Winter Weather Advisory
2025-12-21T00:00:00-07:00

* WHAT...Snow expected above 10, 000 feet. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Flat Tops and Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to midnight MST Saturday Night. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Expect snowy and icy roads heading up to and including Vail Pass.


Vail Ski Report

4.4/5 (5 Ratings)

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

A chilly start to December 19th in Vail with overnight temps dipping to 29°F, setting the stage for a promising day on the mountain. 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


1"

Past 24 Hours

17.0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


Summary

The snowpack currently measures 17 inches—about 28% below average for this time of year—but conditions remain rideable across much of the resort. While only a light dusting (0.06") is expected today, skiers and riders can look forward to nearly 2 inches of fresh snow by early next week, with 1.19" forecast over the next 72 hours. Groomers are in excellent shape for early turns, and high-elevation terrain continues to hold well thanks to recent cold snaps preserving snow quality.

On the local scene, excitement builds as Eagle County Alpine teams gear up for the Colorado High School Ski League season. Meanwhile, Vail’s unique ski-day dining continues to turn heads—yes, the roaming hot-dog snowcat and martini lunches are real. Be prepared for peak holiday crowds and sticker shock, as lift tickets across top Colorado resorts, including Vail, surge to $300 during Christmas week. Despite a dip in Epic Pass sales, Vail Resorts has announced major upgrades slated for 2026. For now, bundle up, check road conditions, and enjoy a classic Colorado winter day on the slopes.

Snowstake Cam

Vail Preview

Snowpack Percent Normal

62%

Max Recorded Snowpack

199"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 48 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 72 Hours

1"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 72 Hours

1"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

1"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

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, a 10 percent chance of snow showers after 5pm. sunny, with a high near 38. west wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.


How much new snowfall is forecasted for Vail this week?

Vail is expected to receive up to 1.19" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.


What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?

Northern Colorado is set to receive the heaviest snowfall in the coming days, with the Tower SNOTEL site near Steamboat Springs forecasting 6 inches over five days and having the deepest snowpack in the state at 31". Nearby, Zirkel and Elk River are also forecasted for 6" with snow depths of 26" and 15", respectively. Steamboat Resort, the closest major ... Read more