When it comes to skiing in the Vail Valley, who better to offer advice than local Olympian skier Tess Johnson? Tess grew up in Edwards, CO, on Vail Valley slopes like Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek. We got the chance to chat with our Resident Athlete about safe skiing. Here are her top tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable skiing experience.
Biggest Tip: Stay Aware
“The most important thing when skiing on a public run in a public resort is to keep your head on a swivel,” Tess emphasizes. “Whenever you’re starting, stopping, crossing a catwalk, if there are people around you, even if there are no people around you, always be looking around. The skiers around you are your biggest threat.”
Tess compares it to driving, where awareness of other drivers is crucial. “When I started driving at 16, my mom told me to think of it like skiing. You need to be aware of the other drivers and cars around you. That’s the biggest piece of advice: always be looking around. If you have to stop to do that, please do because it’s certainly not worth running into someone else or being crashed into yourself.”
Pulling Off the Run
Tess advises that when you need to stop, “Do it on the side of the run. Don’t stop in a blind spot. Many resorts have marked areas indicating blind spots, so avoid stopping there. Look for slow signs and stop behind them. It’s a great place to take shelter.”
Remember Right of Way
Understanding the right of way is essential. The downhill skier always has the right of way. This is the person lower on the mountain. While someone may be coming down a run at speed, it’s important to remember that those who are lower than you on the mountain have the right of way, and it is your responsibility to be aware of fellow skiers and upcoming run merges. This is especially important to consider as you try a new run or mountain, particularly during busy holiday weekends.
Choose the Right Run
At Vail or Beaver Creek Mountain, a wide variety of runs are available, from greens to blues to blacks. “Start very mellow,” Tess suggests. “The worst thing you can do is get yourself into a situation where you can’t get down on a run. It can be really scary. And use your resources – lift operators, ski instructors, and ski patrol are there to provide information and direct you where you need to go.”
For choosing a beginner green run, we recommend marking your map with these choices:
Vail Mountain:
- Lionshead: A great starting point for beginners with gentle slopes.
- Avanti: Offers a mix of easy terrain and stunning views.
- Sourdough: Perfect for those looking to build confidence on longer runs.
Beaver Creek Mountain:
- Haymeadow: Ideal for first-timers with wide, open spaces.
- Cabin Fever: A smooth and easy run through beautiful forested areas.
- Red Buffalo: Provides gentle slopes and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Prepare for the Altitude
There’s a reason to keep altitude in mind – the Vail Valley sits at 8,022, with the summit of Vail Mountain at 11,570. Altitude can be a challenge, so Tess recommends making hydration a top priority. “Drink way more water and electrolytes than you think you need. Eat three meals a day, and have a big meal before skiing. Carry snacks like granola bars, and go into the lodge to get water every few runs. Your body will reward you for taking the time to do this.”
Traveling During Peak Times
Vail is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world, and it gets especially busy during the holidays. “Prepare yourself for the chaos at certain times,” Tess advises. “The lift lines and popular runs will be crowded. Have a safe plan for navigating those crowds, and you’ll be just fine. Don’t expect to be the only one out there.”
During busy holidays, plan to get your ski pass online before your trip, plan for what time of day you’ll be hitting the roads, and keep an eye on changing weather conditions.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask to Slow the Lift
“Chairlifts can be intimidating for beginners,” Tess acknowledges. “If you’re uncomfortable with loading and unloading, ask the lift operator to slow the lift down. They will help you. It’s much better to have the lift slow down for you to get on and off safely than to cause a collision or get injured.”
Wear a Helmet – And Make Sure It Fits!
A helmet is essential, but only if it fits properly. “A helmet that doesn’t fit well does no good,” Tess warns. “Make sure your helmet fits correctly.”
If you plan on renting equipment, look at Black Tie Ski Rental. They offer helmets, skis, snowboards, and everything you need to feel prepared for the mountain. They’ll even fit you for your helmet and skis at your hotel.
Typical Mountain Conditions in the Vail Valley
Vail Mountain: Known for its expansive terrain, Vail Mountain is home to over 5,300 acres of skiable area. The typical winter season here is from mid-November to mid-April, with an average annual snowfall of around 350 inches. Vail offers a mix of terrain for all levels, but it’s particularly famous for its back bowls and wide-open runs.
Beaver Creek Mountain: Slightly smaller but equally impressive, Beaver Creek has about 1,800 acres of skiable terrain. The mountain is known for its groomed trails and luxurious amenities. The average annual snowfall is approximately 325 inches, and the ski season usually runs from late November to early April. Beaver Creek is perfect for families and those seeking a more relaxed skiing experience.
By following these tips from Tess Johnson and familiarizing yourself with the local conditions, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy your time on the slopes in the Vail Valley. To get more prepped for skiing this winter, we recommend checking out a few more of our guides:
