Why Vail Offers Colorado's Best Expert Skiing
Nestled within the majestic Rockies, Vail epitomizes alpine grandeur and is a skiing haven for seasoned experts. The largest resort in Colorado covering 2,141 hectares, Vail Mountain offers the discerning skier unparalleled offerings for terrain, and is renowned for its legendary slopes that unleash an extraordinary world of adventure, challenge, and breathtaking beauty. Vail's 5,317 acres include terrain designed specifically for advanced skiers who seek both technical challenges and the thrill of exploring varied mountain environments.
Vail has much to offer advanced skiers for an unforgettable skiing experience with almost 200 advanced ski runs from blue to double black diamond to make your skiing holiday outstanding. Unmissable black diamond and double black diamond Vail ski trails can be found all over the resort, but you’ll want to check out these areas where the locals ski in the Back Bowls, Blue Sky Basin, and on the Front Side.
Siberia Bowl: Expert Skiing in the Back Bowls
Planning your route based on current snow conditions and recent snowfall helps advanced skiers find the best powder stashes and optimal terrain throughout the day. The Siberia Bowl is one of Vail’s legendary back bowls, set right on the edge of Vail’s vast terrain. Full of cliffs and ridges, the Siberia Bowl is ideal for conquering on powder days.
Rasputin’s Revenge
Head to Rasputin’s Revenge for one of the locals’ favorite runs and revel in the quiet of these less populated areas of the resort. This 1,818 ft long run is exclusively for expert skiers looking to push out of their comfort zones, so expect advanced to expert level terrain. You’ll encounter some rocks and trees, but for the most part this is an open run that is not to be missed.
Take the Orient Express Lift (Chair #21) to get to the trailhead. Be prepared for a short uphill walk to get to Rasputin’s Revenge – it'll be worth it.
Sun Down Bowl: Hidden Expert Skiing Gems
The Sun Down Bowl has much to offer for various levels of skiers, but for advanced and expert skiers, it's a special treat. The expert runs here don’t see a lot of traffic, so you might get lucky and find untouched powder even on the busiest of days. Advanced skiers often discover their best runs by exploring less-trafficked areas where fresh tracks remain available even hours after opening.
Never
Like to ski tree runs? Don’t sleep on Never. This steep, well-protected trail is best on days with deep powder. If it’s a really deep snow day, don’t be tempted to go right at the end of the trail – stay on the ridge and enjoy a superior ride. There is a small stream at the bottom of the run, so just be mindful the first time you try out this hidden gem.
O.S.
Another local favorite to tackle is O.S., named for what skiers would yell in the old days when it was easy to get caught up in the thrill of this trail and miss the lift (“Oh, S***!). These days, this 3,343 ft black diamond is easily accessed by the Sun Down Express Lift. Enjoy wide stretches of steep terrain, often with some of the best powder that comes in gusts from the west.
Blue Sky Basin: Backcountry-Style Expert Skiing
Blue Sky Basin gives you ample opportunity to experience the backcountry while still being within the boundaries of the Vail resort. Breathtaking 360 degree views of the peaks of Vail Pass greet you while you explore some of the resort’s best expert terrain.
Lover’s Leap
Although it's only half a mile long, Lover's Leap is one of the best expert runs in the Blue Sky Basin. The black diamond Vail trail offers a steep 758-foot drop from 11,096 feet to 10,335 feet. The trail makes up for its short length by having you start your run by leaping off a cornice onto a 34-degree slope with huge boulders.
While wind and snow conditions determine the size of the drop-off, you're guaranteed a good amount of air time. If the snow is deep enough, you can enjoy high-speed drop-offs from the boulders peppering the steep pitch.
Lover's Leap is easy to access if your skills are up to scratch. It only takes one lift ride, Chair 37, to reach the top. The trail is visible from the chair, so you can scope your line before each run. The ski run is also accessible from Chair 38 if you wish to push your limits.
Bonus: After Lover’s Leap, take Chair 37 back up and hit Skree Field. Littered with rocks and easy-to-spot cliffs, you’ll finish the run in a beautiful open glade where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain vistas that the Basin is known for.
Front Side Expert Skiing: Overlooked Challenges
The front side of the mountain holds many expert gems as well. With an easy approach and unique terrain offerings, start your day off here before heading to the Back Bowls and beyond. This area is sometimes overlooked by advanced skiers in favor of the back bowls or Blue Sky Basin, but some fantastic expert skiing is right here on the front.
Test your mettle through the trees and cliffs of the Northwoods and be sure to take a run on Vail’s longest expert run, Riva Ridge.
Riva Ridge: Vail's Longest Expert Run
Almost four miles long, Riva Ridge is Vail Mountain's longest single-run ski trail and is fun from top to bottom. This classic run is a mix of intermediate and expert sections and is great for those looking to test their skills on advanced terrain.
Northwoods: Tree Skiing and Cliffs
Warm up on Northwoods, the fast-moving namesake blue run, then try out Northstar for a groomed black diamond before moving onto the Rims. North Rim and South Rim are often left untouched – hop on North Rim for a large cliff band and some of the resort’s best-quality powder.
Plan Your Expert Skiing Adventure at Vail
Book your stay at Vail Resort and experience some of the best expert skiing in Colorado. Grab an Epic Pass for the best value and get ready to enjoy excellent powder days while pushing yourself to the limits on Vail’s advanced terrain.
