It's still November and already Vail's legendary back bowls -- Sun Up, Sun Down, China Bowl and Teacup -- are open for the season.
This marks the third time in the last decade that the Back Bowls have opened this early. In 2014, the Back Bowls opened on Nov. 26, in time for Thanksgiving, and in 2010, portions of the Back Bowls opened on Nov. 24. The earliest the Back Bowls have opened this century was on Nov. 16, 2002.
Vail currently has 3,348 acres open in bounds, the most in North America.
“To have the most skiable terrain in North America right now is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our mountain operations teams, as well as the help we’ve seen from Mother Nature this season,” said Doug Lovell, Vail chief operating officer. “There is more snow in the forecast, and we anticipate opening additional terrain in the coming week. As we look forward, Vail is definitely the place to be this December.”
Abundant snowfall has been the story of the season so far, with a foot of snow falling in the 48 hour period surrounding Thanksgiving, and six feet of snow total on the season.
"We are definitely experiencing mid-winter conditions,” Lovell said.
Beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 27, skiers and snowboarders will have access to the following lifts and more than 3,348 acres of skiable terrain accessible via the following lifts on Vail Mountain:
- Gondola One
- Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19)
- Born Free Express Lift (#8)
- Avanti Express (#2)
- Wildwood Express Lift (#3)
- Mountain Top Express Lift (#4)
- High Noon Express (#5)
- Game Creek Express (#7)
- Sun Up Express (#9)
- Northwoods Express (#11)
- Gopher Hill (#12)
- Sourdough Express (#14)
- Little Eagle Lift (#15)
- Orient Express (#21)
- Lionshead Carpet (#34)
- Tea Cup Express (#36)
