vail beginner skiing

Vail provides an excellent setting for a beginner or first-time skier. Novices can start out on of Vail’s many magic carpets, either at Golden Peak or at Eagle’s Nest’s Practice Parkway, and slowly and comfortably progress to the chairlift, and before you know it they’ll be cruising along on one of Vail’s many meandering, green circle trails. Practice Parkway is located at about 10,000 feet, so beginners, alike, can soak in Vail’s famed scenery.

Vail Beginner Terrain

With nearly 18-percent of the mountain’s 5,289 acres to explore, beginner skiers at Vail have many options. The Vail beginner terrain is found on the front side of the mountain. There are numerous traverse trails, like Lion’s Way, Gitalong Road and Trans Montaine, which allow beginner skiers to ski significant chunks of the mountain.  For an incredible view of the Gore Range, beginners should take a run on Eagle’s Nest Ridge accessed via Avanti or Wildwood Express Lift. Beginner skiers can also peer into the Back Bowls off of the Sourdough Lift.

Vail Ski School

Like nearly every Vail experience, its ski school has a steeped history of excellence, receiving many accolades annually. Vail’s combination of high-alpine beginner terrain and a renowned ski school makes it one incredible place to learn to ski. Golden Peak, which is the main children’s ski school, provides several magic carpets, each designed for different ages and skill-sets, and a small chairlift that’s great for progressing. Once beginners can ride the chairlift, the possibilities at Vail are endless. Over at Eagle’s Nest, on looker’s right side of the mountain, there’s another learn to ski areas off the Coyote Crossing lift. There are also designated Vail ski school locations in Vail Village and Lionshead.

To learn more about Vail beginner skiing call, or chat with, one of Ski.com’s knowledgeable Mountain Vacation Specialists.