Vail is well known for being massive, and its Back Bowls—those wide-open basins that hold deep snow all winter long—are world famous. But are the Bowls really for every skier and rider? If it’s your first time on skis or strapped to a snowboard, probably not. But anyone who can cruise a blue can find something fun in the Back. Bonus: A photo op of the iconic “Legendary Back Bowls” sign can be found at the top of Chairs 4, 5, and 11.

For Corduroy Cowboys

Red Zinger, which runs along the ridge of Sun Up Bowl, Tea Cup Bowl, and China Bowl, provides views and just enough exposure before landing you, via Sleepytime Road, at Orient Express (Chair 21). From there you can swoosh down Poppyfields (the west side is almost always groomed) in China Bowl. Another option: With easy access from the top of Chairs 5 and 11, zip down The Slot. This regularly groomed run bisects Milt’s Face and The Headwall (both blacks) and deposits you at Sun Up Express (Chair 9).

For Bumpers

The Back Bowls aren’t exactly known for their mogul fields, but if it hasn’t dumped in a while, you can get your fill by bashing bumps on Wow in Sun Down Bowl. (FYI: It’s a long one, and a fair amount of it is in full view of the chairlift, so get ready to put on a show, or suffer catcalls from above.)

For Hotdoggers

For the most big-mountain-style terrain, locals head to Rasputin’s Revenge in Siberia Bowl. The run is steep and open, but there are rocks and (if you go looking for them) cliffs. The good news is that Siberia is the least skied of all the Bowls, so it tends to hold its snow. Slightly easier to access are the Tea Cup Glades, where cliffs with sketchy, treed landings abound. This is pure black-diamond terrain, and as the name suggests, it’s far from the crowds on the main mountain; please, please, please don’t ski here (or anywhere) alone. 

For Powderhounds

If you’re coming up from Lionshead on a powder day and patrol is opening up the Back, hike up Ptarmigan Ridge (access from Chairs 3, 7, and 17) to get a couple extra creamy turns before dropping into Ricky’s Ridge and ending at Sun Down Express (Chair 17). Then lap the lift and continue down the ridge, sampling Widge’s, Seldom, Never, and O.S. (shorthand for Oh Sh*t). Depending on the day, the lower you go, the more likely there’ll still be fresh tracks at 2 p.m.

When Not to Drop into the Back 

The lack of trees is both the Bowls’ allure and their Achilles’ heel. When white-out conditions descend or flat light dampens visibility and induces vertigo, the Front Side calls.

For corduroy cowboys: Avanti Express (Chair 2) is straight-up fun with long and fast cruisers. If you’re feeling cocky, test your racing mettle on the Epic Mix course in the Avanti Skills Zone.

For bumpers: The Front Side was made for you. From Look Ma’s big bumps and wonky fall line (via Wildwood Express/Chair 3) to pretty much everything under Highline Express (Chair 10), your knees will be screaming for lunch. When that happens, head to Two Elk Lodge by going back up Chair 10 over to    Sourdough Express (Chair 14).

For hotdoggers: With a hefty snow load, a steep grade, and an entrance that requires a jump turn, Prima Cornice is arguably one of the more hair-raising runs on the mountain, which also makes it one of the most fun. Access it by either Northwoods Express (Chair 11) or Mountaintop Express (Chair 4). 

For powderhounds: The key to a successful powder day is minimizing lift lines. From Lionshead, make your way to Pride Express (Chair 26). As the westernmost run on the mountain, you could have Simba all to yourself. But if you’re willing to wait in line, there’s no better playground than the mild glades and under-the-chair bumps and rolls of Northwoods Express (Chair 11).

EpicMix is Now My Epic

Thanks to the smartphone, the plastic ski pass and paper lift ticket are now artifacts. After downloading the My Epic app, all you need to do is create an account to load your virtual pass, then zip your phone in your pocket and leave it there, because lifties will scan you in via Bluetooth. Resort and weather updates, personal stats (gotta track your vert!), and interactive trail maps will still be available directly in the app. Added bonus: In case of an emergency, you can use the app to ping the nearest patroller, who will find you using your phone’s GPS location.

When My Epic Gear (a companion app) launches this season, it’ll make the ski/snowboard rental process a snap. After creating an account and paying the membership fee ($50), you’ll load your personal information (height, weight, ability, etc.) and—get this—a quick scan of your foot with your phone (for a custom boot fit), and the app will match you with your ideal gear from leading brands of boots, skis, and snowboards, rented for $50 per day. You select where to pick up your gear or have it delivered to your hotel or condo. Presto, you’re ready for the slopes.