Skiing the Vail Back Bowls

[skibum4ever]

Yesterday at Vail we decided to explore different parts of the mountain. Normally we start at Golden Peak, ski Blue Ox if it's been groomed, then head over to Blue Sky and spend much of the day there.

So we did start at Golden Peak, did 2 runs on Blue Ox (no lines!) then started exploring. One run in Game Creek Bowl, major lift lines! Lift lines on the front side quickly drove us to the Back Bowls. Enjoyed a couple of runs in Sun Up and Sun Down, then headed to Blue Sky. Major lift lines! So apparently skiing the Back Bowls is our best bet on a crowded day. We haven't skied the Back Bowls much since they opened Blue Sky.

So my question is: which of the Back Bowls tend to have the best conditions, most snow, etc.? Which should be skied in the morning, which in the afternon, due to exposure? Are any of the Bowls north-facing (since they are bowls I presume some of the runs must be north-facing and thus will be best for spring skiing.) I guess in spring you follow the sun and wait for things to soften, but what about in January and February?

I know many of you are experts on Vail, and would love to hear your thoughts on skiing the Backs Bowls.

 

[Shannon D]

Our favorite plan of attack is to work the bowls from right to left. If you start out from the Lionshead Gondola, ski Game Creek, Sun Up, Sun Down, Teacup and back into Blue Sky. We always take an early lunch to beat the crowd (and take advantage of my meal discount). After lunch (at Two Elk of course), ski under the Teacup liftline to the China Bowl face on your left after the cornice. Or drop into Dragon's Teeth right from Two Elk. If you are still searching for freshies, you can head out to Siberia or Mongolia via the Orient Express which slows down after the rush to head up for lunch. We've found that you can find a lot of left over snow back in BSB later in the day too.

Also, anytime the crowds are lighter, I love to ski off of Chair 11 (Northwoods). Some of my favorite runs are serviced by that lift and you can easily lap 3 or 4 runs without getting bored. And many times when the BSB lines at Skyline and Pete's get long, the lines at Earls are pretty short. There are some killer glades and bumps along with some fun little jumps and drops along that fall line.

There are so many different strategies, it can make your head spin. We have favorite runs and secret stashes that you either race for or save for later when it gets tracked out. If you are the type that needs a nice cruiser to warm up, I suggest skiing down to Chair 2 (Avanti) from the gondola and doing a lap off that lift before dropping over to the backside or heading to Mid-Vail. I think the main run is called Avanti where you can really let it rip and there are lots of fun rollers.

 

[skibum4ever]

Thanks Shannon. I guess my best bet is to hook up with a local who can recommend the best bowls in any given conditions. We normally start on the left side (Golden Peak) so our strategy would be the exact opposite of yours. Doesn't mean we can't try to change our routine the next time we're at Vail!