THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Want to ski the deepest, the steepest, and the most extreme? Private-lesson instructors can guide you there. If you’ve never skied before but are fairly athletic, an experienced instructor can have you skiing and riding the chair in three hours. With instruction, intermediate skiers can refine their technique in that time.

BEST CRUISING RUN Northwoods, a wide-open run on the front side of Vail mountain, is a local favorite.

BEST EXPERT RUN Steep Prima, also on the front of the mountain, features deep powder stashes and a cliff band.

BEST WORKOUT Snowshoeing up to mid–Vail Lodge.

BEST BACKCOUNTRY SKI ADVENTURES Custom hut-to-hut trips in White Mountain National Forest between Vail and Aspen led by Paragon Guides.

BEST WAY TO CATCH THE DAY’S LAST RAYS Ride a gondola up to Eagle’s Nest.

BEST STEEP RUNS
Some skiers prefer Vail’s powder bowls, others head for the wooded glades. And those who can’t resist a challenge choose the steepest inclines to test their skills.

Prima and Prima Cornice

Rasputin’s Revenge

Pronto

Lover’s Leap

Jade Glade

BEST EXTREME ADVENTURES
Beyond the thrills of downhill skiing, couples can test their stamina with uncommon outdoor sports. Even if you don’t master a new one, you’ll have fun trying ski-biking, tubing, dog-sledding, heli-skiing, horseback riding, guided backcountry snowmobile tours, and other Vail robust activities including:

Winter horseback riding

Night ski bike tours

Backcountry hut trips

Ice climbing

Driving a dogsled team

Price a Getaway