Buttermilk vs Vail

Buttermilk (Colorado) and Vail (Colorado) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.

StatButtermilkVail
Vertical drop2,001 ft (610 m)3,494 ft (1,065 m)
Summit elevation9,882 ft11,539 ft
Base elevation7,881 ft8,045 ft
Lifts832
Runs50241
Beginner terrain24%20%
Intermediate terrain46%34%
Expert terrain30%46%
Night skiingNoNo

Vail has the bigger vertical (3,494 ft vs 2,001 ft); Vail has more runs (241 vs 50); Vail skews more expert (46% expert terrain).

Which pass covers them?

ResortPass coverage (2026-27)
ButtermilkIkon Pass: 7 daysMountain Collective: 2 days
VailEpic Pass: unlimited days

No single pass covers both, so skiing both means separate passes or lift tickets. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →

Stay near Buttermilk

Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Buttermilk

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More detail: Buttermilk stats · Vail stats