Vail - Snowboarding Forum

SnowRock · 03-06-2012, 11:46 AM

Headed for a buddy's bach party next week. I have never been... any recos on good approach in terms of tackling a mountain that size if you have 3 days of riding? Mixed group of mostly upper-intermediate and above skiers and riders. One or two are somewhat familiar with the mountain.

My preference would be to hit some milder stuff first before getting into the more challenging terrain to be had there (understanding the mountains rep for flatness by those in Co). I gather its blue sky and the bowls, but any specific thoughts would be appreciated. Also any tips on areas to avoid if the "group" wants to venture that way? ..especially for us boarders.

Any strong thoughts on apres spots to hit? I work in NYC (and lived there for 10 yrs) so I am used to being gouged, but will pay a premium for places with good vibes and good beers.

turbospartan · 03-07-2012, 03:06 PM

My opinion:

First day just do whatever if you want to hit mild stuff. More people on the front of the mountain. If you want steeper/better terrain on the front, stick near the Northwoods lift. You could also head over to the lift further to the left (can't remember what its called, furthest east you can go on the front). There are a couple blacks / blues over there.

Next options are basically to go into any of the bowls on the back side of the mountain. Sun up and anything further east (China / Mongolia) bowls.

Blue Sky (if there is snow) is the best bet, but I was there last weekend and the wind storms from a couple weeks ago basically blew all of the snow off of the ridgeline (under the chair) at the top of the blue sky peak/ridge. You should be able to still find some decent stuff in the trees, if it hasn't already been tracked out.

Bars and what not... no idea.

**killclimbz** · 03-07-2012, 03:09 PM

Vail is a "mild" mountain. Seriously, you can go just about everywhere. They also groom the living shit out of it. So if the powder in the trees is not to your liking, it is almost always a quick escape to a well groomed masterpiece.

Milo303 · 03-07-2012, 04:13 PM

Won't be getting any of my stash areas but Kill is right. Unless you go out of bounds or out gates, the mountain is fairly mild for the most part

You can pretty much always find powder at Vail if you search hard enough

FL_Boarder · 03-07-2012, 04:51 PM

Head to the backside, the bowls and tree riding are quite mellow for being a black diamond.

neednsnow · 03-07-2012, 08:39 PM

Pray for snow! I was there the past two days and it sucked donkey balls! It is bumpy, scoured, and thin. Blue sky was closed by 1, yesterday, and I didn't even try to venture over there today. Took one bowl run, today, and it was refrozen baked-goods. Yuk! If it does snow, get to the back and keep going left...China, Mongolia, and the Surface tow will do well for quite some time. If it doesn't snow...good luck. I was In Breck/Vail the past two weeks and the only days worth going out were right after it snowed. A lot of things are still questionable....(Imperial at Breck and Bluesky at Vail). Hell, I went to A-basin after a storm it it was worthless by 11:00 am.

As far as drinks....I went to Garfinkles when I was there. (Lionshead) Pretty Standards Apres with a few 3-dollar specials. I also heard Georges is a good option for a good meal....or Moe's for good BBQ and a PBR.

linvillegorge · 03-07-2012, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neednsnow

Pray for snow!

Looks bad for the next week and a half or so. Like, really bad. Dry and warm.

306stang · 03-07-2012, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linvillegorge

Looks bad for the next week and a half or so. Like, really bad. Dry and warm.

This is the best news ever (insert heavy sarcasm tone).

I'm going to Breckenridge the weekend of St Patty's day for my Bach party .........

SnowRock · 03-08-2012, 09:44 AM

sick... I guess it can't be worse then most of the slop I have ridden out east this season. Think its worth doing a cat trip given the on mountain conditions?

**killclimbz** · 03-08-2012, 09:56 AM

Definitely looks like not much is going to happen here until maybe the middle of next week. In a way it's kind of a good thing for the backcountry, but with the lack of snow this season, it's a bummer too.

03-06-2012, 11:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
SnowRock -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NW NJ via NYC Posts: 163	Vail Headed for a buddy's bach party next week. I have never been... any recos on good approach in terms of tackling a mountain that size if you have 3 days of riding? Mixed group of mostly upper-intermediate and above skiers and riders. One or two are somewhat familiar with the mountain. My preference would be to hit some milder stuff first before getting into the more challenging terrain to be had there (understanding the mountains rep for flatness by those in Co). I gather its blue sky and the bowls, but any specific thoughts would be appreciated. Also any tips on areas to avoid if the "group" wants to venture that way? ..especially for us boarders. Any strong thoughts on apres spots to hit? I work in NYC (and lived there for 10 yrs) so I am used to being gouged, but will pay a premium for places with good vibes and good beers.

03-07-2012, 08:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
neednsnow -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: PA Posts: 1,208	Pray for snow! I was there the past two days and it sucked donkey balls! It is bumpy, scoured, and thin. Blue sky was closed by 1, yesterday, and I didn't even try to venture over there today. Took one bowl run, today, and it was refrozen baked-goods. Yuk! If it does snow, get to the back and keep going left...China, Mongolia, and the Surface tow will do well for quite some time. If it doesn't snow...good luck. I was In Breck/Vail the past two weeks and the only days worth going out were right after it snowed. A lot of things are still questionable....(Imperial at Breck and Bluesky at Vail). Hell, I went to A-basin after a storm it it was worthless by 11:00 am. As far as drinks....I went to Garfinkles when I was there. (Lionshead) Pretty Standards Apres with a few 3-dollar specials. I also heard Georges is a good option for a good meal....or Moe's for good BBQ and a PBR. __________________ Neednsnow.com: Traveling the States and Taking Pictures

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03-07-2012, 03:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
turbospartan Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 477	My opinion: First day just do whatever if you want to hit mild stuff. More people on the front of the mountain. If you want steeper/better terrain on the front, stick near the Northwoods lift. You could also head over to the lift further to the left (can't remember what its called, furthest east you can go on the front). There are a couple blacks / blues over there. Next options are basically to go into any of the bowls on the back side of the mountain. Sun up and anything further east (China / Mongolia) bowls. Blue Sky (if there is snow) is the best bet, but I was there last weekend and the wind storms from a couple weeks ago basically blew all of the snow off of the ridgeline (under the chair) at the top of the blue sky peak/ridge. You should be able to still find some decent stuff in the trees, if it hasn't already been tracked out. Bars and what not... no idea.

03-07-2012, 03:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,179	Vail is a "mild" mountain. Seriously, you can go just about everywhere. They also groom the living shit out of it. So if the powder in the trees is not to your liking, it is almost always a quick escape to a well groomed masterpiece.

03-07-2012, 04:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
FL_Boarder Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: North of Tampa, FL Posts: 93	Head to the backside, the bowls and tree riding are quite mellow for being a black diamond.

03-08-2012, 09:44 AM	#9 (permalink)
SnowRock -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NW NJ via NYC Posts: 163	sick... I guess it can't be worse then most of the slop I have ridden out east this season. Think its worth doing a cat trip given the on mountain conditions?

03-08-2012, 09:56 AM	#10 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,179	Definitely looks like not much is going to happen here until maybe the middle of next week. In a way it's kind of a good thing for the backcountry, but with the lack of snow this season, it's a bummer too.