Thin Season at Vail’s Back Bowls & Blue Sky Basin

Описание: This was a true thin-snow season test at Vail — and we went straight for the goods: the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin to see what was actually skiable.

With snowpack running well below average, terrain access was limited — and in Blue Sky Basin specifically, operations were focused around:

Lift 39 – Pete’s Express

Select terrain off China Bowl

Limited tree lines and sheltered aspects holding coverage

Much of Blue Sky’s outer terrain, steeper gladed lines, and deeper shots were either thin, closed, or showing shark fins and exposed rock. Coverage varied dramatically by aspect — north-facing pockets skied soft and chalky, while south-facing entries were firm, scraped, or sun-affected.

🏔 Back Bowls Overview

The Back Bowls were open but required smart line choice. Key observations:

Groomers held up best early

High-traffic traverses were scraped and narrow

Bumps were forming over firm bases

Wind-loaded pockets skied surprisingly well

Lower exits showed thin cover and occasional dirt

China Bowl offered the most consistent skiing of the day — especially under Pete’s Express — where coverage was better protected and skier traffic more spread out.

🌲 Blue Sky Basin Conditions

Blue Sky was operating, but it was not the full legendary experience most people picture mid-winter. Highlights:

Pete’s Express spinning

China Bowl terrain accessible

Select trees skiable with caution

No deep powder — chalky recycled snow in protected zones

Base depth noticeably thin in exposed areas

This is not a powder fantasy edit. This is what a low-snow Vail actually skis like in February.