Vail is so big it’s got three bases. That’s intimidating at best andconfusing at worst. Here’s how to pick your starting point.

Vail Village: As you probably guessed, Vail Village (sometimes referred to as Main Vail, is the most central base. It’s where everyone flocks and then, later in the day, returns for après. It’s got the plaza, the most restaurants, and the most history, since Gondola One sits where Vail’s first ski lift shuttled people up the mountain. After parking in the garage, pop into Two Arrows Coffee for morning fuel and stop by in the afternoon for something stronger. 

Golden Peak: As Vail’s easternmost base, Golden Peak serves as the primary jumping-off point for Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s alpine and moguls programs. This also means it’s often the most underutilized base. Parking isn’t easy (your best bet is the garage in the village and walking over), but on a powder day, you’re better off making a beeline here than lining up for Gondola One in the main village. Load the Riva Bahn Express (Chair 6), ride through the midpoint drop-off, and you’ll be halfway up the mountain in no time. Tip: If you skipped breakfast to beat the crowds, grab a breakfast burrito and coffee at Larkspur Cafe at the base. 

Lionshead: If you’re hoping to access more moderate or beginner terrain, Lionshead is your spot. It is usually quieter than Vail Village and has (slightly) shorter lines on powder days. The parking structure provides easy access, and don’t miss grabbing a croissant at Les Délices de France on your way to either Born Free Express (Chair 18) or Eagle Bahn Gondola (Chair 19). Then, make time for a post-slopes Bloody Mary at Garf’s (short for Garfinkle’s) after you finish for the day.

Local’s secret: Putting this in print is gonna get us in trouble, but you can park for free at Donovan Pavilion and walk to the sorta-secret Cascade Village (Chair 20) chair, which serves the Grand Hyatt (the only hotel in Vail with a dedicated lift). The Cascade takes you halfway up Lionshead, where you ski over to Pride Express (Chair 26) to get to the top of Eagle’s Nest. Pro tip: When it snows six inches or more, the hotel serves churros and chocolate, and samples of its new Chair 20 beer, to savvy lift riders.

Beaver Creek is less than half the size of Vail, but it still has three bases. Here’s how to choose: 

Beaver Creek Village: As in Vail, the main base area is the resort nexus, with ski school, rental shops, restaurants, etc. The primary lift, Centennial Express (Chair 6), is a “chondola”—a high-speed, chair-gondola hybrid and it zips up to mid-mountain in no time.

Bachelor Gulch: Even if you’re not staying at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, you can come and go from that base (and enjoy après around the log-lodge’s legendary outdoor firepit). Just park at the Elk lot in Avon, and instead of taking the shuttle up to Beaver Creek Village, take the Lower Beaver Creek Mountain Express (Chair 15) from Beaver Creek Landing. You can either continue on up the mountain by catching the Upper Beaver Creek Mountain Express (Chair 18) or drop down for Bachelor Gulch Express (Chair 16).

Arrowhead: As the quietest and westernmost point of Beaver Creek, Arrowhead is the most low-key and least crowded base. Catch Arrow Bahn Express (Chair 17) and start working your way east. A word to the wise: If you’re a snowboarder, getting back to Arrowhead from Beaver Creek can be a haul.

Local’s secret: Lines are rarely an issue at Beaver Creek, but if the main base is getting crushed, sneak behind The Osprey hotel and catch Strawberry Park Express (Chair 12). This lesser-known lift provides access to Birds of Prey, Grouse Mountain, and Larkspur Bowl.