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April 20th, 2014 – Closing Day at Vail

The 2013/14 season is coming to a close and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate! From the incredible snow conditions to the spectacular roster of events, the 51st season at Vail has been a great one.

Planning to join us on Closing Day this Sunday, April 20th? Here’s the low-down on what to expect:

Since Closing Day happens to fall on Easter this year, start your day bright and early with interdenominational sunrise service at 6 a.m. inside at Eagle’s Nest (don’t go getting any ideas, though, while the gondola ride is complimentary for the sunrise service, guests are not permitted to bring skis or snowboards). The Eagle Bahn Gondola will open to the public at 5:30 a.m. to transport guests from Lionshead and complimentary baked goods and beverages will be provided. In addition, there will be two afternoon Easter services outside at Eagle’s Nest: one scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at Simonton Deck also known as the Holy Cross observation deck, and one at 2:30 p.m. on the Marketplace deck (Details on Easter services on mountain here).

In Golden Peak, the Spring Back to Vail Expo Village will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the World Pond Skimming Championships will get underway at 3 p.m. The Championships Plaza venue at Solaris in Vail Village will open at 4 p.m. for free concerts from Bonfire Dub and Grammy-winning reggae band Steel Pulse.

(*Updated) Schedule for lift and terrain closures: Blue Sky Basin Lifts, Skyline Express Lift #37 and and Pete’s Express Lift #39 close at 1:30. China Bowl and Tea Cup Bowl gates close at 2:30. Sun Up and Sun Down Bowl gates close at 3:30. Game Creek Bowl gates close at 2 pm and Game Creek Express Lift #7 will close after bowl is clear. Highline Express Lift #10 is closed for the entire day.

On the mountain, all operating lifts and decks will close for the season at 4 p.m. and public restrooms will close at 4 p.m. As is customary, Vail Ski Patrol will detonate a series of avalanche explosives to signal the end of the season.

Resort officials ask everyone for their continued cooperation with ski patrol and other Vail Mountain staff on closing day Sunday. For those picnicking on the mountain, trash and recycling containers will be provided. Skiers and riders are also reminded that variable late-spring conditions exist and are encouraged to descend or download early. Once Vail Ski Patrol sweeps the mountain, it will remain closed until summer operations resume in early-June.

U.S. Forest Service and local law enforcement officers will be on the mountain Sunday to help facilitate a safe end to the ski and snowboard season. Guests are expected to abide by the laws and rules of skiing and snowboarding and risk fines or arrest for irresponsible behavior and violations of federal laws. Skiers and snowboarders must continue to abide by the Colorado Ski Safety Act and “Your Responsibility Code” and observe all posted signs and closures.

“We’d like to remind visitors that despite recent changes in Colorado law, consumption of marijuana is prohibited in public places and possession is illegal on federal lands, including Vail Mountain,” said Dave Neely, district ranger on the Eagle/Holy Cross District of the White River National Forest. “We will continue to work with Vail Resorts and local law enforcement to uphold this, and encourage people to enjoy their public lands and get down the mountain safely at the end of the day.”

Guests are reminded that using any ski lift or trail while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances such as marijuana is prohibited under the Colorado Ski Safety Act. Guests are also not permitted to ride lifts, ski or snowboard on Vail Mountain with open containers or exposed quantities of alcohol, coolers, suitcase-like carriers, barbeques or similar items. One daypack per person will be permitted on closing day, provided the bag fits in a five-gallon container. Bags that do not meet the requirement are subject to search and will only be allowed if they contain no alcohol or controlled substances.

Inappropriate behavior that may jeopardize the experience of other guests is not tolerated. As in recent years, violators who are ticketed or arrested or caught throwing snowballs will lose skiing and snowboarding privileges for the 2014-2015 season. Those who disobey posted signs and closures or engage in other inappropriate behavior could lose skiing and snowboarding privileges for up to the entire 2014-2015 season.