Novice skiers should keep to the "Front Side" only!
Vail is divided into three large subareas: “The Front Side” the main area at the front of Vail Mountain, “The Back Bowls” and “Blue Sky Basin”. Apart from connecting trails there are no easy trails to be found in neither the “Back Bowls” nor the “Blue Sky Basin” which are dominated by ungroomed black terrain and moguls. Consequently no terrain beginners should venture into. However the “Front Side” subarea provides an abundance of beginner friendly terrain. Green slopes (easy) can be found practically every where. We can especially recommend to cruise at the “Highline Lift” along the "Boomer", "Tin Pants" or "Flap Jack" trails which are all located in proximity to the “Elk Lodge” (see trail map). Worthy of praise is also the beginner area at the “Minnies Lift”. No less than 4 beginner friendly lift facilities take the novice skiers up and around the novice area. Conclusion: Vail is not only suitable for expert skiers, beginner however should definitely keep away from the “Back Bowls”!