Ski Report for Vail, Colorado

Daily Ski Conditions for Vail, Colorado

If you’re gearing up for some world-class skiing or snowboarding at Vail, Colorado, here’s the latest scoop on snow conditions and what to expect on the slopes this December. The mountain is waking up from early season mode with a current snow depth of about **45 cm at the summit (11,570 feet)** and **30 cm at the base**, primarily from artificial grooming and recent natural snowfalls. Speaking of fresh powder, you can expect roughly **6 cm (~2.4 inches) of new snow** in the last 24 hours, with similar amounts over the past 48 hours in some areas, so conditions are getting nicely coated[1][8].

However, keep in mind that despite the fresh snow, only **6 of Vail’s 34 lifts** are currently spinning (about 18%), serving **9 of the resort’s 278 trails**—just a sliver (around 4%) of the terrain is open at this time of the season[1][8][12]. The main valley run is welcoming skiers, but expect many trails and lifts still closed as the mountain builds up base depths and waits for more consistent snow.

Weather-wise, Vail is showing classic early-December chill, with daytime highs lingering near **-2°C (around 28°F)** and crisp nighttime lows plunging to around **-17°C (1°F)**. The forecast calls for mostly clear skies today with snow showers likely earlier in the week and moderate cold persisting. The next 5 days carry a mix of sun and clouds, with light snow showers possible—ideal to keep the snowpack refreshed without heavy storms. Temperatures will hover in the same cold range, dipping closer to -15°C to -18°C at the summit overnight, which means the powder should stay relatively dry and light[3][4][7][9].

On the snow quality front, pistes range from groomed packed powder to firm and icy patches during freeze-thaw cycles—typical for early season conditions. Off-piste terrain is a bit more variable: fresh snow can quickly turn into wind slab or crust if the wind picks up or sun bakes the slopes, so don’t expect deep, untouched powder runs yet. The mountain is grooming hard to offer smooth rides on the open terrain, with snow preserved best at higher elevations[4].

So far, the 2025–26 season has been a steady builder, with snowfall trending slightly above early-season averages thanks to the developing La Niña pattern, which promises a wetter and potentially more powder-rich Colorado winter overall[13]. Vail typically sees around **354 inches (nearly 30 feet) of snow per season**, and while we’re just starting, the early signs point toward a potentially good year for snow lovers who can handle the snow dance of early winter. Seasonal total snowfall isn’t huge quite yet, but consistent storms in the coming weeks could rapidly improve the snowpack and open more terrain.

A heads-up for visitors: the mountain is still ramping up operations, meaning patience is a must. Lift lines might be short now with fewer lifts open, but terrain is limited. Dress in warm layers because those sub-zero temps can cut right through the fabric on windy days. Night skiing and snow parks remain closed as the resort focuses on base building and safety. Also, keep an eye on the mountain’s real-time updates for any sudden closures or weather changes.

In summary, Vail’s early December scene is a promising mix of fresh snow dustings, cold air, and limited but high-quality open terrain perfect for early season exploration. With snow depths slowly increasing and more lifts poised to open as winter progresses, it’s a great time to get your turns in before the crowds arrive, enjoy crisp mountain air, and soak in the anticipation of a powder-loaded season ahead. Whether you’re stalking soft corduroy on groomers or adventuring carefully off-piste, Vail is gearing up to deliver a legendary Colorado winter experience.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI