The Mountain is Your Playground: Sliding Through the Trees With Kids on Vail Mountain

We’re honored to welcome a special guest author to the blog today: Melissa Marotto. Based in Vail, Colorado, Melissa is a PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain ski educator, a devoted mom to her son Wilder, and a force of nature both on and off the slopes. Her passion for snow sports is matched only by her heart for people—especially in the often-overlooked corners of the ski world, where she dedicates her work to creating lasting impact. Whether she’s biking downhill, running uphill, or losing herself in a great novel, Melissa moves through life with grit, curiosity, and deep gratitude. We're thrilled to share her perspective with our community.

________________________________________________________________

Vail Mountain isn’t just a ski resort — it’s a wonderland for kids, and if you’re a parent or caregiver tagging along, consider yourself lucky to be along for the ride. While many of us grew up navigating moguls and lift lines, today’s little rippers know exactly where the magic lives: the Kids Adventure Zones.

These trails aren’t just popular — they’re legendary. Ask any young skier or snowboarder, and they’ll give you the play-by-play of which zones to hit first and how to link them together. For those new to the scene, welcome to the real playground on Vail Mountain. You’re not just skiing — you’re chaperoning a mountain-sized adventure.

Worried you parked in the “wrong” place? Don’t be. Whether you start at Lionshead or Vail Village, both gondolas lead to Avanti Express #2, your golden ticket to the best kid-friendly terrain on the mountain.

At the heart of the fun is what we affectionately call The Triple Crown — a phrase lovingly coined by ski school legend Janet Lawrence. It includes three iconic tree runs: Magic Forest, Sherwood Forest, and Porcupine Alley. Together, they create a magical, meandering trail through snowy pines that feels like something out of a fairy tale. You can access these runs from the top of Gondola #19, Wildwood Express #3, or Avanti Express #2 — pick your lift and let the kids take the lead.

Before diving into the woods, take a moment for a quick safety chat: remind your crew to stop at the end of the tree zone at the yellow or orange signs. And as they connect from one fun zone to the next, keep an eye uphill and be aware of other skiers — mountain awareness is one of the best things you can teach them (besides how to find powder stashes).

Once you've cruised through the Triple Crown, don't stop there — head to Chaos Canyon, a fan favorite. With playful names like Thunder and Tornado, this area lets kids choose their own adventure as they race through what was once a recreational bobsled course. It’s a reminder of just how much the mountain has evolved — and how much kids are in charge of the fun now!

And when the energy dips (because it will), swing by The Coop at the bottom of Avanti Express #2 for a well-earned snack — their chicken and waffles hit the spot every time. Trust me: a good snack break can be the difference between one last run and an early meltdown.

So next time you’re on Vail Mountain with the kids, remember: this isn’t just skiing. It’s exploration, confidence-building, and most importantly — play. Fuel 'em up, let 'em lead, and don’t forget to soak in the joy along the way.

After all, the mountain is your playground.