2025-12-18T05:00:00-07:00
* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and power outages may result.
Vail Ski Report
4.4/5 (5 Ratings)Nearby: Beaver Creek Resort
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Bluebird skies and fresh tracks await at Vail this December 17th, 2025. Vail Ski Resort is located in Colorado, United States, and is one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Humidity
Summary
After an overnight low of 27°F, the mountain is holding a modest snowpack of 16 inches—well below average for this time of year—so expect early-season conditions across most runs. Groomers are skiing best, and snowmakers have been working overtime to supplement natural coverage. Fortunately, a dusting of fresh snow is expected today, with 1.6 inches in the 24-hour forecast and more on the way later in the week. Winds may limit accumulation at higher elevations, but the outlook through the weekend brings hope with a total of 2 inches forecasted by Sunday.
On the slopes, Vail Mountain remains fully operational, though skiers should exercise caution—especially following a recent chairlift incident that led to two hospitalizations. The resort is investigating the issue, and lift operations continue with enhanced safety checks. Après-ski, guests can toast to the new partnership between Vail Resorts and Outer Range Brewing Co.—now the official beer partner on the mountain. And if you’re craving something different, Avon has welcomed a new sushi and hibachi restaurant to spice up your evening plans. With snow on the radar and festive vibes in town, Vail is primed for a classic Colorado winter week.
Snowstake Cam
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
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.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured 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.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Vail
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Vail impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
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 |
Vail FAQ
How much snow did Vail receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Vail today?
Weather today, snow showers, mainly after 11am. high near 35. east wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 30 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Vail this week?
Vail is expected to receive up to 2.39" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Northern Colorado is seeing the strongest snow activity this week. The Bear Lake and Copeland Lake areas near Rocky Mountain National Park are forecasted to receive 8–9 inches of fresh snow over the next five days. Located near Estes Park and close to Eldora Mountain Resort, these conditions suggest excellent skiing potential. Further north, the Tower SNOTEL site near Steamboat ... Read more
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