It’s a mild Christmas Eve in Vail, Colorado, with overnight temperatures hovering around 35°F—well above seasonal norms. Vail Ski Resort is located in Colorado, United States, and is one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
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The snowpack sits at just 11 inches, a staggering 58% below average, leaving many trails with thin coverage and early-season hazards. Skiers can expect mostly groomed runs with limited powder, as only 1.5 inches of fresh snow is forecast over the next 72 hours, and a modest 6 inches over the next five days. Conditions are best in the early morning when grooming is fresh and temperatures keep the snow firm. Advanced trails and off-piste terrain remain marginal, so check lift status and trail openings before heading out.
Despite the snow's slow start this season, Vail Village is buzzing with energy. The Colorado Snowsports Museum gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, adding a nostalgic touch to the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, officials are ramping up road safety efforts after last year’s post-Christmas traffic saw over 120 crashes statewide—plan your travels accordingly. While snowfall may be scarce, festive cheer and alpine charm remain abundant. From luxury pet shops to literary celebrations at local bookstores, Vail continues to offer an unforgettable mountain holiday, even as Mother Nature holds back her usual bounty.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Vail Mountain.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Vail.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Vail impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Vail Ski Resort in Colorado is located in the Rocky Mountains and specifically in the White River National Forest. The resort is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including the Gore Range, Sawatch Range, and the Holy Cross Wilderness. Some of the prominent peaks in the area include Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Mountain, and the Gore Range peaks such as Mount Powell and Mount of the Holy Cross.
Vail Ski Resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders, with over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, including groomed runs, moguls, glades, and backcountry areas. The mountain aspects at Vail include wide-open bowls, steep chutes, and tree-lined slopes, providing a diverse range of skiing and snowboarding experiences for all levels of ability.
It offers over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain with 195 trails, including some of the best blue and black diamond runs in the country. The resort also has a rich history, as it was founded by Pete Seibert, who served in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II and was inspired by the ski resorts in Europe. For beginners, a popular suggestion is to try out the Lionshead area, which has gentle slopes and a great ski school program. For après ski, the Garfinkel's bar is a popular choice, known for its lively atmosphere and affordable drinks.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 32 Lifts |
Base Elevation | 2475 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 5289 Acres |
Established | 1962 |
Run Count | 193 Trails |
Top Elevation | 3527 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, mostly sunny, with a high near 40. east wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Vail is expected to receive up to 6.33" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Colorado’s southern and central mountains are the standout zones for snowfall over the next five days. The highest forecast totals are at McClure Pass (17"), Schofield Pass (17"), North Lost Trail (15"), Gothic (15"), and Spud Mountain (14"). These areas are close to Crested Butte and Telluride ski resorts, which should see excellent conditions by the weekend. Crested Butte, for ... Read more