Uphill Access Policy

Back to Our Multi-Use Mountain

Uphill travel is open at all times during the winter operating season except on Saturdays and holiday periods during operating hours.

Holiday Periods include:

  • December 24 - January 1
  • January 14 & 15
  • February 17 – 21

Please call our Hotline for the most up to date information: (802) 339-8474

Routes:

There are two routes that are marked with Green and Blue reflective signage. These routes are:

 

Long John: Route to Summit via green trail

Direct to Summit: via blue trails

All uphill travelers should start from the base of Launchpad/Discovery Lift in the corner of Lot C. Please see Uphill Travel Map/Kiosk before heading out.


Parking

Uphill Access parking is located in C lot and is subject to applicable policies and fees. For free parking, use D lot. Parking is free in all lots after 1 p.m.


Know Before You Go:

  • Uphill Travel may be closed at any time for any reason. Always call the Uphill Access Hotline before travel: (802) 339-8474
  • As an uphill traveler, it is your responsibility to remain visible to others at all times. This includes but is not limited to: downhill skiers, snowcat operators or other resort staff on snow machines. If traveling outside of daylight hours: wear a headlight and bright reflective clothing. Direct your light towards others so they can see you.
  • Respect and obey all signage and trail closures. It is your responsibility to stay off of all closed terrain.
  • Designated Uphill Routes are marked with reflective signage
  • Designated Downhill routes outside of operating hours are Long John and Cascade/Canyon.
  • It is your responsibility to be aware of and avoid where winch cats will be operating. This information can be found in the Mount Snow Mountain Update. (Link Here) Winch cat operations will be marked with a sign and red flashing lights at the top and bottom of the trail.
  • Uphill travelers must not impede or obstruct ski area operations.
  • Avoid all snowmaking equipment. Never ski or step on hoses.
  • Lifts cannot be used without a lift ticket or pass.
  • Pets are not authorized to travel with uphill users at Mount Snow.
  • Emergency Services - During operating hours: call (802) 464-4005 Outside of operations: call 911

Uphill activities may present a high danger of personal injury. Uphill users of Mount Snow assume all risks. The ski area is not maintained for uphill access and trails are not patrolled outside of normal ski area operating hours. Motorized vehicles, snowmaking and other ski area operations may be encountered.


Uphill Access Map , opens in a new window
Vail-UphillTravel-UphillAccessPolicyOverview.jpg

Policy Overview

  • Uphill travel may be prohibited during normal daytime operations. Always call the Uphill Access Trail Hotline for schedule and availability: (802) 339-8474
  • No emergency services are provided outside of normal operating hours.
  • Uphill activities may present a high danger of personal injury. 
  • Contact the Trail Hotline prior to access. 
  • Motorized vehicles, snowmaking, and other ski area operations may be encountered and must be avoided.
  • Avalanche mitigation may be in progress. 
  • User assumes risks and acknowledges that runs are not maintained for uphill travel. Avalanche hazards may exist.

During Non-Lift Operating Hours

  • Call the Uphill Access Trail Hotline for information: (802) 339-8474
  • Pets are allowed to accompany you, but they must be leashed and under control at all times. Pets are NOT allowed during operating hours.
  • Stay towards the side of the trail. 
  • Position yourself so that you are visible from above.
  • Wear brightly colored and reflective clothing. 
  • Obey all pertinent signage. 
  • Avoid all areas where machinery is operating. 
  • Be aware that ski area emergency services are not available.
  • No motorized vehicles.

Early Season and Off-Season

Uphill access will not be allowed on trails during mountain preparation, early season snowmaking, or immediately following the close of the resort. The work taking place makes it unsafe for public use. 

Non-lift access to ski area facilities, such as uphill snowshoeing, hiking, skinning, or backcountry touring may present a high danger of personal injury to participants or others, and may be limited or forbidden based on conditions, on-mountain activity, and/or Resort policy. 

Conditions and permission to access backcountry areas vary by resort; please consult the hotline for your information on the resort at hand.

The links provided on this page are for informational purposes only. Vail Resorts does not endorse or approve the content on the sites and bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the sites. Contact the site owner for answers to questions regarding their content.