Vail’s World Famous Terrain

Want to know what makes Vail Colorado—and let’s be honest—one of the world’s premier destinations when it comes to skiing and snowboarding? Here are some facts to make you wish you were on Vail’s slopes right now: North America’s most acres of skiable terrain (5,317, to be exact); top-notch grooming that feels like fresh powder on every run; and the town’s European vibe greeting you as you stroll the town’s streets for upscale dining, shopping, and après-ski. 

As great as these features are, we’re here to talk about Vail’s shining stars–the back bowls. 

You could make an entire Vail stay of exploring Vail’s seven back bowls. Nature has carved out the ideal way to up your skiing game and Vail has harnessed that terrain with 47 trails and more than 2,700 skiable acres. Learn a little more about each of Vail’s back bowl offerings to curate the perfect day on the slopes. 

Sun Down Bowl

With a tucked away hidden entrance, Sun Down Bowl hosts some of Vail’s most challenging terrain, but getting there is a breeze from three different lifts. Windows and Never runs both offer soaring mountain views, and if you’re tackling Windows, make sure to look up to see the Mount of the Holy Cross meet your gaze. Want a view of all seven bowls? Never’s terrain means stunning vistas and fewer trekkers. Either course you take, ski at sunset and watch the night take over the mountain peaks.

Sun Up Bowl 

Of course if you’re a morning person, there’s a bowl for that. Sun Up Bowl puts the Back Bowls Corbel on display. Choose the Slot and Après Vous and fly down immaculately groomed trails. Add a little tree skiing to your day at Après Vous’ lower section. 

Tea Cup Bowl

Next time you warm up with a hot cup of tea, maybe it will take you back to the time you explored Tea Cup Bowl, where all the runs are named after Colorado’s own Celestial Seasonings teas. Tea Cup Glade surprises with its aspen tree skiing and cliffs to challenge your game. Morning Thunder jolts skiers awake with its fresh snow. 

China Bowl

You don’t have to choose between steep slopes and fresh grooming when you make your way to China Bowl. Skiers love the juxtaposition of Poppyfields East and West and Genghis Khan. Both Poppyfields’ runs serve up enough challenge but are accessible for intermediate skiers. And you may not be shocked that with a name like Genghis Khan, this run does not come to play. Take a shot conquering the steep and wide-open pitches that this bowl is known for. 

Siberia Bowl

Not to be toyed with, Siberia Bowl’s Rasputin’s Revenge serves up some of Vail’s most challenging runs. The south-facing terrain means conditions change to keep things interesting. Bolshoi Ballroom’s refined offerings mean low-angle glades for a smooth ride. 

Inner and Outer Mongolia Bowls

Feel like you’re hitting the backcountry with a ride down the Inner and Outer Mongolia Bowls. Test out your powder skills and whoosh down with the whisper of the pines cheering you on. This run’s quieter ride means you can stay in Vail and still embrace some solitude during your run. Be warned–getting to these bowls and back is a trek in and of itself. 

Whether you want to test out one or all, Vail’s back bowls let you tailor your outing, up your game, and give you serious bragging rights.