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Riva Ridge Uphill Route

Backcountry Skiing Route

Details
2.18 mi
2,579 ft
Uphill access at Vail, following Riva Ridge from the village toward the top.

The only way to guarantee fresh tracks at Vail is to get up earlier than anyone else––and that means really early. Uphill access is allowed before (and after) open hours. So, if you’re prepared to earn your turns on dawn patrol, you can find the best of the frontside mountain to yourself for at least one lap. Or you can come back after the lifts close for unlimited fitness laps into the night.

Uphill travel is restricted to designated routes only, but you don’t have to descend the same way. You can ski pretty much any run down, just as long as you steer clear of mountain operations. Mapped here is the uphill route on Riva Ridge. From the top of this run, you can pick from several classic blues or blacks on the front side for the downhill.

On their website, Vail notes that uphill routes are subject to change, so be sure to look for signage indicating access on the day you are there. You should also call the trails hotline (970)-754-1023 ahead of time for info. Find out more about the uphill policy on the resort’s [Mountain Safety]( webpage. Written by Jesse Weber
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
G1 to Prima - RIVA Uphill Route2.21 mi2,575 ft22.0%
Riva Ridge to Trans MT Road1.67 mi1,562 ft17.6%
Lower Riva Climb0.28 mi453 ft30.3%
Riva Climb0.66 mi1,063 ft30.1%
Vail Mountain Spur Climb0.57 mi827 ft26.9%
Spur Climb the steeps0.30 mi512 ft31.8%