If you’re planning a trip to Vail Ski Resort in 2020, you can expect to see some exciting new changes. From new lifts and brand-new terrain to longer seasons and intriguing events, there are all sorts of reasons to be excited about the coming ski season. Here are just a few of the changes coming to Vail Mountain in 2020.
New Runs
Vail Mountain’s expansion up the Golden Peak slope will continue in 2020, and timber removal is either finished or mostly finished on three brand new ski runs. While those runs are intended to serve as ski racing practice areas and competition venues; ordinary pass holders will get an opportunity to ride them at some point, thanks to the Forest Service’s agreement allowing Vail Mountain to expand its boundaries.
Vail’s first expansion since it developed Blue Sky Basin, the downhill course feeds into an existing track in a flawless transition on the right side of the slope. That run is set to bypass the new ski lift, so it won’t see the repeated slalom lap training that will probably occur on the other pair of new slopes, which will finish at the new lift so they can be used for ski lanes.
Longer Seasons
Thanks to the largest snowmaking investment project in all of North America, Vail Resorts has announced that the mountain will be open earlier in 2020 and beyond. The company’s continued expansion and snowmaking upgrades will ensure a pre-Thanksgiving opening day next year. Nearly 200 fresh acres of new snowmaking terrain will offer skiers and snowboarders earlier access from two base areas to higher-elevation terrain, top-to-bottom skiing/snowboarding, and enhanced early-season ski school terrain. If all goes as planned, guests can expect even earlier openings in the years to come.
Higher Prices
You can’t fund the largest snowmaking investment project without income. The new lifts and snowmaking improvements are expected to result in price increases for skiers and snowboarders in 2020. In 2019, a walk-up lift ticket at Vail was around $209. That price will likely increase in 2020. That said, most skiers and snowboarders won’t have to pay anywhere near that if they put in a little extra effort. You can save quite a bit of money by looking for a deal ahead of time, by purchasing multiple-day tickets or by acquiring a season pass. Going to the window to purchase a lift ticket is similar going to the airline counter to buy a plane ticket. The only people who pay the full price for lift tickets are typically procrastinators.
Burton US Open
Prepare for a progressive new future at the 2020 Burton US Open, scheduled for February 24-29. A free event held at Golden Peak, this thrilling competition is the world’s longest-running snowboard event. This year, the riders will compete for a whopping $373,000 USD prize purse in halfpipe and slopestyle. In 2020, the event will also include much more than world-class snowboarding; guests will have access to free parties, nightly concerts, giveaways and fun times for all ages both on and off the mountain. With a fresh approach in 2020, Burton US Open will showcase a brand-new slopestyle and halfpipe course designed to define the next chapter of one of the world’s most noteworthy snowboarding events.
While change is a part of life, some things always stay the same. For more than three decades, American Ski Exchange has been Vail’s go-to source for top-quality ski rentals. If you don’t have your own ski or snowboarding gear, we can provide you with a wide range of options, from state-of-the-art gear to more affordable equipment styles better suited for beginners. If traveling with your own gear sounds like a hassle, you can always rent your equipment from American Ski Exchange, which offers the best-priced ski and snowboard packages in all of Vail Village. In 2020 and beyond, we’re ready to help you get the most from your visit to Vail Mountain. We also offer discounts and delivery services to help enrich your ski holiday in Vail Valley. To learn more, contact us today or call (970) 476-1477.
