Minturn Mile

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Drop a car, or have someone ready to pick you up at the end to shuttle you over to town. It should also be noted that if you're looking to 'earn your turns' you could skin up this exact track.

While only the short top section makes a great descent, this is still a fun way to finish a day at Vail. You'll end up within a short distance of the food and bars in Minturn, and the Saloon is the place to be at the end of the day.

From the end of the Game Creek cat track, instead of turning right and skiing down Lost Boy, hook around, though the boundary gate, and gaze west at a nice bowl and aspen grove below. You could also hike to the top of the knob above you. Pick a line down the bowl - it doesn't matter too much since you'll end in the same drainage no matter what.

Once in the drainage, be careful - conditions can be all over the map, and include dirt, open streams, and a fast icy roller coaster ride. The "mile" is really more like 2.5 miles, and it can be fun... or a terrible, long, muddy hike!