Vail's terrain is divided into three main zones: the Front Side, the Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin. If you’ve only ever skied the front side of Vail, that’s fine, it’s an incredible ski hill, but the back bowls are where the real magic happens. Vail’s Back Bowls are called legendary for a reason.
Vail’s back bowls stretch for more than 3000 acres, which means that just this side of the mountain has more skiable terrain than all of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. While they all come across as massive, high-alpine ski slopes on the surface, they do hold a myriad of differences that makes each one unique.
Here's a detailed look at what makes the Back Bowls so special:
The front side of the Vail Ski area boasts more than 128 individual trails with everything from smooth, gentle beginner slopes to groomed cruisers to moguls, glades and terrain parks. There are 10 high-speed quads, two gondolas, and numerous beginner lifts (including magic carpets) for both children and adults. The Front Side is the most accessible, offering groomed runs and beginner-friendly slopes.
Key lifts include Gondola One, Eagle Bahn Gondola, and Mountaintop Express. Popular runs here include Born Free, Riva Ridge (Vail’s longest at 4 miles), and Avanti. Families and beginners will find gentle terrain near Golden Peak and Lionshead, with adventure zones and progression parks nearby.
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The Legendary Back Bowls
Stretching more than six miles wide over 2,966 acres and offering an unparalleled powder paradise. There are seven bowls, connected by six miles of ridgeline, with thousands of potentially unique runs. The views are spectacular and the runs last forever in these uniquely and perfectly formed bowls.
The back bowls are full of expert terrain full of untapped potential. The bowls stretch from West to East, spanning from “Sun Down” through “Sun Up,” “Teacup,” “China,” “Siberia,” “Inner Mongolia,” and finally “Outer Mongolia.”
Too overwhelmed to try to ski them all in a day? Here’s a breakdown of each bowl:
Sun Down Bowl
Sun Down Bowl is the westernmost Back Bowl, and the sun sets right over it-hence the name! The sun sets over Sun Down Bowl and this is how it gets its name. Sun Down Bowl boast some of the more complicated and hidden terrain available in the back bowls. Like much of the terrain in Sun Down Bowl, Windows has a hidden entrance and it pays to know the terrain.
After a few minutes of tight turns, Windows opens up to wide open views including Mount of the Holy Cross. Enjoy wide open bowl skiing the rest of way with a mix of trees, cliffs, gullies and numerous features to play in.
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Continuing on the theme or exploration, Never involves a long traverse across the west face of Sun Down Bowl. Those that make the trek are rewarded with spectacular views of all 7 bowls and less tracked terrain than most trails on Vail Mountain. Never hosts a handful of cliff bands and other natural terrain features, holding itself as another local favorite.
Sun Down is Vail’s largest bowl, and it’s also the sole Back Bowl with no intermediate terrain, meaning the area is for advanced and expert skiers and riders only. Up until 2022, Sun Down Bowl had no direct lappable lift access-while guests could drop in from the top of Chair 3 (Wildwood Express) or Chair 7 (Game Creek Express), the terrain here did not have a lift to get directly back up, forcing guests to take an indirect route via Chairs 5 and 3 to lap it. But as of 2023, the newly installed Chair 17 (Sun Down Express) offers this direct access.
Despite the more convenient lappability, this area is still less crowded than most of the other bowls. Sun Down Bowl is perhaps most famous for Ptarmigan Ridge, which is a traverse to runs such as Seldom, Never, and OS (short for Oh Sh*t)! These runs are low traffic and often are great places to find powder stashes. In addition, these runs, and others on the opposite side of the bowl like Windows, offer tree skiing either before or after the bowl terrain. Many skiers and riders love these runs because of the uniqueness of tree skiing and bowl skiing all in the same run.
Sun Up Bowl
Sun Up Bowl is what started it all! As Vail’s first bowl, Sun Up has a storied history, having been hiked by the founding members when they first discovered the mountain. Hiked and skied by the founders, Sun Up Bowl is Vail's iconic first bowl prominently showcasing the famous Back Bowls Corbel. This is the bowl with the famous “The Legendary Back Bowls” sign at the top-and thanks to this symbol, it’s arguably Vail’s most iconic bowl.
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Because of this circumstance, as well as it location behind two very popular frontside lifts, Sun Up Bowl is often the busiest bowl at Vail. The first run most people see when arriving to Sun Up Bowl is The Slot. The Slot is blue rated and groomed, which is rare for Vail’s Back Bowls. The rest of Sun Up Bowl is mostly traditional advanced bowl skiing, but a few areas, most notably Over Yonder and WFO (Way the F Out), offer excellent glades as well.
These glades are some of the most underrated on the mountain, offering short, widely-spaced trees and often holding fresh powder when other places start to get tracked out. Follow the ridgeline between Sun Up and Sun Down Bowls until you reach Après Vous. Enjoy consistent pitch up top and tree skiing down low before reaching Sun Up Catwalk on your way back to High Noon Express Lift (#5) or Sun Down Express Lift (#17). A classic back bowls run with a little bit of everything.
Sun Up is accessed by two lifts, Chairs 5 (High Noon) and 9 (Sun Up).
Tea Cup Bowl
One might overlook Tea Cup Bowl when discussing Vail’s Back Bowls. Hidden between Sun Up Bowl and China Bowl, Tea Cup Bowl itself and all the runs within it are named after the Celestial Seasonings Tea Company. This smaller bowl area is serviced by Chair 36 (Tea Cup Express), which generally offers short lines throughout most of the day. However, there is a big catch to Chair 36’s morning and midday emptiness-the lift also serves as the primary exit from Blue Sky Basin.
This results in a significant spike in queue lengths around 2:00pm daily, coinciding with the closure of Blue Sky Basin. If you plan to ski or ride Tea Cup Bowl, try to avoid this time.
Tea Cup Bowl is great for its traditional bowl skiing, featuring notable advanced runs such as Emperor’s Choice and Morning Thunder. While Vail may not be thought of for its quintessential Colorado aspen tree skiing, Tea Cup Glade would say otherwise. Head down Sleepytime road past Sun Up Bowl to reach this hidden gem filled with tight aspens and several small cliffs to play around on.
Tea Cup Glade ends by swinging left to the base of Tea Cup Express Lift (#36) making for a playful traverse to end the run. Ride the ridge between Sun Up Bowl and China Bowl until you reach the far side of Tea Cup Bowl and the often undiscovered, Morning Thunder. Morning Thunder usually offers fresh snow, plenty of small and medium features to enjoy, and quick access back to both Tea Cup Express Lift (#36) and Orient Express Lift (#21).
Red Zinger, a blue-rated trail, is frequently groomed, offering a smoother ride down for intermediate riders or those looking to carve. Additionally, Tea Cup Bowl provides ample opportunities for tree skiing on runs like Tea Cup Glade and down in Marmot Valley. It’s to be noted that the snow in Marmot Valley is often thin and slick due to its lower elevation and location directly in the sun’s path.
For thrill-seekers, Tea Cup Bowl has sections with small rocks and cliffs that get hit by locals regularly, including the only terrain sections in the Back Bowls that are marked as double blacks (although Vail, perhaps on purpose, does not include these on the trail map).
China Bowl
Named for its cliff line at the top of the bowl (not accessible by lift) that reminded early Vail skiers of the Great Wall of China, China Bowl is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about areas in Vail. Wide open intermediate groomed bowl skiing paired with steep extremes, China Bowl offers some of the most unique terrain to North American in bounds skiing.
For those new to bowl skiing or intermediate skiers looking to hone their skills, the Poppyfields runs, both East and West, are frequently groomed and provide excellent opportunities for one’s first bowl run. Arguably the most iconic bowl runs in Vail, these two runs offer mellow intermediate terrain with consistent grooming in the back bowls.
More advanced skiers and riders also flock to Poppyfields to lay down aggressive carves. These groomers are wide and have a consistent pitch. On the west side of China Bowl expert skiers and riders can enjoy steep wide open pitches, including Genghis Khan. This run features a natural cornice and the ideal pitch for bowl skiing on a powder day.
Adventure seekers will find their thrill at Dragon's Teeth, home to some of the most iconic cliffs in Vail. Another local favorite is Genghis Khan, which begins with a medium to large cornice (slightly smaller than Lover's Leap) and is followed up by steep bowl skiing.
On powder days, this spot becomes a hive of activity with advanced skiers eager to launch off this natural feature. For those who prefer glade skiing, Shangri-La offers a fantastic intermediate option, threading through serene tree-lined paths. Even with China Bowl’s popularity, Shangri-La is often a great place to find powder.
Access to China Bowl is primarily through Chair 21, the Orient Express, which can get quite busy given the popularity of the area.
Siberia Bowl
Tucked away and less frequented, Siberia Bowl stands out as the go-to destination for those in search of some of the most extreme terrain in the Back Bowl’s. Though one of the smaller bowls, it offers adrenaline-pumping experiences, making it a unique spot for adventurous skiers.
Among the notable runs, Rasputin’s Revenge and Red Square are particularly renowned. These runs are steeper than most other areas of the Back Bowls and they offer a variety of cliff-jumping opportunities, from smaller drops to massive ones. One of the most complicated runs at Vail Mountain: Rasputin's Revenge is a massive face filled with cliffs, couloirs, cornices and wide-open faces.
This local favorite is directly south facing so conditions can be highly variable and change quickly over the course of the day. Dry powder in the morning can quickly change to spring mash potatoes over the course of just a couple of hours.
Accessing Siberia Bowl involves a bit of a trek. From the top of Chair 21, you'll need to take a catwalk that winds around to just before the Mongolia platter. Alternatively, the Mongolia platter itself can take you to another part of Siberia known as the Bolshoi Ballroom. Bolshoi Ballroom offers a taste of Inner & Outer Mongolia Bowl, with wide open low angle glades.
This side of the bowl features wide-open, low-angle glades that are perfect for those looking for a less intense experience within the extreme environment. The return journey to Siberia Bowl after a run involves wrapping back to the bottom of Chair 21 and taking it up again, followed by the catwalk from the top of 21 back around to Siberia Bowl.
Inner Mongolia Bowl
For those seeking the most secluded and least accessible terrain in Vail, it’s well worth checking out the Inner and Outer Mongolia Bowls. Inner & Outer Mongolia Bowls create a resort experience of "earning your turns". These areas are known for their remoteness, requiring a bit of effort to reach, but skiers and riders who make the trek are often rewarded with untracked powder. If you are looking to learn how to ski powder, there is not a better place on Vail Mountain to do it.
To access these elusive bowls, your journey starts from the top of Chair 21. From there, you’ll navigate a catwalk that winds around past Siberia Bowl to the Mongolia surface lift. This platter takes you to the top of Inner Mongolia Bowl. Once you've enjoyed the descent, you'll find yourself on another long catwalk taking you to the bottom of Chair 21. To lap the Mongolia Bowls, you need to repeat this lengthy process.
Despite the logistical challenge, the Inner Mongolia Bowl offers a unique skiing experience. It's less steep than other bowls, making it an excellent choice for those looking for low-angle powder runs. The widely spaced trees and low traffic also make it an ideal location for finding powder stashes days after a storm has passed.
Outer Mongolia Bowl
Outer Mongolia Bowl is very similar to its neighbor, Inner Mongolia Bowl. However, accessing Outer Mongolia involves a bit more effort compared to Inner Mongolia. After reaching the top of the Mongolia platter, you must traverse an additional catwalk to get to this terrain.
This extra stretch of traversing both at the top and the bottom makes Outer Mongolia even more secluded than its counterpart. The terrain in Outer Mongolia mirrors that of Inner Mongolia, offering similarly gentle slopes dotted with widely spaced trees-ideal for those seeking low-angle powder runs.
That being said, the added effort to reach and return from Outer Mongolia makes this area even less crowded than Inner Mongolia. If you make it to Outer Mongolia, it’s not unlikely that you’ll have the place entirely to yourself. For skiers eager to escape the crowds, Outer Mongolia offers an unmatched opportunity compared to the rest of Vail.
Game Creek Bowl
While not officially classified as one of Vail's Back Bowls, Game Creek Bowl’s namesake makes it worth a mention in this article. While not one of the 7 back bowls, Game Creek Bowl has a bit of everything from easy groomers on Lost Boy, moguls on Wild Card and south facing wide open bowl skiing on Deuces Wild and Faro. Game Creek Bowl offers a distinct experience that sets it apart from its neighbors in the back, but it’s also quite unique from the rest of Vail’s Front Side.
Game Creek Bowl offers traditional bowl skiing primarily under and around the chairlift, making it a good option for those who enjoy that classic bowl skiing experience. Additionally, Game Creek Bowl features several runs cut through the trees that more closely resemble the frontside terrain of Vail than they do the back. This mix provides skiers with a variety of experiences within one area.
A notable trail in Game Creek is Lost Boy, a welcoming green run with a story. The trail is named after a 14-year-old boy who, before Game Creek Bowl was considered inbounds terrain, skied there, got lost, and had to spend the night in the wilderness. Today, Lost Boy is one of Vail’s most sought-after green runs-and it’s the sole beginner run at Vail that exists within a “Bowl” area.
An Insider's Guide to Vail (Part d-Back Bowls)
Other Terrain at Vail
Blue Sky Basin
Blue Sky Basin offers a more rugged, backcountry-style experience. Meet up with an old friend - Freedom. You’ll find it at Blue Sky Basin, tucked more than two miles into the wide open wilderness, yet serviced by four Vail ski lifts. Over here, panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see. And all you hear is the beating of your heart before descending upon 645 acres of natural, gladed terrain.
Runs like Lover’s Leap, Big Rock Park, and The Star wind through glades and natural rollers. Skyline Express and Pete’s Express lifts serve this area, which is popular for tree skiing and quieter laps. Cloud 9 provides a scenic groomer for those seeking a mellow descent with panoramic views.
Terrain Parks
Vail features three terrain parks: Avanti Park for beginners, Bwana Park for intermediates, and Golden Peak for advanced riders. Golden Peak includes a superpipe and hosts the Burton US Open. The parks are well-maintained and offer a range of features from pint-sized boxes to full-size jumps.
Natural Features
Natural features across the mountain include ridgelines, cliff bands, and glades. The resort’s elevation-ranging from 8,120 ft at the base to 11,570 ft at the summit-ensures consistent snow quality. Snowmaking is available across key areas, and the lift system includes high-speed sixes, quads, gondolas, and surface lifts for efficient access.
Navigating Vail's Terrain
For beginners, areas near Gopher Hill and Sourdough Express offer wide, gentle runs. Intermediates can explore Northwoods and Avanti zones, while experts will find challenge and variety in the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin.
View the trails and lifts at Vail with our interactive trail map of the ski resort. Click on the image below to see Vail Trail Map in a high quality.