Minturn Mile
An expert-only off-piste ski run from Vail's backcountry to the charming town of Minturn. Thrilling descent meets historic mountain town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best snow conditions
Minturn Mile
Best Time
Best snow conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An expert-only off-piste ski run from Vail's backcountry to the charming town of Minturn. Thrilling descent meets historic mountain town.
"This place gets a full 5 stars from me. Highly recommend a stop in if your out in the Colorado mountain town of Minturn!"
Access Gate Location
Find the gate off Lost Boy trail at Vail; a short hike is needed.
Expert Skiers Only
This is expert terrain; double black diamond comfort is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Descent
Vail Ski Resort to Minturn
An exhilarating off-piste ski run from Vail's backcountry down to the charming town of Minturn.
Town of Minturn
End of the Minturn Mile
A historic Colorado mountain town offering a rewarding après-ski experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Expert Terrain Ahead
Know Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Access Gate Location
Find the gate off Lost Boy trail at Vail; a short hike is needed.
Expert Skiers Only
This is expert terrain; double black diamond comfort is essential.
Minturn Mile in March?
Backcountry Awareness
Be prepared for off-piste conditions; rescues happen here.
Go with a Guide
If it's your first time, go with someone experienced.
Minturn Ski Vacation
Tips
from all over the internet
Access Gate Location
Find the gate off Lost Boy trail at Vail; a short hike is needed.
Expert Skiers Only
This is expert terrain; double black diamond comfort is essential.
Backcountry Awareness
Be prepared for off-piste conditions; rescues happen here.
Go with a Guide
If it's your first time, go with someone experienced.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for the Minturn Saloon highlight its excellent food, drinks, and service, with a particularly praised rustic vibe and friendly staff. It's a popular spot for both casual visits and private events, offering a great après-ski experience. Some mention portion sizes for certain dishes, but overall satisfaction is very high.
"Great people with a huge selection of drinks and interestingly good Mexican type food"
Joe Macomber
"Such a great place to drink an ice cold beer and have a bite to eat. The staff was amazing"
Kelly matthews
"For some, a saloon might conjure up some images of the old west. There are some characteristics to the theme, but this place is top shelf. Food, drinks, service. Can't say enough about the fine service from all the staff members who took care of us. The GM was a great guy. Took time to talk with us a bit, make sure we were comfortable and well cared for. All in all this place gets a full 5 stars from me. Highly recommend a stop in if your out in the Colorado mountain town of Minturn!"
Phil Domek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To access the Minturn Mile, you'll need to take chairs 3 or 7 at Vail Ski Resort. From the top of the turn-off for the Lost Boy trail, you'll need to do a small hike to reach the gate that marks the start of the Minturn Mile.
No, the Minturn Mile is an off-piste, expert-only ski run. It is not a groomed or marked trail within the resort boundaries.
After skiing the Minturn Mile, you'll end up in the town of Minturn. You can typically catch a shuttle bus or arrange for a taxi back to Vail. It's advisable to check local shuttle schedules in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Minturn Mile is accessed from within Vail Ski Resort, so a valid Vail lift ticket or season pass is required to get to the access point. There are no separate tickets for the run itself.
Access to the Minturn Mile is dependent on Vail Ski Resort's operating hours and snow conditions. It's best to check Vail's daily operations report for the most up-to-date information on lift status and trail access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'hike' to access the Minturn Mile is a short, but potentially steep, ascent from the top of the Lost Boy trail. It's more of a traverse to reach the gate.
Expect challenging, expert-level terrain. This includes steep pitches, potential ungroomed snow, and natural obstacles. It's considered double black diamond territory.
Yes, the Minturn Mile is suitable for expert snowboarders as well as skiers. The same terrain challenges apply.
Pack essentials for backcountry skiing: avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) if venturing beyond the immediate run, extra layers, water, snacks, and a fully charged phone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The town of Minturn offers several great spots for après-ski. The Minturn Saloon is a popular choice with good food and drinks, and a rustic vibe. Other local eateries also provide a welcoming atmosphere.
Yes, the Minturn Saloon is highly recommended for private events and group gatherings. They offer delicious food and a perfect rustic vibe, with some even renting out the space for celebrations. [^Reviews]
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic mountain scenery and the thrill of the descent offer great photo ops. Capturing the expansive views from the top and the action of skiing down are popular choices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for winter activities, consider exploring the groomed trails at Vail or Beaver Creek, which offer a wider range of options for different skill levels. The town of Minturn can still be a destination for a meal or a stroll, even if the Mile itself is off-limits.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own snacks and water to save money. If you're not skiing Vail, exploring the town of Minturn and enjoying its local eateries can be a more budget-friendly way to experience the area. Look for local pubs or cafes that might offer daily specials.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Minturn Mile
Safety is paramount when considering the Minturn Mile. Local paramedics have noted that rescues do occur in this area, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness. It's strongly advised to attempt this run only if you are highly comfortable with double black diamond conditions and ideally, with someone who has prior experience navigating the route.
While the run itself offers an exhilarating descent, the journey down can be challenging. Some describe parts of it as more of a 'cat walk' than pure powder, but the overall experience of skiing from the resort into a charming mountain town is what draws many adventurers.
The Charm of Minturn
Minturn boasts several excellent dining and drinking establishments. The Minturn Saloon is frequently highlighted for its delicious food, extensive drink selection, and rustic, Western-themed decor. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering a great après-ski experience right on the river. [^Reviews]
Beyond the Saloon, Minturn offers a genuine small-town Colorado experience. It's a place where you can enjoy good food, a cold beer, and soak in the mountain town ambiance, making the end of your Minturn Mile journey a truly rewarding experience. [^Reviews]
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