Traveler Reviews

THE MINTURN MILE, what a an adventure.....
Reviewed by chumiiii on Feb 2, 2010


Hi, to everyone who reads these little article. I remember the first time I went to vail, I was about 10 years old (today I'am 30), since then Vail Mountain has always offered a very good experience of skiing like new bowls, new tracks and even new mountains. But it was until 2010 that I discovered the Minturn Mile, about 5 years ago someone in a lift mentioned something about it but I didnt pay much attention. Two years ago I heard of it again so I started investigating, finally a local worker told me about the trail an the way to get to minturn, for different reasons (weather, lack courage, nor time) I didnt go. For these season I decided that these was gonna be my goal, and I made it...... IT WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF SKIING DURING THESE SEASON, trully a nice and different adventure for skiers around the world. Luckilly my brother in law decided to come with me and we took off. (just go to lift 3 or 7 and ski to to the top of LOST BOY, go all the way to the left and you'll find an exit with different caution signs, then ski all the way down threw the powder and trees till you get to the river, then follow the river, it will take you all the way to minturn) I'am not that good skier in powder, but you really need to be a quick feet skier so you can move quickly between trees or stop wen you feel your going too fast. The ride lasts about 35 minutes and when you get to minturn you have too walk about half a mile to get to the minturn saloon, there you will taste the best beer of your life......... Just go for it.... you will have lots of fun (just remember to ski with precution and try to notify someone you know and might meet you in the saloon). Have a nice adventure. Marco Cummings Mexico City, Mexico

Minturn Mile, Vail
Reviewed by l9ajj on Jan 26, 2009


I skied the Minturn yesterday for the first time having heard about its mysteries for years and never quite having got there before. It is not to be taken lightly but was just unbelievable in parts. I am an intermediate to advanced skier, you need to be proficient in powder. After 6 new inches overnight we decided to give it a go. The top is breathtaking. Gorgeous powder, quite steep and deep where everybody had a great play. The next section is ok, a pleasant stroll or glide through tree lined glades, nothing challenging there alongside a creek. I gather you can come through it a different way where you have to cross the creek which can be tough but we seemed not to have to do that. Very pretty part of the route. The last section is the infamous luge and nothing really enjoyable about it. Its simply something you have to do in order to enjoy the top bit. We did it in fresh snow and that was bad enough. You cant turn although there are about 3 opportunities to slam your skis right to reduce the speed. Otherwise you simply bank into the strongest snow plough wedge to attempt to get down in one piece. If there was no one else on the track you could take a chance and let the speed hot up but to be honest, if you come across anyone else in front you are going to take them out in a dangerous fashion. The worst bit is the last 100 yards which gets really icy and you simply aim to stay upright on a very very narrow part of the track. But it was worth it just to ski the top part. Would not like to do it in poor ski conditions though. Would probably say give it a miss and wait for a powder day!. The saloon is sensational and margaritas have never tasted better.

Tough Trail
Reviewed by drainsnake on Jan 28, 2007


This is a trail that can kick your behind. When it is slick with lack of snow you barely have room to make any turns. It is not wide enough to turn your skis as it is 3-4' wide in its long trail to Minturn. I am an average ability skier who found rough going in his attempt to conquer the Minturn Mile. Tht is a joke in itself as it is about 3-4 miles long.I made it but not without being totally burnt at the end. P.S. The Ribs at the Minturn make the trip worth the ride.