QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-158633 and 333-172826), and in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-105621, 333-134767, 333-153019 and 333-176792) of Vista Gold Corp. (the "Company") of our report dated March 14, 2012, relating to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
March 14, 2012

183

QuickLinks

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS