We’re starting our Legendary Terrain journey in Northwoods - some of the most varied and exciting terrain on Vail Mountain’s front side. Originally called Northeast Bowl, people refer to this area as Northwoods from the trail originally cut in 1967. Serviced by Northwoods Express (#11), and reachable from Highline Express (#10), Riva Bah Express (#6) and the summit of Mountaintop Express (#4), there’s nothing quite like the variety you’ll find here.
Every type of skier can experience Northwoods by taking Timberline Catwalk to Flapjack. You’ll find yourself on the quiet catwalk amongst tall trees, opening up into a wide open family friendly area to the base of Northwoods Express.
If you’re more of a fast blue groomer connoisseur, then you won’t want to miss Northwoods – this area’s namesake trail. Don’t ski too fast or you’ll blow past the amazing Gore Range Views that smack you in the face as you head down the hill. Feeling pretty good? Then take your skills to the next level on Northstar, a frequently groomed black diamond run.
While many rush to the Back Bowls and further out to Blue Sky Basin for fresh turns and airy powder, some of the best extreme terrain is left untouched on North Rim and South Rim. Anyone who has taken a ride up Northwoods Express has seen expert skiers and riders (and some not-so-expert skiers and riders) test their metal on the rocks and cliffs under the lift line. North Rim, accessed from Swingsville, is a more secluded area for experts to navigate a cliff band and be rewarded with powder stashes on their way down.
Northwoods is an outstanding area for skiers of all abilities with some elevated experiences for expert skiers and riders looking for tree skiing, powder stashes and cliff jumps.
Every type of skier can experience Northwoods by taking Timberline Catwalk to Flapjack. You’ll find yourself on the quiet catwalk amongst tall trees, opening up into a wide open family friendly area to the base of Northwoods Express.
If you’re more of a fast blue groomer connoisseur, then you won’t want to miss Northwoods – this area’s namesake trail. Don’t ski too fast or you’ll blow past the amazing Gore Range Views that smack you in the face as you head down the hill. Feeling pretty good? Then take your skills to the next level on Northstar, a frequently groomed black diamond run.
While many rush to the Back Bowls and further out to Blue Sky Basin for fresh turns and airy powder, some of the best extreme terrain is left untouched on North Rim and South Rim. Anyone who has taken a ride up Northwoods Express has seen expert skiers and riders (and some not-so-expert skiers and riders) test their metal on the rocks and cliffs under the lift line. North Rim, accessed from Swingsville, is a more secluded area for experts to navigate a cliff band and be rewarded with powder stashes on their way down.
Northwoods is an outstanding area for skiers of all abilities with some elevated experiences for expert skiers and riders looking for tree skiing, powder stashes and cliff jumps.