PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Vail Basecamp
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Get To Know The Resort
Preparing For Your Trip
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- Helmet: The use of helmets is strongly recommended. Children age 14 and under must wear a winter sport protective helmet while participating in ski & ride school, subject to local regulations. In addition, children and teens under age 18 who participate in designated children's classes or programs must wear a helmet. Rental helmets are available at our children's ski school locations for your convenience.
- Warm clothes including moisture wicking base layers, mid layers to trap body heat, and water-resistant outerwear, warm calf-high socks, and gloves or mittens.
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Sunscreen is recommended, even on cloudy days.
- Don’t have your own gear? Rent with Vail and let our experts fit you with the best boots, skis or snowboard for your best day on the mountain.
- Lift Access: All lesson participants must have a valid lift ticket or pass. Tickets can be purchased online with a group lesson package or separately here.
First time on mountain this season? Make sure you review and sign the waiver in your account prior to your trip.
Getting Here
Arriving on Mountain
You've made it! Here are some tips for your on-mountain arrival, including Express Lift Ticket Pickup if you purchased your lift tickets less than 9 days in advance.
Tips for having a legendary experience at Vail Mountain
- You can access the mountain from four base areas! Vail Village and Lionshead Village offer gondola access and are the most visited. For a quick and quiet arrival experience, try Golden Peak or Cascade Village.
- Visiting during a holiday window? Consider arriving outside of our peak arrival windows: before 9:00 a.m. or after 10:00 a.m.
- Looking for the local's way to the Seven Legendary Back Bowls? Consider Riva Bahn Express (#6) first thing in the morning to Highline Express (#10) and Sourdough Express (#14). It will drop you off right at China Bowl!
- Mountaintop Express (#4) offers amazing intermediate terrain, and is often one of our most popular lifts. Did you know many of the Back Bowls have groomed intermediate runs that lead to lifts with reliably shorter wait times? Check those out for great intermediate terrain and a spectacular Back Bowl experience.
- Download the My Epic app and check the alerts to get the latest real-time updates on the mountain.
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Plan Your Day On The Mountain
Complete Your Trip
Recommended My Epic Gear
FAQS
When do your resorts open for the summer
Gondola One (#1) will start spinning daily on June 14th, and Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) will start spinning daily on June 21st. Daily operations will be 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM through September 2nd, 2024.
Gondola One (#1) and Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) are operating from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from September 6th through September 29th, 2024.
Epic Discovery at Adventure Ridge does not have an official opening day yet. Please stay tuned.*
Is there a height or age requirement or limit to your activities?
Activity requirements can be found here
Is childcare offered and how can I make a reservation?
We do not currently offer childcare services at Vail.
Do you allow service animals?
Consistent with the requirements of the Americans with disabilities act and in the interest of the safety of guests, employees and other individuals accessing the mountain, if an individual with a service dog need to ride a chair lift, the service dog must be harnessed, leashed or tethered to the handler at all times while on the lift. The service dog must be unable to move on its own to help prevent the dog from jumping or falling off of the lift, potentially onto a person below, or posing a safety risk to guests or employees using the lift. In addition, the handler must be unhindered by the service animal and able to negotiate and use the lift safely, including loading and unloading the chair properly. Where possible it is strongly recommended that individuals with service dogs' access a gondola, which generally provides safer access than a chair lift for the handler, service dog, guests and employees.
Do you allow dogs on the gondola?
Consistent with the requirements of the Americans with disabilities act and in the interest of the safety of guests, employees and other individuals accessing the mountain, if an individual with a service dog need to ride a chair lift, the service dog must be harnessed, leashed or tethered to the handler at all times while on the lift. The service dog must be unable to move on its own to help prevent the dog from jumping or falling off of the lift, potentially onto a person below, or posing a safety risk to guests or employees using the lift. In addition, the handler must be unhindered by the service animal and able to negotiate and use the lift safely, including loading and unloading the chair properly. Where possible it is strongly recommended that individuals with service dogs' access a gondola, which generally provides safer access than a chair lift for the handler, service dog, guests and employees.
Where can I view mountain cams?
Check out our mountain cams here
Billing Questions?
Stop by one of our 2 ticket office locations located in Vail and Lionshead village. If more convenient, you can call (970) 754 8245 or email vailinfo@vailresorts.com.
What summer activities do you offer?
Vail Mountain offers bike hauls, scenic gondola rides, and several activities at Adventure Ridge, located at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19). Click here (Activities Page) to learn more)
What discounts are include with my pass or lift ticket?
There are many season-long discounts attached to your Season Pass. Benefits include Epic Mountain Rewards of discounts up to 20 percent on food and beverages, lodging, group lessons, and gear rentals, among other benefits. Other Season Pass benefits include discount Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets, and Summer Access. For more information, please go to EpicPass.com, Benefits (top, left) then View All Benefits.
All Epic Day passes include season-long Epic Mountain Rewards discounts. Other benefits and access are determined by the type of Epic Day Pass purchased. For more information, please refer to this link: https://www.epicpass.com/passes/epic-day-pass.aspx Please Note: Epic Day Passes do NOT include Buddy Tickets, Ski-With-A-Friend tickets, or Summer Lift Access.
For discounts and benefits attached to Whistler Blackcomb Passes, please refer HERE
Lift ticket benefits include the ability to change the date and also refund all unused days.
Can I buy lunch with my pass?
Yes! You just need to make sure you have resort charge set up. Learn more on how to set up resort charge here
Do I get my Epic Mountain Rewards at your restaurants?
For the most part - absolutely! All of our cafeteria style restaurants on mountain offer the EMR discount (20%!) on food. Alcohol is excluded at all locations and there is limited participation among our fine dining and full service restaurants. Be sure to look HERE to see everywhere you can use this awesome pass holder discount
Do I need a reservation to have lunch on mountain?
No! No reservations required to enjoy our convenient on-mountain cafeterias this year. Just ride until you're hungry, and then pop in.
I want to have lunch with a big group, is it okay if I save a bunch of tables?
It depends, but we, and a lot of the other guests on the mountain, would really prefer you do not save tables so that those who are looking to sit can find a place to enjoy their lunch. If you want to eat with a big group all together, we recommend trying before noon or after 1:30 PM.
Last year you told me I had to leave after 45 minutes, is that still true?
Thankfully we are in a different place than last year and required table time limits are no longer in effect. However, out of respect for other guests, we do ask you to be thoughtful and limit your time at the table, especially during peak times and holidays. Go ride!
When is the best time to eat lunch?
When you're hungry! But also, to get the most out of your day, consider dining outside of our peak hours of 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. We always recommend an early start, an early lunch (11:00 is awesome), and an early apres.
Where do I search and book online or call to review my vacation plans?
Check out our lodging options across our resort portfolio here.
How do I find ski in/ski out lodging?
You can filter for ski in/ski out properties on many of our search and book pages. Select which resort you'd like to visit to search properties
Where's the best place to stay in-resort?
Check out our recommended signature properties across our resort portfolio here
Can I bring my pet?
Some of our properties are pet friendly. You can review the detailed information on property amenities on our resort search and book pages.
How do I get to the resort?
For directions to Vail, parking information and transportation options, click here
Does the resort offer lockers? Do I need to purchase in advance? How much is a locker pass for the season?
For more information on locker pricing and availability, click here.
Where can I park? How much does it cost?
For parking information, click here
What transportation options exist from the airport?
For airport transportation options, click here
What is the weather like when I arrive?
For the latest snow and weather conditions, click here
Where are the ticket window locations?
Lionshead: Ticket office at base of Gondola 19.
Vail Village: Ticket office & Ski School at base of Gondola One.
Where do I pick up my pass?
Please go to any Vail Resorts ticket office, present a photo ID, and you’ll be able to pick up your pass. If time permits, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 and a new pass will be mailed. Whistler-Blackcomb guest call 800-766-0449. Or contact a pass agent via Live Chat at www.EpicPass.com to have a new pass issued. Download My Epic App to activate your mobile pass and skip the line at the ticket window.
Where do I pick up bike rentals?
Vail Sports
What food and beverage options are open, and what are hours of operation?
We have a variety of dining options at Vail. For the most up to date information on locations and hours of operations, click here
Someone in my family has a food allergy or sensitivity, are your lodges able to accommodate them?
We strive to offer meals that suite a variety of modern lifestyle and dietary preferences, due to the nature of our menus, please ask locally during your visit.
Do you take cash in your restaurants?
At this time, Vail Resorts does not accept cash in it's restaurants. All major cards, ApplePay, and resort-charge are accepted.
What time do lifts close?
For the most up to date information on lift and terrain hours, click here
How to contact safety/ ski patrol
For information on how to contact ski patrol, visit here
What transportation options exist within the resort?
Vail offers free bus services in Vail Village and Lionshead Village. Click here for more information
Where to get a refund?
For tickets and lessons: Stop by one of our 4 ticket office locations or call (970) 754 8245 to have a ticket agent process the refund. We are open 8:00-4:00. All ticket adjustments should be done the day of or before the end of the current ticket date. Lessons have the same 48 hours cancellation policy as Beaver Creek.. Full refunds are available 48 hours in advance and lessons cancelled within 48 hours may be subject to a cancellation fee.
For Epic Passes: We are unable to process refunds/downgrades at the resort. Guests eligible for a claim can connect with the support staff on our website.
Refunds can take up to 5 business days to appear on the guests bank account.
Why didn't Epic Mountain Rewards apply?
The Epic Mountain Rewards discount is available at eligible Vail Resorts restaurants, lodges, rental shops, golf courses, and other businesses and activities. The discount applies to all food and non-alcoholic beverages. The pass holder must present their eligible pass to receive the discount. For more details, Please go to www.EpicPass.com, Benefits, then Epic Mountain Rewards to learn more, or click here
Where can I charge my phone?
Our lodges and restaurants are great places to charge your phone. In addition, we have free and secure mobile phone- specific charging stations on the mountain that are easy to use. Just enter a custom pin number when you place the phone in the locker and use that same pin to unlock the locker to grab your phone.
Where can I locate the mobile phone charging stations?
The locations are shown on the trail map, and are available at the following locations: Two Elk Lodge, Mid-Vail, Wildwood and Eagle's Nest.
Where to return bike rentals?
Vail Sports
Where is the closest retail outlet?
Vail Village or Lionshead.
Where can I book dinner?
We have a wide variety of restaurants in Vail and Lionshead village. We recommend you make a reservation in advance. You can check Tok and Open Table as well as visit our town website to see options available.
Where can I take my family for a quick dinner for tired kids?
There are plenty of options throughout both villages that offer easy food and ice cream!
Where can I go for apres?
Express Lift at the base of Gondola 1 in Vail Village.