Minturn Mile - Vail, CO - Non official ski run in Vail, Colorado

One of the most famous non-official ski runs in the world is the Minturn Mile on Vail Mountain in Vail, Colorado. Vail Mountain's chairs three and seven can both be used to access Minturn Mile by taking them out of the access gate at the top of the Lost Boy trail on the turn. Those wishing to utilize the run should have at least intermediate level ski experience.

The Minturn Mile starts with bowl type terrain before it enters the trees. Half way down the run there are beaver pond and the lower half of the run is known as luge; this part is an old game or jeep trail and rather narrow in places only three to four inches wide. This run is not patrolled so skiers use Minturn Mile at their own risk. Those using Minturn Mile are encouraged to ensure they are adequately prepared with the correct equipment, accessories and tools.

Minturn Mile despite the name is over three miles long starting at the western boundaries of the Vail Mountain Ski Resort. This puts it at the top of the Ptarmigan Point or along the Lost Boy ski trail. The elevation of the trail going down is over three thousand feet. The snow is slick on the trail and the turns can be difficult to make if you are not a skilled skier.

The White River National Forest contains the Minturn Mile's entire length. Since the Minturn Mile is not a regular ski run there are no patrols in the area. This means that those choosing to ski down Minturn Mile are on responsible for themselves if anything happens and the trail is not maintained even though it is in a national park.

After skiing down the Minturn Mile visitors to Vail, Colorado can relax at the Minturn Saloon. Everyone can find something on the menu. The saloon even helps to make group events such as corporate outings, birthdays, weddings and other functions memorable when they are held in the facility. The structure dates back to the 1901 and has a historical feel to it making the atmosphere warm and welcoming for everyone in the area.

The Vail Mountain is open to skiers from the middle of November to the middle of April. The facilities open at eight thirty in the morning and close at three thirty in the afternoon. During the month of February the hours extend to four in the evening. The lifts at the facility are open during this time which can allow visitors' access to the Minturn Mile.

Those in the area of Vail, Colorado that enjoy a skiing and adventure should visit the Vail Mountain. Those that really want an adventure should try the Minturn Mile. All those wishing to attempt the Minturn Mile should proceed with caution and remember that there are no patrols on the Minturn Mile so skiing is done at your own risk. The weather conditions and their affect on the mountain should be taken into consideration prior to visiting the Vail Mountain.