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