Happy Fall to all! I can’t believe winter is just around the corner. Growing up in the Vail Valley has been the privilege of a lifetime, and in addition to it being the ultimate setting to become a professional skier, my hometown is the most special place in the world during the wintertime. Skiing on Christmas and New Year’s Day, cutting down our tree in the forest past Minturn, and playing in the snow with our pets have always been cherished holiday traditions, and I can’t wait for this year. As I’ve gotten older and my training/competition schedule has intensified, the holidays are one of the only times during the year that I get to enjoy home, so here are a few of my favorite ski runs and activities in Vail, Colorado.
Early Skiing Memories
While I mainly ski at Vail Mountain now, I first learned to ski on Beaver Creek. My Mom and Dad taught my siblings and me, and being a ski patroller and ski instructor, they were the best teachers. My parents have told me that I was carving down Cresta on Arrowhead before I turned four. I joined the “Beavo” program at Beaver Creek and quickly learned the allure of skiing with friends. Our favorite run was Coyote Glade because it had it all: trees, jumps, moguls, and powder! But you could also find my brother, sister and me in Royal Elk Glade dropping cliffs and giggling non-stop.
Skiing Beaver Creek as a kid was so much fun that, being my competitive self, I desperately wanted to start competing with Ski & Snowboard Club Vail. On my very first day with the “Bumps and Jumps” program, I remember doing 10 laps on Chair 10, all of which were on Highline. For those who aren’t familiar, Highline is a long, steep run full of massive moguls right underneath the chair, and at just nine years old ripping the bumps with my friends all day long, I remember thinking to myself, “This is awesome.”
Soon after, I watched Hannah Kearney win Olympic Gold in Vancouver in 2010 from the floor of my living room. Right then and there, I saw what skiing moguls could lead to – I saw the possibility, the opportunity, the teamwork, the passion. Right then and there, I formed the dream of making the US Ski Team and winning Olympic Gold in Freestyle Moguls just like Hannah. Whenever I ski Highline today, I’m reminded why I love skiing so much – so if you’re looking for an epic bump run, Highline on Vail Mountain will definitely do the trick.
Favorite Vail Runs
Besides the bumps, skiing the Back Bowls with my family will never fail to put a grin on my face. We almost always hit Forever, Yonder Trees, and Milt’s Face. Whether it’s snowing or sunny, skiing those open slopes with my family is the perfect way to spend Christmas week. Skiing will always be embedded deep within our family ties, and I’m so grateful to live in a place that has given us this incomparable shared experience.
Local Favorites
In addition to my favorite ski runs, sledding, ice skating in Vail or Beaver Creek, hiking through the snow with our dog, and good old fashioned snowball fights, and snowmen-building in the backyard never fail to disappoint. Even as I get older, winter in the Vail Valley brings out my inner child every year. And there’s nothing better than feeling like a kid at Christmas! A post-skiing hot drink at Sweet Basil in Vail Village, Christmas shopping in the Edwards Riverwalk, and going out to dinner with family at Zino’s Restaurant are all core childhood memories that we still do today.
On the Road to 2026
As the competitive ski season approaches with Olympic qualifying events in December and January for the 2026 Winter Olympics in February, I can’t wait to ski my heart out and do my best to make the most of each opportunity. Nothing is guaranteed, and I’ve been working immensely hard for this upcoming season – I feel so lucky to be on this journey and have the best hometown community on my team! In this high-stakes year, it means that much more to me that I can go home for a week over Christmas to reset with family and friends. For me, the holidays are about spending quality time with my people in the outdoors, and there’s genuinely no better place to do that than the Vail Valley. Wishing everyone the very best this winter!
Thanks for reading!
Tess Johnson
