The Vail Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in the U.S. The mountain has three distinct areas which include four terrain parks, seven bowls and over 5,000 acres of freeride terrain. Activities available on he mountain include, skiing, snow boarding, tubing, ski biking, snowmobiling, and bungee harnessed trampoline. If you prefer more relaxing activities, you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage or facial at any of the 6 spas available throughout the village.

 

 

Personally, Vail is the best place to learn how to snowboard. I picked up my first board 2 years ago at Vail. After many falls and thanks to some very patient instructors, I was finally able to accomplish my first small goal of linking toe and heel side turns. Lift ticket prices vary depending on the dates you plan to go, so check the website to get accurate price information on lift tickets. If you plan on getting either a ski or a boarding lesson see the prices for the 2008 season below.

 

Boarding lesson and lift prices:

Full-day lesson                                                 $125

Full-day lesson and lift ticket                             $160

Full-day lesson, lift ticket and board rental         $201

Half-day lesson                                                 $95

Half-day lesson and lift ticket                            $115

 

 Ski lesson and lift prices:

Full-day lesson                                                 $125

Full-day lesson and lift ticket                             $160

Full-day lesson, lift ticket and ski rental              $193

Half-day lesson                                                 $95

Half-day lesson and lift ticket                            $115

 

 

Whether you are learning to ski or board, keep in mind that it’s not going to happen over night. Regardless of how fit and athletic you are, these sports take time and patience to acquire. My recommendation for first time skiers and boarders is to take the half-day lesson instead of the full-day lesson. The first time I took a lesson, I signed up for the full-day lesson and I regretted it after a few hours. I consider myself to be athletic but after the 20th time falling down and getting back up (typical of first timers), I was completely exhausted! If you have any tips to first time skiers or boarders, please post your suggestions and share what has worked for you.