Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013
Total Mountain net revenue	$ 57,331	$ 51,912
Lodging	57,214	52,508
Total Resort net revenue	114,545	104,420
Real Estate	8,846	11,930
Total net revenue	123,391	116,350
Mountain	124,774	107,548
Lodging	56,905	51,806
Total Resort operating expense	181,679	159,354
Real estate	9,231	15,614
Total segment operating expense	190,910	174,968
Mountain equity investment income, net	603	434
Total Reported EBITDA	(66,916)	(58,184)
Real estate held for sale and investment	188,205	227,662	195,230
Depreciation and amortization	(34,156)	(31,679)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net	(429)	(2)
Investment income, net	95	54
Interest expense, net	(16,098)	(8,375)
Income (loss) before (provision) benefit from income taxes	(117,504)	(98,186)
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	44,067	37,583
Net income (loss)	(73,437)	(60,603)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	61	23
Net income (loss) attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	(73,376)	(60,580)
Lift Tickets [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	0	0
Ski School [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	0	0
Dining [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	7,464	6,373
Retail/Rental [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	28,900	26,725
Other [Member]
Total Mountain net revenue	20,967	18,814
Resort [Member]
Total Reported EBITDA	(66,531)	(54,500)
Mountain [Member]
Total Reported EBITDA	(66,840)	(55,202)
Lodging [Member]
Total Reported EBITDA	309	702
Real Estate [Member]
Total Reported EBITDA	$ (385)	$ (3,684)