Ski Report for Vail, Colorado

Daily Ski Conditions for Vail, Colorado

If your heart races at the thought of carving fresh tracks in Vail, Colorado, get ready—this season is kicking off with just enough snow and great vibes for eager skiers and snowboarders. Vail has a modest but promising snow base right now: about **45 cm (18 inches) at the mountain summit** and **30 cm (12 inches) at the base**, primarily artificial snow laid down after the last measurable snowfall on December 3rd. The mountain is waking up from early winter’s hush with a fresh dusting expected this weekend—around **12 cm (5 inches) forecasted on Saturday**, bringing a welcome boost to the early season surface[1][4][19].

Lift and trail access is still limited as the resort carefully opens the slopes. Currently, only **6 out of 34 lifts (about 18%) are operational**, giving access to about **9 km of the full 234 km of trails (around 4%)**. The much-loved Valley Run is open, providing a taste of Vail’s famed wide, scenic terrain, but the snowparks and halfpipes remain closed for now while the snowpack develops[1][8].

Weather-wise, Vail is living up to its chilly reputation in early December. Expect cold but clear days, with mountain temperatures hovering around **-11°C to -18°C up high** and valley lows near freezing or just below at night. The sun is making decent appearances, with about 6 hours of daylight sunshine—perfect for those who like crisp air and bluebird conditions[3][7][8]. The forecast paints a cool outlook through the weekend with mostly clear skies on Friday and a gentle snowstorm arriving Saturday, promising powder fans a powder day or two with temps remaining well below freezing overnight[1][4][19].

For the next five days, the sky will be mostly settled with light snow on and off, especially midweek, and daytime highs struggling just below zero at elevation, while the town may warm slightly above freezing during the day before dipping again at night. This freeze-thaw cycle is typical this time of year and can create a nice crunchy base with soft patches after fresh snowfall, especially off-piste where powder lovers dream of untouched powder caches[1][9].

The season total snowfall is still growing, but Vail’s annual averages hover around **240 inches (610 cm)** of snow with about 64 snowy days typically, so this early base buildup looks on track to deliver a solid season. Early December generally sees variable conditions as natural snow gains strength, but artificial snowmaking ensures the core runs remain skiable before consistent storms arrive[10][14].

Currently, Vail is all about savoring the early season charm—groomed runs with artificial snow and the promise of upcoming powder days. Off-piste powder is still minimal due to thin coverage in some areas, so venturing into the backcountry should be done cautiously with proper avalanche awareness. Also, night skiing and snowparks await better snow depth and safety conditions, so plan for daytime adventures[1][8].

For visitors, the resort reminds skiers and snowboarders to stay flexible with their plans, as lift and trail openings can shift quickly depending on weather and snow conditions. With lifts running at less than 20% capacity, expect some queues and limited terrain choices, but also relish the quieter mountain atmosphere that early-season days offer before the crowds flood in.

So get your gear ready, keep an eye on the fresh snow updates, and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Vail is serving up a taste of classic Colorado winter with bright skies, fresh tracks to be made, and the unmistakable thrill of early-season slopes ready to reward those who "think like a local" and ride early and often.

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