Vail Mountain readies for epic 2024-25 winter season as Back Bowls open early
The opening of the Back Bowls means the resort already offers more than 2,000 acres of skiing and snowboarding, with other terrain – such as the Blue Sky Basin – expected to debut soon thanks so some epic early season snowfalls.
Having such a fantastic early start to the season has been welcomed by Vail Mountain’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Beth Howard.
“An opening like this is made possible by our 2019 snowmaking expansion, which was North America’s largest snowmaking expansion in history.”
Vail Mountain is open daily from 9:00am to 3:30pm for skiing and riding, scenic gondola rides, ski and snowboard school, alongside on-mountain dining at Mid Vail and Eagle’s Nest.
Howard said dining options will include the new Powerline Pub at Mid Vail and the resort will continue to make snow at every opportunity and quickly expand its skiable acreage.
Offering more than 5,200 acres of developed ski and snowboard terrain including the seven legendary Back Bowls, Vail is firmly one of America’s best winter playgrounds.
At The Arrabelle at Vail Square, stylish rooms, stunning views, 4-Diamond amenities, timeless elegance and rustic charm all meet in one place at the base of the mountain.
Here you can unwind in a setting that perfectly balances grandeur and tranquility and guests can immerse themselves in the stunning alpine scenery, enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, and savour sumptuous cuisine.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square features 81 spacious, and elegant guestrooms and condominiums, all with the feel of a classic grand European ski resort in the middle of Colorado.
Here, the rooms range from a King Size guestroom to a five-bedroom villa, all with stylish designs and modern amenities.
The property also features a 10,000-square-foot spa that’s recognised as one of the best in the United States and features 11 treatment rooms, a steam tub, whirlpool, and sauna.
The Arrabelle features a popular plaza at the heart of Lionshead Village headlined by an open air ice rink during the winter, shopping and dining.
Ideally, the hotel also has direct access to Vail Mountain thanks to the Eagle Bahn Gondola being just steps away.
Whether you stay for a night or a week, the property will make you want a longer experience each time you depart.
The renowned ski destination, famous for its Seven Legendary Back Bowls and its timeless pursuit of excellence, has announced a season-long, high energy music program that will captivate guests on and off the mountain.
Legendary artists Tiësto, John Summit, L’Impératrice, Jungle, and Goth Babe will headline three incredible performances throughout the season, across amazing outdoor venues like Vail’s Ford Park and The Gerald R. Ford Ampitheater (The Amp).
Thanks to Vail Mountain, the Town of Vail, and the Vail Valley Foundation, Vail is now synonymous with high energy music performances.
Vail Mountain joins the season-long festival atmosphere with pop-up performances by incredible artists.
Following the success of last season’s pop-up performance by John Summit, venues like the Eagle’s Nest Rooftop and Talon’s Deck at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola will welcome artists throughout the season.
Vail’s Bavarian and Swiss inspired villages get in on the energy and excitement. Live music can be found around every corner, all season long.
Après at Express Lift: Starting on opening day, Express Lift at the base of Gondola One will come alive with sixteen Après Days, featuring live DJs like Mark Farina, a name that rings out across the global dance music industry.
Dance your way through the village: Guests will be both surprised and energized as impromptu dance parties unfold at bars and restaurants across Vail’s villages. From live music during Margarita Mondays at Los Amigos to live DJs at Treff Cafe on Fridays, to the disco ball at Two Arrows, guests should always be ready for the beat to drop. Phil Long, a local legend, will regularly perform at Vail Chophouse, and Johnny Schleper will make regular live appearances at Vail’s classic après spot, The Red Lion. Vail’s lodging properties also turn into live music hot spots with Cucina at The Lodge at Vail, Tavern at The Arrabelle, and Gambit Bar at The Sebastian featuring regular live music throughout the season.
From the Underground to the Unconventional: Quite literally below the streets of Vail, Shakedown Bar is a 198-person live music venue that delivers a musical experience you won’t soon forget. With a cutting-edge sound and lighting system with full studio recording capabilities, visitors should venture below ground for an excellent live music experience. New to the scene, Chasing Rabbits represents the next step forward in entertainment.
When the lifts start spinning, Vail Après comes to life. After your day on the hill, dive into après magic with silent discos, art pop-ups, and ice-skating shows, plus tree-lighting festivities and live music that’ll keep you dancing.
This season, you can also enjoy more laps and fewer lines thanks to the Mobile Pass feature on the My Epic App.
Buy your pass or lift ticket online, activate and store on your phone in the new My Epic app, put the phone in your pocket and you’re ready to go! Bluetooth technology designed for low energy usage means you get scanned, hands-free, on-the-go.
United’s brilliant Polaris Business Class cabin
WAYFARER recommends flying to Vail’s Eagle Airport in Colorado on United Airlines, which offers direct flights to the destination from across America and around the world via key hubs in Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and more.
Book a ticket on the long-haul sector in United’s Polaris Business Class cabin, which features flatbed seats, pyjamas (on flights over 12 hours), all-new Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and onboard amenities from Therabody – including a kit that features an eye serum, face spray, hand cream and cleansing towelette exclusive to United customers – alongside fantastic inflight food and drinks (including an a new, brilliant wine menu), premium noise-reducing headphones and fantastic inflight hospitality.