Some seriously happy stoke at Vail on November 20th. While we love skiing, our smiles don’t get this broad unless the conditions and day are extraordinary. ©bsm, 2018
Ready to ski Vail when the conditions are good and the crowds are low? Your time is NOW.
We’ve skied Vail twice in the past 6 days and frankly, those two days have been some of the best days we’ve had at Vail…EVER!
Here’s why.
- An Abundance of Terrain. Vail opened on November 14 with 600 skiable acres. Yesterday, the mountain had 1,062 skiable acres open, with more openings tentatively scheduled for this weekend. While the Back Bowls are closed, the majority of the massive frontside is open.
- Conditions are Really, Really Good. So far this season, Vail has received 56″ snow. Yes, as of mid-November, that’s 4.6 feet of natural snow. Combine that with snowmaking on the mountain’s lower slopes and the conditions top to bottom are enjoyable. The conditions at the top are fantastic.
- Not Just Groomed Runs. Right now, November skiing at Vail is so much more than a “white ribbon of death.” From immaculately groomed pistes, to ungroomed moguls, chutes and even runs with soft semi-tracked snow, you’ll find it; especially after this weekend’s forecast snow.
- No Lines. This won’t be true over Thanksgiving Friday and Saturday, but come Sunday, when visitors travel home and the Epic Local pass reactivates after a two-day holiday blackout, you will have the mountain to yourself if you ski midweek. Hot laps, anyone?
Definitely a lot of snow on the mountain yesterday. ©bsm, 2018
With skiing conditions this good, both Vail and Beaver Creek will get busier on weekends leading up to Christmas. But these early season days are always less busy than the holidays and into mid-winter.
Now is a great time to take the kids out of school for a midweek ski day, or to take a pre-holiday ski vacation at Vail.
Seriously. The skiing is that good.
Opening Day, November 14, 2018. With my friend Nicole Feliciano of Momtrends! Yeah, we’re loving it. You will be, too. ©bsm, 2018
What’s On at Vail and Beaver Creek Through December 16
Vail
Scans for Cans: EpicPromise will donate one canned food item to the Vail Valley Salvation Army for each Epic Pass scanned at either Vail Mountain or Beaver Creek Resort on Thanksgiving Day.
10 Days of Epic: The Epic Pass is 10 years old! To celebrate, Vail Mountain has 10 days of specials on Fridays and Saturdays through December 16. Specials range from small — complimentary fries with an Epic Burger, to big — 50 percent off group lessons.
Military Appreciation Weekend, December 7-9: Celebrate the military with special offers for Military Epic Pass holders.
Snow Days, December 13 – 16: Vail Snow Days is all about the party, with a four-day lineup of events including free concerts, a Pray for Snow Bonfire, pub crawls, and more. More details and a list of all activities is found here.
Winter’s Extraordinary Start at Beaver Creek
Opening Weekend, November 21-25: Live music, prizes, tree lighting, Santa and cookies. Plus great skiing, too!
Xfinity Birds of Prey Men’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup, November 29-December 2: The fastest men on snow compete in the Downhill, Super G and Giant Slalom. Admission to the viewing stands (and many of the activities in Beaver Creek Village) is free, although you need a lift ticket to ski.
Winter’s Welcome, December 7-9: More live music, avalanche dogs, family events and fun in Beaver Creek Village. Plus on-mountain and shopping discounts for Epic Pass holders, including 50% off of group lessons.
Haymeadow Park Grand Opening, December 15: Haymeadow Park is Beaver Creek’s second and newest signature learning area. With lifts, terrain and amenities to help beginners learn quickly while maximizing their fun, Beaver Creek now has the most dedicated learning terrain in Colorado. Stop by on Saturday, December 15 for a ribbon cutting at the new Ice Cream Parlor, Ski School demonstrations, prizes and more!
Lodging Hot Tip: Manor Vail Lodge
We’ve stayed at Manor Vail Lodge twice in recent months and we love it. Lodging ranges from hotel rooms to penthouse suites, along with condos of all sizes. Breakfast is included, as is a Ski Butler ski valet to ferry your skis to and from Golden Peak, a very short walk from the hotel. Manor Vail has a 40% off Cyber Monday sale in progress through November 27, as well as a Ski, Sleep, Repeat deal, offering 25% off.
This photo is from Vail’s 2017 closing weekend, so there are definitely more skis on the rack than you’ll find right now. Have I said that I love having a ski valet? Have I said that parents of small children love it even more than I do? ©bsm, 2017
And we’re not the only family that thinks Manor Vail Lodge is fantastic. The property recently received a 2018 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award.
Enjoy!
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