As a beginner skier, Golden Peak is the ideal starting point. This base area is specifically designed for beginners, eliminating the need for a ride to the top. The Gopher Hill lift and run offer a gentle slope perfect for learning the basics.
If the snow conditions at the base aren’t ideal and the weather is favourable, head to the beginner area at the top of the Eagle Bahn. The Eagles Nest beginner area features multiple magic carpets and a small chairlift, providing a wonderful environment for new skiers. Insider. Insider tip: take the Eagle Bahn Gondola up to Eagle’s Nest. The ride itself offers stunning views of the mountain and the village below, making it an ideal spot for selfies or a group shot.
The base areas at Golden Peak, Mountain Plaza, and Vail Square provide all the essential amenities, such as rental shops, lockers, and direct access to green trails. These areas also offer ski schools for both kids and adults. However, note that Vail does not provide on-resort childcare, but there are other options nearby.
Many green runs back to the base consist of long, winding cat tracks that intersect with blue and black runs. Always look uphill when crossing these runs to ensure safety. Consider taking the gondola down if you’re exhausted or simply have tired legs, at the end of the day.
We highly recommend ski lessons for first-time skiers without a friend or family member guiding them or for those looking to maximise their Vail experience. Lessons can help you get the most out of your time on the slopes and explore beyond the beginner area.
Golden Peak features lifts and magic carpets used by the ski school, while the Gopher Hill Lift provides a spacious area for newbies to get comfortable on the snow before tackling more challenging lifts.
For those feeling a bit more adventurous, the gondolas offer access to open green runs and gentle blues. The Timberline Catwalk to Sourdough has wide, rolling greens perfect for building confidence. The Mountain Top Express also provides access to short, open greens and gentle blues.
Once you’re ready to move beyond the learning area, Swingsville and Christmas off Mountain Top Express, or Lost Boy and Dealers Choice in the Game Creek Bowl, are excellent runs for skill development. In poor weather, the Riva Bahn Mid-station offers a sheltered option with Pony Express or Ruders Run.
For those ready to explore more of Vail, each front side lift has a green run. Start with Flap Jack off Highline, then progress to Boomer, Swingsville, Lost Boy, and The Meadows, and finish with Eagles Nest Ridge to traverse the top of the front side.
When you’re confident on green runs and ready for blue runs, the Mountain Top and Avanti Express lifts offer excellent options. Avoid the short black portions near Avanti. The blue runs around Pride Express are also worth exploring.
The green runs in Game Creek Bowl are long and rolling, perfect for building speed confidence. The blue runs provide short, challenging sections for more confident beginners.
For those feeling adventurous, Vail’s legendary back bowls like Poppyfields or The Slot offer exciting challenges. The Slot is shorter and allows for a quick return via Sun Up 
Express, avoiding the Sun Up catwalk. Be cautious, as these areas funnel into cat tracks with faster skiers.
Chaos Canyon is a delightful place to zigzag down with some banked turns, and the kids’ adventure zones are worth exploring.
The green trails down to the village are long. If your legs are tired, it’s safer to take the gondola. Remember, these cat tracks cross busy blue and black runs, so always look uphill when crossing.
On windy days, stick to lifts on the leeward side. In whiteout conditions, the Riva Bahn Mid-station is often the best option.
With only 18% beginner terrain, Vail may not be the best resort for beginners. However, the resort’s spread-out green runs provide adventurous beginners with ample fun and an opportunity to explore a significant portion of Vail.
