The basin's 520 acres offer great tree skiing and represent a level of development that is low-key in the context of Vail. But otherwise it provides a retro skiing experience. Swaths needed to be cut through the trees to accommodate the lifts, but otherwise, trees were selectively thinned rather than mowed down. Part of this was the result of stringent new environmental requirements, but part was due to changing ethics and aesthetics in the Colorado Rockies. Most of the runs are general routes rather than specific, defined trails.
Signage is directional, pointing to a destination rather than funneling people onto specific trails.
Skiers and snowboarders can stick to groomed sections, dance through the powder in the trees or mix and match. In that manner, every trip down Blue Sky's slopes can feel and look different. This year's lift development is concentrated on one beefy ridge and the two drainages on either side. The Skyline Express climbs the crest of the ridge, providing tantalizing views in both directions. Earl's Bowl, to the west side, features grandiose open snowfields and islands of trees, mostly moderate enough to be marked with blue squares.