Vail Resorts
Ski Resorts in Colorado, California & Canada
The history of Vail Resorts stretches way back to the Second World War when Pete Seibert served with the 10th Mountain Division, near Vail, at Camp Hale in the Colorado Mountains near. After the war, Seibert bought a ranch at Vail Mountain opening it as a ski resort in 1962, and Vail quickly became the most popular ski mountain in Colorado.
Over the years his company grew and in 1985 became known as Vail Resorts. Since then, a bold acquisition strategy has meant they now own and operate over 40 resorts worldwide. And of particular appeal to our clients are their biggest and best resorts in Colorado, California and Canada, all skiable on one convenient multi-resort lift ticket, the Epic Pass.
if you're looking for a world-class ski resort where service is paramount, our featured Vail Resorts’ destinations have you looking in the right place.
With so many resorts to choose from, why not let us create your perfect tailor-made ski holiday, recommending the vey best selection of accommodation ranging from self-catered condos to boutique and full-service luxury hotels across the Vail Resorts range.
Skiing in Colorado
Colorado ski holidays have been a firm favourite with British skiers for over 30 years, drawn by direct flights from London, relatively short transfers, spacious accommodation, great service, exceptional teaching and best of all, lots of soft, dry high-mountain snow and blue sky ski days. Colorado also offers a wealth of world class ski resorts suitable for all abilities and ages; whether you are looking for the ultimate powder experience or cruising groomers we’ll find a resort for you:
Skiing in California
America’s west coast, and in particular California, has always been a huge draw for British visitors and yet most will be unaware there’s world-class skiing within striking distance of both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Travel north-east out of San Francisco, passing Sacramento and you’ll find yourself at Lake Tahoe, a vast freshwater lake in a stunning location nestled amongst the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lake Tahoe boats the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America and Vail Resorts own and operate three of them. Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, all accessible on their Epic Pass multi-resort lift ticket. When it snows here it comes thick and fast yet the Tahoe resorts are also famed for skiing in the California sunshine. It’s the best of both worlds.
- Heavenly
- Kirkwood
- Northstar
Skiing in British Columbia
Whilst Vail Resorts have their roots in the United States and American resorts, it was only a matter of time before their gaze fell on Canada. In 2016, their ambitious expansion plans saw Vail Resorts purchase Canada’s and BC’s largest resort, Whistler Blackcomb, which further extended the resorts offered on their multi-destination Epic Pass. British Columbia offers snow lovers a heady mix of classic alpine scenery, consistent snowfall and a vast choice of ski terrain with something for beginners all the way up to powder-hunting experts.
Skiing in Utah
Famous for its frequent snowfall and quality of deep powder, discover why the historic silver mining town of Park City, Utah should be on every skier’s bucket list. Getting there is straightforward too, with non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Salt Lake City - just a short transfer from downtown Park City.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a great choice for your USA ski holiday, whether you are travelling as family or with friends. It’s an easy transfer from Denver, there are five peaks to choose from, offering terrain suitable for all abilities of skier and snowboarder. If you want to improve your technique, Breckenridge has a first-class ski school offering a range of lessons for children & adults. 'Breck' is located at 9,600 ft. resulting in an excellent snow record, making is perfect for an early or late season trip.
Average Annual Snowfall:
27 ft
Altitude:
8,100 - 11,440 ft
Find Out MoreVail
The ski resort where it all started for Vail Resorts and now an internationally-renowned destination of exceptional quality with over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and 195 runs served by 32 fast and efficient modern lifts. Off the slopes you’ll find a cosmopolitan town with a neo-Tyrolean style packed with ski shops, boutiques, galleries and upscale bars and restaurants. The clientele is well-heeled Americans mixed with international guests all keen to experience this special resort, both on and off the mountain.
Average Annual Snowfall:
29.5 ft
Altitude:
8,120 - 11,570 ft
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Beaver Creek
With the exception of a handful of private, members’ only ski hills, Beaver Creek in Colorado arguably only rivals Utah’s Deer Valley for the crown of America’s most exclusive ski resort. Beaver Creek is smaller than its near neighbour Vail and tends to be quieter, appealing to clients who want a more low-key, upscale, luxury experience. The standard of teaching is exceptional at Beaver Creek and the resorts prides itself on the quality and frequency of the piste-grooming and the amount of perfect corduroy on show. The lodging at Beaver Creek is nearly all at the higher-end of the scale with many of the best hotels and condominiums in prized ski-in/ski-out locations.
Average Annual Snowfall:
25 ft
Altitude:
8,120 - 11,570 ft
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Heavenly
The California and Nevada border splits South Lake Tahoe, the ski town for Heavenly Mountain. It’s a town with a split personality with a laid-back, traditional year-round vacation resort on the Californian side giving way to the bright lights and 24 –hour action of the casinos on the Nevada side of the border.
Up on Heavenly Mountain, you’ll have your breath taken and your jaw dropped by the stunning elevated views over Lake Tahoe. This is truly one of the best views in skiing and it’s complemented by almost 5,000 acres of varied open and gladed terrain with something to suit every level of skier or boarder. Heavenly averages 30 feet of snow a year, with almost 50 feet in the 2022/2023 season. Yet incredibly they also manage an average of 300 days of sunshine meaning you’ll often have new snow underfoot and blue skies overhead.
Average Annual Snowfall:
30 ft
Altitude:
6,567 - 10,067 ft
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Kirkwood
Located around 30 miles south of Heavenly and on the Vail Resorts Epic Pass, Kirkwood is a relatively easy day-trip for visitors hiring a car as part of their Californian ski holiday. Kirkwood offers 2,300 acres of terrain, with high average snowfall and terrain best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers.
Northstar
Northstar is around 40 miles and just over an hour from Heavenly, with a stunning drive north and then west around Lake Tahoe. Offering around 3,200 acres of terrain and accessible using your Epic Pass, Northstar is aimed mostly at intermediate skiers and has a reputation for well-groomed, corduroy pistes. Northstar also has wide-range of lodging options centred around a family-friendly base village so it’s perfect as part of a ski road trip or as a day trip from your base in Heavenly.
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Whistler Blackcomb
At over 8,000 acres, Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America and offers an astounding choice of terrain spread over two mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb), connected at the base area and also by their engineering marvel, the Peak 2 Peak gondola. The Peak 2 Peak is one example of the significant investments by Vail Resorts since purchasing Whistler. The lift system is swift, modern and efficient and they’ve also increased snow-making capacity, whilst at the same time forging on with their plans to achieve net zero sustainability.
Off the slopes you can choose to stay in one of Whistler’s three distinct base areas: Blackcomb, Whistler Village or Creekside. As you’d expect, the resort is packed with a huge range of restaurants, bars, shops and amenities and there’s a wide range of lodging options including hotels and condos
Average Annual Snowfall:
38 ft
Altitude:
2,140 - 7,494 ft
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Park City
Experience the legendary Utah powder billed ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’ at Park City. Now the USA’s biggest ski area with 7,300 acres of varied ski terrain, Park City Mountain has something for every level of skier and rider - from a dedicated family fun zone and gentle tree-lined greens and blues to confidence building intermediate trails and tricky double black diamonds. It’s also incredibly easy access this world-class ski destination which is just a short transfer from Salt Lake City’s international airport.
Off the slopes, Park City is packed with superb luxury hotels and slopeside condos, great shopping and a thriving arts & cultural scene. With over 100 bars & restaurants, distillery tours and wineries, as well as an emphasis on locally sourced produce, it’s foodie heaven here.
Average Annual Snowfall:
23 ft
Altitude:
6,800–10,000 ft
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