Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012
Total Mountain net revenue	$ 51,912	$ 49,670
Lodging	52,508	53,594
Resort	104,420	103,264
Real Estate	11,930	13,109
Total net revenue	116,350	116,373
Mountain	107,548	98,555
Lodging	51,806	55,301
Resort	159,354	153,856
Real estate	15,614	17,847
Total segment operating expense	174,968	171,703
Mountain equity investment income, net	434	430
Total Reported EBITDA	(58,184)	(54,900)
Real estate held for sale and investment	227,662	263,130	237,668
Depreciation and amortization	(31,679)	(28,930)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net	(2)	(114)
Investment income, net	54	64
Interest expense, net	(8,375)	(8,241)
Loss before benefit for income taxes	(98,186)	(92,121)
Benefit from income taxes	37,583	36,387
Net loss	(60,603)	(55,734)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	23	25
Net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	(60,580)	(55,709)
Lift Tickets [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	0	0
Ski School [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	0	0
Dining [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	6,373	5,647
Retail/Rental [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	26,725	26,964
Other [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	18,814	17,059
Resort [Member]
Total Reported EBITDA	(54,500)	(50,162)
Mountain [Member]
Total Reported EBITDA	(55,202)	(48,455)
Lodging [Member]
Total Reported EBITDA	702	(1,707)
Real Estate [Member]
Total Reported EBITDA	$ (3,684)	$ (4,738)