Acquisitions (Summary Pro Forma Financial Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Pro forma net revenue	$ 1,171,459	$ 959,453
Pro forma net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	$ 33,231	$ 34,485
Pro forma basic net income per share attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	$ 0.92	$ 0.95
Pro forma diluted net income per share attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	$ 0.90	$ 0.94