Portions of Vail's Legendary Back Bowls Open for the 2013-2014 Winter Season

VAIL, Colo., Dec. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vail Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in the world, today opened portions of terrain its legendary Sun Up and Sun Down bowls and the High Noon Express Lift (#5). With the addition of this terrain, skiers and snowboarders now have access to more than 2,000 skiable acres of terrain accessible by 19 lifts.

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"The start of the 2013-2014 ski and snowboard season in Vail has been fantastic," said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. "To be adding the Back Bowls to the mix and rolling back operating hours in time for the Christmas holiday is a huge benefit for our guests and something that continues to set Vail apart from the industry. We're hopeful that we'll be able to open even more terrain soon."

The resort is planning to open portions of China Bowl by Saturday, Dec. 14 at which time lift operating hours will be extended by one half hour in the morning. The majority of lifts will open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. Lift operating hours are posted at the base of all open lifts.

All guests are reminded that they must observe all posted signs and closures, especially during the early season. Closed trails may contain hazards due to early snow coverage. Crossing an on-mountain closure is a violation of the Colorado Ski Safety Act and will result in the loss of skiing privileges and could involve prosecution and a fine.

Vail Ski & Snowboard School – Ski Girls Rock!
With the Winter Olympics less than two months away, now is the time to get into the competitive spirit with Ski Girls Rock, a premium lesson product exclusively for girls ages 7 to teen. Ski Girls Rock was inspired and designed by Vail's own Olympic gold medalist and World Alpine Ski Champion, Lindsey Vonn and is offered daily Dec. 22, 2013 through Jan. 4, 2014 and other select dates throughout the season. Ski Girls Rock lessons consist of no more than four students per group and are led by dedicated female instructors who focus on improving skiing skills, empowering girls through the sport and creating opportunities to build confidence and develop teamwork and social skills. Visit www.skigirlsrock.com for more information.

Max 3 lessons offer customized learning, small-group coaching and guaranteed improvement for intermediates to advanced levels. Full- or half-day tune-ups are available at Mid-Vail with a maximum of three adults per lesson. For more information or to book a lesson, visit www.vail.com or call (970) SKI-VAIL.  

On Mountain Dining
Skiers and snowboarders currently have access to daytime dining at The 10th, Vail's newest on-mountain table-service restaurant, as well as casual dining at Two Elk, Mid-Vail, Buffalo's, Wildwood Smokehouse, Eagle's Nest, Express Lift and the Golden Peak Grill. Bistro Fourteen will begin lunch service for the winter season on Friday, Dec. 13.

Book by Jan. 7 to Save Up to 30 Percent on Select Lodging
Book by Jan. 7 and save up to 30 percent off reservations at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, The Lodge at Vail, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail, The Austria Haus Hotel and Game Creek Chalet during the 2013-2014 winter season in Vail. To book or for more details and restrictions, visit Vail.com.  

For more information about Vail Mountain visit www.vail.com, or stop by the Mountain Information Center, or call (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).

About Vail Mountain
Coveted as one of the largest ski resorts in the world with more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls spanning seven miles, and the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail has been an extraordinary winter vacation destination for passionate skiers and snowboarders for more than 50 years. It is home to world-class athletes during the U.S. Ski Team early-season training sessions in Golden Peak, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships and the future 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, friends and families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail's founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth. www.vail.com.  

SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc.