Snowboarding in Vail

Vail's snowboarding facilities continue to evolve every year. The big news for the 96 - 97 season was the new snowboard terrain patk at the Eagles next at the top of Vail Mountain, accessed at night by the new Lionshead gondola its twin half pipes are served by a dedicated surface lift. There are other snowboard parks and features dotted around the mountain and at Vail's other ski centres. In Vail the 'Hot Dog Park' has metal and wood sliders, a jobline and more whilst Beaver Creek's Strickline Snowboard Park is set amongst the trees in natural wooded terrain. Vail unveiled a newly redesigned Golden Peak Park featuring Colorado's only double barrel super pipe. Improvements included the new super pipe and a new mini jib park at the Burton Super Center. The double barrel super pipe consists of two side-by-side, 400 foot half-pipes. The largest of the two features 15-foot walls with 17-foot transitions. To help maintain a consistent riding surface and create the super pipe, Vail purchased a Super Pipe Dragon.. The resort also added a new Dew Drop Inn sponsored by Mountain Dew at the top of the pipe. The Dew Drop Inn is a heated yurt with vending machines, snacks, sodas, parts kits, video games, tool benches, music videos, a new sound system, as well as a 40-foot deck that provides great views of the Golden Peak Park and super pipe. In addition, the multi-level Golden Peak Park offers various levels of challenging tabletops, spines and jumps that will begin just below the super pipe. This design will allow riders to catch air while going from hit to hit all the way down to the bottom. To further its commitment to snowboarders, Vail also grooms all of its pipes and park daily - whether by machine or hand. Pipe and terrain park specialists oversee the maintenance and service of the areas throughout the season. Grooming times will be posted daily at the top of the Dew Drop Inn, so park enthusiasts know when a freshly cut pipe will be available. The Snowboard School offers tuition from beginner level through freestyle and Alpine Classes for the experienced. Snowboard Camps are also organised with specially designed 'Quick Carve sessions' available to advanced skiers who want to move quickly in to snowboarding. More experienced 'boarders will of course enjoy the Back Bowls and many other exciting routes and the Black Forest Race arena offers head-to-head racing for medals.