Blue Sky Basin
A tree-lined ski area south of Back Bowls, with glades, cliffs and natural terrain that give it a wild, backcountry feel.
Opened in 2000 and located further south than Back Bowls, Blue Sky Basin covers about 645 acres. It is known for its glades, tree-lined runs, natural chutes and small cliffs, creating an experience similar to backcountry skiing while still offering lifts and ski patrol. Near the summit, the Base Camp hut offers views of the Gore Range and Mount of the Holy Cross. Getting there from Vail Village requires skiing through Back Bowls and changing between several lifts, and the journey is long one way, so start early and leave plenty of time to get back in the afternoon. The terrain is mostly intermediate and advanced.
Opening hours
Winter: opens with the ski area, usually later than the front-mountain area
Nearby sights
- Vail Back Bowls
- Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
- Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
- Vail Mountain
- Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame
- Vail Village
- Eagle's Nest & Eagle Bahn Gondola
- Lionshead Village