2023
Vail is the best ski resort I have been to in my years of experience. The overall quality of the mountain tops any other mountain that I have been on. The grooming service is phenomenal and the snow making capabilities are like no other.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
5.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Jenna
beginner snowboarder 🏂
Dec, 24 2023
Vail is the place that got it started here in the US. That fact alone makes it one of the best destinations for winter snow sports. The skiing and snowboarding are some of the best the US has to offer and there are tons of things to do when you are not on the slopes. It is basically a ski town. The facilities are top notch and the fact that I was snowboarding in the same place that the 10th Mountain Division trained during WWII made it that much better for me. All around great vacation places and basically the trip of a lifetime.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
4.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
anna
intermediate skier ⛷️
Dec, 22 2023
Busy but EPIC mountain
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
4.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Toby
expert skier ⛷️
Dec, 21 2023
Blue sky basin is one of the best ski areas you will find. While many people are crowding the famous back bowls head over to blue sky basin. Not the place to go if u r a park rider. Great ski town as well.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
4.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Bryce anderson
expert snowboarder 🏂
Dec, 20 2023
Vail has the best terrain in Colorado in my opinion but lacks in terrain parks and affordability.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
5.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Samantha
intermediate skier ⛷️
Dec, 17 2023
As a former employee of Vail Ski School, this resort holds a place in my heart. It is a beautiful mountain with vast ski areas for all types of skiers/riders. Although the price is steep to stay in the village and the lift tickets are just as expensive, I consider it worth it if one can afford the experience. The Back Bowls are like no other place and the Après Ski is always a fun way to end a day of epic skiing.
Family Friendliness
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
4.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Pierre-Luc
expert skier ⛷️
Dec, 15 2023
Best part is blue sky basin
Very vast resort
Overpriced if buying by the day
Otherwise with season pass its great
Family Friendliness
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
5.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
marie
intermediate skier ⛷️
Nov, 30 2023
Love this resort. I have a life time pass. This says it all doesn't it?
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
4.0
Overall Rating
No user avatar
Mark
expert skier ⛷️
Nov, 21 2023
Something for everyone! From long challenging mogul runs and open bowls to fun groomers and cool tree skiing, Vail truly has a wide variety of terrain to satisfy most skier's appetites. Although, far from the most challenging of terrain, there is enough of it to explore for days and it's all accessible via the latest and greatest ski lifts and gondolas. The town has a super fun European charm with excellent 5-star restaurants and nightlife.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
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