Front Side vs Back Bowls: Where Should You Ski at Vail?

Feb 24th 2026

If there’s one mountain that truly has it all, it’s Vail Mountain. With more than 5,000 skiable acres, Vail isn’t just big—it’s diverse. In many ways, it feels like two completely different ski experiences in one resort: the lively, groomer-filled front side and the wide-open, powder-filled back bowls and Blue Sky Basin.

So what’s the difference, and which side should you ski? Let’s break it down.

The Front Side: Groomer Heaven, Easy Access, and Village Vibes

For many skiers, the front side of Vail Mountain is where the day begins—and often where the best carving happens.

This side of the mountain is known for:

Wide, beautifully groomed runs
Smooth corduroy perfect for carving
Easy lift access
Terrain for beginners through advanced skiers

Runs here funnel naturally back into Vail Village and Lionshead, making it incredibly convenient for meeting friends, grabbing lunch, or taking a quick break.

For women learning to ski, refining technique, or dialing in carving skills, the front side is ideal. Consistent grooming makes it easier to focus on balance, edge control, and confidence—without fighting variable snow.

And of course, there’s the atmosphere.
Skiing down into the villages at the end of the day—with music playing, patios filling up, and the mountains glowing at sunset—is part of what makes skiing in Vail so special.

Why Ski the Front Side

Perfect groomers for carving and improving technique
Easy access to lifts, restaurants, and shops
Great terrain for mixed-ability groups
Ideal for ski lessons and skill progression

The Back Bowls: Wide Open Terrain and Legendary Powder

Head over the ridge, and the mountain changes completely.

The Vail Back Bowls are what put Vail on the map. Seven massive bowls stretch across the back side of the mountain, offering wide-open terrain that feels almost endless.

On a powder day, it’s unforgettable.

The bowls are known for:

Long, sweeping turns
Soft snow and powder stashes
Incredible views
A true big-mountain feel

Then there’s Blue Sky Basin, which takes the experience even further. With glades, rolling terrain, and a quieter, more remote feel, Blue Sky offers some of the most beautiful skiing in Colorado.

It feels wild—but with lifts, groomed access, and patrol.

Why Ski the Back Bowls

Some of the best powder skiing in Colorado
Wide-open terrain that builds confidence
A more adventurous, big-mountain feel
Beautiful scenery and fewer crowds midweek

Which Side of Vail Is Better?

The real answer? Both.

The beauty of skiing Vail is being able to experience completely different terrain in one day.

A perfect Vail ski day often looks like this:

Morning groomer laps on the front side
Lunch at Mid-Vail or Wildwood
Afternoon exploring the back bowls or Blue Sky Basin
Finish the day skiing down to the village

That mix is what makes Vail one of the best ski resorts in North America.

Tips for Skiing Vail Like a Local

A few things we tell customers all the time at outdoor DIVAS:

Start early on powder days. The bowls fill in quickly.

Watch the weather and wind. Back bowls can close during storms or high winds.

Plan your route back. It takes time to return to the front side late in the day.

Ski both sides. That’s the real Vail experience.

Why Vail Is a Bucket-List Mountain

There are plenty of big ski resorts in the world—but very few offer the combination of:

Perfect groomers
Legendary powder bowls
Easy lift access
Village atmosphere
Terrain for every ability level

That’s why skiers travel from all over the world to ski Vail—and why locals never get tired of it.

Because every day feels a little different depending on where you go.

Skiing Vail Starts With the Right Gear

At outdoor DIVAS in Vail, we help women find the right skis, boots, and layers for the terrain they actually ski—whether that’s carving groomers on the front side or chasing powder in the bowls.

Stop in before your next ski day. We’re always happy to help you dial in your setup for Vail conditions.