Vail’s first snowfall of the season. Soon the lifts will be turning. Photo: Whitney Rae Brofos
The leaves are changing here in Vail, and that means that the snow flurries will soon follow. We’re getting excited about the 2019 Vail skiing season and all of events that come along with it. This year, there’s a lot going on from Vail opening day, through the holiday season, until the very end. So mark your calendars for these not-to-miss 2019 Vail events. And stop by VBSR when you’re in town for a friendly hello—and for ski rentals, services, and gear storage.
2019 Vail Opening Day and Holiday Season
The 2018-2019 ski season’s Vail opening day is set for Friday, November 18, 2018. From the first day that the slopes are open through the holiday season, Vail is full of festivities. Take note of these key early-season dates and events:
- Friday, November 18, 2018: Vail Opening Day
- December 13-16, 2018: Vail Snow Days
- December 15-31, 2018: Vail Holidays
VAIL OPENING DAY: This year’s festivities will happen in Lionshead, nearest to the mountain’s first ski runs to open. Opening day events will include burritos for early risers, giveaways, and live music. To get a sense of the Vail opening day stoke, watch this brief video from the 2017 Vail opening day:
VAIL SNOW DAYS: Vail Snow Days is Vail’s winter kick-off event that includes multiple on- and off-mountain venues and events. The festivities include après-ski and nighttime parties, sponsor tents, and free outdoor concerts. Snow Days brings winter joy into town for multiple days in early December. As the snow begins to really fall, Snow Days kicks off the festive atmosphere that leads into the holiday season.
VAIL HOLIDAYS: In Vail, holidays are a family-friendly experience, with events spanning the December holiday season through the New Year. Events located throughout Vail are highlighted by the annual torchlight ski-down and fireworks on New Year’s Eve at Golden Peak. Live music shows, outdoor events, a tree lighting celebration, and community art projects and all a part of the Vail holidays. With fresh snow on the slopes, these events bring a festive vibe to town that long outlasts the holiday season.
Vail’s Lionshead Village ice skating rink. You may also skate in Vail Village’s rink at Solaris Plaza. Photo: Jack Affleck.
2019 Vail Events and Closing Day
After the December holidays and New Year’s celebrations, several holidays and events happen through the spring skiing season until closing day:
- January 19-21, 2019: Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
- February 16-19, 2019: Presidents’ Day Weekend
- February 25-March 2, 2019: Burton US Open
- Saturday, March 16, 2019: Pink Vail
- April 12-14, 2019: Spring Back to Vail
- Sunday, April 21: Vail Closing Day
BURTON US OPEN: The Burton US Open draws snowboarders from across the globe to compete in halfpipe and slopestyle competitions held at Vail’s Golden Peak. Former Olympians and top athletes draw large crowds as they compete over the course of several days. The Burton US Open involves other venues and events including concerts, parties, athlete autograph sessions, and expo village giveaways. This event also includes activities for kids, making it inspiring for snowboard enthusiasts of all ages.
Spring brings many on-hill events including Burton US Open and Pink Vail. Photo: Jack Affleck.
PINK VAIL: Pink Vail is a family-friendly ski day that benefits all patients at Shaw Regional Cancer Center located in Edwards, Colorado. This inspiring celebration of cancer survivorship and hope is the world’s largest ski day to conquer cancer. It includes events across Vail Mountain—music, costume contests, kids’ activities and more. Pink Vail participants usually wear exciting costumes, which makes the ski day entertaining for all on the slopes.
SPRING BACK TO VAIL: Spring Back to Vail is Vail’s ultimate spring celebration that includes multiple venues and concerts, local business deals, and giveaways. A highlight is the World Pond Skimming Championships, held annually at Vail’s Golden Peak base area. Spring Back to Vail is an action-packed way for skiers and snowboarders to revel in the beauty of spring.
On or off the mountain, the stoke is high all season long in Vail, Colorado. Photo by Daniel Milchev.
At VBSR, We’re Stoked All Season Long
Vail’s ongoing events keep VBSR staff and Vail visitors stoked all season long. From Vail opening day to the very end of the 2019 ski season, VBSR is open for ski services, rentals, and gear storage. Reserve Vail ski and snowboard rentals online in advance of your visit to make pick-up a breeze. We’re also located steps from Gondola One, so you can easily get out on the slopes—and then back out in town to explore Vail’s not-to-miss events.
