Vail Back Bowls
Seven vast, connected bowls on the back side of Vail Mountain. Their wide, treeless slopes turn into powder after snowfall, making them famous across North America and a signature of Vail.
The Vail Back Bowls lie on the south side of the mountain ridge. They consist of seven large bowls: Sun Up Bowl, Sun Down Bowl, Teacup Bowl, China Bowl, Siberia Bowl, and the Inner and Outer Mongolia Bowls. Together they cover about 3,000 acres. The wide, treeless slopes turn into vast fields of powder after snowfall, and this is what sets Vail apart from other resorts. Most runs are intermediate to advanced. On clear days the views are wide open, and you can see as far as Mount of the Holy Cross. Enter from the Front Side by crossing the ridge. To return, take the Back Bowls lift back up to the ridge. Winds pick up in the afternoon and visibility can drop, so take care. Beginners should not attempt this area.
Opening hours
Winter: open with the ski area, subject to snow conditions
Nearby sights
- Blue Sky Basin
- 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