Vail skiers, gear up for a dynamic day on the slopes this December 22, 2025. Vail Ski Resort is located in Colorado, United States, and is one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight air temps held steady at 32.5°F, preserving the existing 11" base—though it's notably 55% below the seasonal average. The snowpack remains light, with a Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) of just 3", pointing to drier-than-usual conditions on piste. Expect packed powder in shaded areas and firmer, faster tracks as midday sun softens the upper layers. While no significant fresh snow is forecast today, a weekend snowstorm is tracking toward Colorado and may bring much-needed accumulation by Saturday.
Despite a lean snow year so far, excitement still pulses through the valley. Local venues like the Vilar Performing Arts Center are buzzing with holiday events, including performances by the Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet and major country music acts. Travelers should remain aware of weather-related mountain travel advisories later this week. While Western ski resorts face challenges from a below-average snow season, Vail’s world-class grooming and festive atmosphere continue to deliver memorable mountain experiences. Be sure to check lift status and terrain updates throughout the day, and plan ahead to make the most of the upcoming storm’s potential.
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, sunny, with a high near 42. east wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Snow is set to pile up in southwest Colorado, where resorts near the San Juan Mountains are expecting the highest totals in the next five days. Wolf Creek Ski Area leads the state with a forecast of up to 15–20 inches through the weekend, supported by nearby sensor data from Wolf Creek Summit (15") and Scotch Creek (20"). Telluride is ... Read more