Vail - Know Before You Go

[@rickden8362]

My best run in the Back Bowls. Late 70's(yes I'm old). 14'' new over night, snowing stopped but still overcast. We were in the second gondola out of Lionshead, down Game Creek up lift 7 just in time as patrol opened the gate to Sundown Bowl. The 3 of us had knee/mid thigh power, I went straight down the crest of untracked Ricks Ridge and booked it back to chair 5. Half way up the lift the sun broke out illuminating Ricks with nothing but my tracks straight down the center. It was Beautiful. Like something out of a religious experience.

[@chaddonohue3223]

As a snowboarding enthusiast in southern Louisiana, I appreciate the content. Helps with planning the next trip!

[@RJD_303]

Glad you found it helpful! I find myself studying trail maps well in advance of a trip and figured others might as well. I hope you have an incredible trip.

[@Ncharlestun]

If you are not an experienced, expert skier at Vail, when you are on the top ridge near the Patrol Headquarters, Sleepy Time Road, Back Bowl area, don't venture off of the main track to have a look-see. Otherwise, you may find yourself committed to a Back Bowl black diamond run. That is, if you don't want to take off your skis to ski-boot-trudge uphill 50-100 yards back to the safe main trail. Remember, the slopes are steeper than they appear on youtube ski videos. Snowplowing does not work on steep black diamond runs. Carry several of the free paper maps to always know where you are. Carry more than one so you'll always reach one when digging into your pockets.

[@MOAB-UT]

Great overview. Vail is a very fun mountain with a lot of varied terrain to make most happy. No, it is not an extreme mountain like Jackson Hole, Squaw Valley, Snowbird or Telluride but there are plenty of very steep areas if you look for them. There is also something special about the place. It is a true resort experience- which is not for everyone. Hardcore skiers tend to not like it for that reason- and the crowds, price, etc. Yes, it gets very crowded and it is super expensive. If you get there early, ideally for first tracks. If know where to go (this video helps), you can often avoid some crowds, especially during the week. I have skied Vail many times and a few times it felt like I had the place all to myself. One time I did not see a single person on the hill (just before closing- a magical time.) After lunch Vail tends to get very busy. My suggestion is to bring snacks/water and do a late lunch at Two Elk lodge. If you buy the pass you can save a lot vs. $200 per day lift tickets which is ridiculous. I like the (expensive but very good) restaurant up at the top 11,xxx feet. The bowls are legendary and on a powder day it's really tough to beat. They are not vertical but plenty steep and really big as in you could easily spend the entire afternoon just skiing one bowl if you really wanted to (I never have.) To compare, I have skied most of the other resorts worth skiing in the US and also BC. Aspen is nice, as is nearby Beaver Creek; Jackson Hole and Whistler are completely different mountains. I am a very good skier and actually a former instructor. I can jump some small cliffs successfully, however I do not consider myself an extreme skier. I still really like Vail. My philosophy is, ski everywhere you can and find your own personal favorite. For me, skiing isn't just about the mountain. It is also about the vibe, the apres ski, the town, the people, etc.

[@ryanperion8754]

I know this is a year later so idk if you will respond but, you said you skied beaver creek and I was wonder how that compares to vail, in the categories of tough extreme skiing and lines, those are the two things that will probably determine where I go this late march

[@MOAB-UT]

@@ryanperion8754 Hi Ryan. IMO, neither are really extreme. For that, head over to Telluride, Steamboat and definitely ASPEN HIGHLANDS. Between Vail and BC, definitely Vail. Some steeper runs for sure and bigger is better- overall I like Vail the most. For real extreme, go to Jackson Hole, WY, Snowbird, UT and many other places. Vail is more intermediate IMHO- if you live for steep, you will have to hunt it down- but there is some. Usually it will be bumpy but the bowls are a lot of fun and some sections can get steep. Hook up with some locals who can show you around to their favorite steep spots. Have fun! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJammIKviap0nbc&ab_channel=JacksonHoleMountainResort

[@ryanperion8754]

@@MOAB-UT Nice, thank you a lot

[@MOAB-UT]

@@ryanperion8754 Anytime Ryan- you are most welcome. Have fun, stay safe. Ski/board in control.

[@EcIips3]

I've been to Vail 4 times. And have never been on Gondola 1 or that side of the mountain. Can attest Vail is HUGE.

[@inaroundSwitzerland]

I always wanted to have an overview about the ski resort in Vail, thanks for the great explanations! It looks like that ski resort in North America have a quite different style compared to the ones here in Europe, interesting, I would like to try to ski there👍

[@RJD_303]

More glades is what I always hear. And Vail is outstanding. The Back Bowls are simply incredible.

[@Mitchellmayer1]

Hello, I’m one of the people who took the time to traverse out to the sun down bowl. It’s super sketch depending on conditions. It takes awhile to get out to OS or Seldom because the ridge is super flat and slow. The runs themselves are sketch near the end when it gets wooded, and cliffs start materializing out of thin air. Just being cautious and following tracks made it pretty nice’

[@blueskiesskiing]

You misspoke when you said the Back Bowls face North. Actually, they face South. The Front Side above the village faces North. Otherwise, very good information.

[@RJD_303]

Good catch! Someone else mentioned that a while back too.

[@125conman]

Going to vail in a couple week, this is the best video I've found describing the runs. Super excited to go. I've also torn my pectoral tendon (bench pressing), did you get the repair surgery?

[@RJD_303]

Thank you! Have a blast. Fittingly, I actually tore mine at Vail on a pole plant in a mogul. lol. Be careful out there! And yes, I had it repaired and it’s back to 100%

[@caseycarpenter3662]

Love these breakdowns. Are you familiar with Beaver Creek? We’re heading out there shortly and would love to get knowledgeable before we get there. Thanks!

[@brianwu5517]

This is so helpful! also watched your Brekenridge one. Cannot wait for my trip. Please do Beaver Creek 🙏

[@freespirit.j]

Very informative, thanks so much. Lol...Loads of funny Dogs 🐕 walking around !🤣🤣

[@RJD_303]

LOL, glad you found some humor in my unscripted parts.

[@Tytghbgdex356]

I had a brand new board when I visited vail, I was passing not only all the snowboarders with ease, I was also passing skiers. Even if I wrecked, I could get back up and pass my friends within 15 seconds lol.

[@psalmsurfer1]

So what are you saying? Alot of beginners at Vail?😅

[@Tytghbgdex356]

@@psalmsurfer1 nah was just saying the new board and fresh wax made me a lot faster on the powder

[@stevenmyers1436]

Your 100 percent correct if you hit chair 38 on a powder day. You can lap it all day and have the greatest day!

[@questforanewliver7481]

Thanks for this video!!!!

[@calillcockerham5819]

Very many years ago before the skiing industry caught on my dad had an opportunity to buy property in Vail, Colorado. He turned it down because he couldn't figure out why anyone would want to buy the side of a mountain. He regretted not buying it later.

[@robertfoster7425]

Over there at Belles camp. Do they supply the charcoals or propane for grilling your steaks? Please let me know.

[@RJD_303]

They are gas grills that are maintained by the resort, so they're always operational (theoretically).

[@robertfoster7425]

@@RJD_303 sounds legit. My trip there will be one for the books! I’m cool on dropping super coin for some tenders n fries. I’m fina marinate some carne asada steak flanks and corn tortillas so I can make tacos,

[@Kristianott]

Love this please do a beaver creek that would be dope!!

[@RJD_303]

Coming soon!

[@fl4650]

This is a great video, appreciate it.

[@stevenmyers1436]

Game Creek with a west wind is a pow stash. Ouzo's Glade, ouzo, and wild card ♠️. Secret is out.

[@akim2007p]

Thank you, very helpful video! I also watched your Breck video. It will be great if you add details for other resorts! 👍

[@RJD_303]

Thank you! I have a few more planned so stay tuned.

[@michaelaldrich8994]

I wish you had done more of these!

[@tysonwyant]

Thank you for making this! Subscribing 🙂

[@CoolKidHalter]

Gotta nitpit here. The Back Bowls are definitely NOT north facing.

[@RJD_303]

D'oh! You are definitely correct. As a geography major in college and one who makes strong claims on my spatial awareness, I definitely appreciate the call out.

[@Laxrocks571]

I noticed there are no double black, why is this? Are the bowls double blacks?

[@blueskiesskiing]

The bowls are steep, but not super steep. However, the huge, open bowls will keep any expert skier very happy.

[@gregdaniels3347]

The slope angles don't warrant Double Black. However, the snow conditions are majority not groomed. And they face south, so the snow is hard in the am and squishy in the pm. All day long, conditions change, every day. Black.

[@rwrootbeer]

You didn't mention primo or pronto bump runs

[@coloradocamera]

Do Crested Butte

[@RJD_303]

Next up -- I gotchu! I appreciate the feedback, my dude! Looks like you have some videos I can link to for that one. :)

[@gavinolson5901]

What are u talking about vail is much more expensive than telluride and park city, aspens barely ahead

[@letsgetfit8599]

I know this video was posted an year ago, but I would gladly appreciate if you could reply to my comment! Do all of the black & double black diamond slopes on the Back bowl(or even the ones on the front side of mountain) have moguls? If not, do you remember what are some black/double blacks WITHOUT moguls? I love steep slopes and enjoy thrill of speed skiing. I mostly ride on black/double blacks, but I can't do moguls at all and have to avoid.

[@letsgetfit8599]

It will be our first ride in Vail, and your reply would be very helpful :)

[@RJD_303]

Hey there! There are plenty of runs in the back bowls that don't have moguls. The terrain is varied and provides something for all styles. Given that the tree coverage is sparse you can easily spot the places that are moguled vs. those that are, so you won't find yourself in a position where you're forced down moguls.

[@vineperson7659]

Funny, I had my tibia plateau fracture just a bit above your pecs tear on Forever! Gotta be careful back there as coverage can sometimes be poor.

[@RJD_303]

Damn that spot! I skied it recently and had this superstitious feeling wanting to take hold as though somehow that spot was cursed. I don't even believe that stuff, but until I skied it successfully again, the feeling was weighing on me. I'm happy to report that it's not cursed after all. :)

[@AdamBetty-u7c]

Trenton Cliffs

[@stevenbrockdorf6112]

Well done, very proffessional. Nice not to be subjected to a bunch of profanity.

[@RJD_303]

Many thanks!

[@aquachonk]

Ex-Coloradan. Vail is hideous, like a Disney-esque version of the Rockies, very sterile and devoid of romance, adventure, or, you know, actual nature. But if you have a lot of money and very little interest in meeting the full range of humanity, you'll love it.

[@RJD_303]

A very fair take. It's certainly jumped the shark for many.

[@sharkheadism]

That's what I want

[@thomassykes8973]

Vail isn’t a great resort for snowboarding. Too many times you will be skating and walking. Go to Breckinridge or keystone.

[@psalmsurfer1]

Try riding Poconos PA LOL

[@jstone4071]

Well then start skiing, bruh

[@barrymac1951]

Vail, the corporation, sucks.

[@jayelm5392]

We have had a place in Vail since 85. Great area to ski, but living there full time can present problems. Mental health issues , or problems, do become amplified. Mountain employees are often not too friendly. The is especially applicable to the ski patrol. Tourists should have patience in their interactions on the mountain. Know that the young people working at Vail do have that yoke of potential mental health issues hanging on them.

[@christophersorel6056]

Pride chair. No go because of these ridiculous pandering efforts.

[@RusskiCommieBot]

It used to be better before Vail Resorts became Woke.

[@POW862]

Most over-priced over-rated ski resort in the world hands down! Fail...the adventures of a lift line!!!

[@anthonysears871]

You are dead wrong. Vile resorts suck. Over crowded to point it is worth your life. Cram upwards of 250000 incompetent skiers and riders a day on the mountain. Vail itself is unchallenging! They over develope adding grossly to global warming. Their employee treatment is disgusting. vike resorts will be the demize of the ski industry!

[@RJD_303]

Thanks for the perspective, Anthony. I understand the arguments, have heard them myself, and don't necessarily disagree with all them, but I don't think there is an objective truth on this one. Vail offers some challenges (which is inherently relative), and while I don't know all the stories of employee treatment, I do know it's certainly a mixed bag. At the end of the day, many find Vail to be a very fun mountain. Let's hope they can continue to make it fun and fix some thier issues along the way.

[@fl4650]

“Adding grossly to global warming” ??? Lmao.

[@Sarah-eb1go]

Great video! Are you on instagram?