Editor’s note: Grand Junction is a great jumping-off point for recreation of all kinds, across the state and into Utah. And in just a few hours or less, you could be skiing at any one of Colorado’s world-class ski resorts. Go Play! will be running regional ski information throughout the winter.

With 5,289 acres of terrain, it’s safe to say Vail Mountain has runs for everyone — bumps, groomed, trees and bowls!

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Its seven Back Bowls — Sun Down, Sun Up, Tea Cup, China, Siberia, Inner Mongolia and Outer Mongolia bowls — feature vast expanses of open terrain from intermediate to expert levels. Or try out another locals’ favorite — Blue Sky Basin, which can be accessed by Skyline Express Lift (#37) to Belle’s Camp. Pop off your skies and stay awhile; Blue Sky truly lives up to its name.

Plus, most of its major events — like the early-season Snow Daze concert series, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships and Spring Back to Vail (the end-of-season party) — are free and open to the public. All you need is a ski pass to access activities on the slopes.

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SOURCE: Vail Resorts