Vail is a world-class ski resort and a year-round vacation destination with a unique sense of community. Home to one of the largest free transportation systems in the world, it offers year-round activities, a variety of shops and restaurants, luxurious accommodations and breath-taking mountain views.
The town was founded in 1962 and incorporated four years later. Early developers Earl Eaton and Pete Siebert took their own skis to the mountains around Eagle County and decided Vail Mountain was the perfect place to open a ski area.
History
The Vail Mountain ski area is one of the largest in the world. It is located near Vail Village in the White River National Forest, and is surrounded by the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains. The resort is known for its skiing and snowboarding, and has a reputation as one of the best ski destinations in the country.
The area that would become the town of Vail was originally a pristine ranching valley, with only a few loggers and farmers working its soil. However, after American frontiersmen Jim Bridger and Irish-American Lord Gore discovered gold and silver in the surrounding areas, settlers began to arrive to claim their bounty.
When a group of World War II veterans, including Pete Seibert, Bill “Sarge” Brown and Bob Parker returned to their training grounds in Gore Valley after the war, they dreamed of developing a ski resort. They bivouacked on Vail Mountain during their training at Camp Hale, and identified it as an ideal location for a new resort.
In the early 1960s, Seibert raised funds from a group of Denver investors, and with Earl Eaton he bought a ranch at the base of Vail Mountain and incorporated as Vail Associates. As plans for a ski resort continued, Seibert hired Morrie Shepard as Vail’s first ski school director and recruited Rod Slifer from Aspen to be an assistant.
Soon after, the Vail Mountian became a popular destination for families and vacationers alike. As the resort continued to expand, it grew into a full-fledged year-round community. In 1966, the town of Vail was incorporated.
The resort also gained international recognition. During this time, it was frequently named as the host of international ski competitions and events.
As the years passed, more and more people flocked to Vail for its legendary runs, apres scenes and overall mountain culture. The ski-area’s reputation grew, and by the 1980s it had become the largest ski resort in the United States.
Despite its size, the resort was not always a success. Nevertheless, it continued to expand and add features to attract skiers. In 1989, it installed six high-speed quad lifts, which reduced the number of skiers on the slopes.
Accommodations
Vail is a legendary ski destination known for its pristine terrain, culinary excellence, vibrant nightlife and extraordinary cultural experiences. It also offers a wide selection of accommodations to suit your preferences and budget.
Some of the best hotels in Vail are ski-in, ski-out properties where you can experience the thrill of the slopes right from your doorstep. Others are cozy, boutique alpine inns with European flair and cozy terry cloth robes. Some are even pet-friendly!
If you prefer a more upscale, luxury hotel in Vail, try the Grand Hyatt. This hotel has spa services, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a beautiful pool with hot tubs. This hotel is a great choice for both winter and summer trips to Vail.
Located in Lionshead Village, this hotel is walkable to the Eaglebahn Gondola. The rooms are large and comfortable with balconies and refrigerators and stoves. This resort is a great choice for couples or families looking for a luxury hotel in Vail that is close to the slopes.
Another great option for a luxurious, ski-in, ski-out hotel is the Antlers at Vail. This property is a short walk to the Eaglebahn Gondola and has a beautiful pool and hot tub, a 5-star spa and wellness center, and a restaurant on-site.
There is also the Tivoli Lodge in Vail Village. This hotel is located on the ski lift line and has amazing mountain views, friendly staff, and charming European-style architecture. There are also a few restaurants on-site and a nice new hot tub for you to enjoy after a day on the slopes.
The Sonnenalp is another beautiful hotel in Vail Village. This hotel is a German styled resort with a gorgeous spa, fitness center, pool and hot tubs. This is a great choice for couples or groups of friends looking for a luxury hotel in Vail.
This is one of the newest hotels in Vail, and it is located near Lionshead Village. The units are spacious with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, air conditioning, private ski lockers, and ski valet.
Lastly, the Ritz Carlton Residences in Vail are another good choice for a luxury hotel in Vail. This resort has a club residences that have two, three, and four bedroom suites that have gourmet kitchens, amazing views, and a lot of space to make yourself comfortable.
Dining
Vail is one of the world’s most popular ski resorts, attracting visitors from around the globe. Its reputation as a ski destination means that prices are high, but there are plenty of affordable options to satisfy a variety of tastes and budgets.
The dining scene in Vail Village is a mix of gourmet gems and laid-back local haunts. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, you can find it at any of the many restaurants in the town center.
Restaurants in Vail are often located within hotels or resorts and some of them require reservations. However, there are also a number of great dining choices that don’t require reservations and are open to walk-ins or a reservation made prior to your arrival in the village.
Several of the restaurants in the Vail Mountain Lodges are also excellent dining options and can be found right on the slopes. These include Bistro 14 at Eagle’s Nest, Gondoly’s Pizza in Adventure Ridge, and Bailey’s Coffee House at Two Elk.
Another popular restaurant on the mountain is Mid-Vail which offers multiple food concepts all under one roof. The menu features a variety of artisan deli sandwiches and salads, an American grill that serves burgers, fries and chicken strips as well as a wide selection of soups.
For a more casual dining option, head to The Little Diner. This family-owned restaurant has a great breakfast and lunch menu that will keep you coming back for more!
The restaurant is small but mighty and has everything you could possibly want for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant has been open for over 40 years and is known as one of the best places in town to grab a quick bite!
This family owned restaurant is a favorite for locals and travelers alike. It is a cozy, intimate place with a great ambiance that will keep you coming back for more!
La Tour is a long standing French restaurant in Vail Village. The menu is filled with delectable French bread and creative, lovely dishes! Guests will enjoy Lobster & Shrimp Stuffed Dover Sole or Black Olive Crusted Cabrilla Grouper for appetizers and A la carte Steakhouse cuts and ever changing seasonal offerings for their entrees. The dessert menu is also extensive with a range of scrumptious treats including Bourbon Chocolate Mousse Bombe or Warm Apple and Date Cake!
Activities
Vail Mountian Colorado is a year-round destination that offers plenty of fun activities for people of all ages. From skiing and snowboarding on the mountain to rafting on the Colorado River, the town offers something for everyone.
When it comes to winter, the snow sports scene is what really gets people going in Vail, but if you aren’t a skier or a snowboarder, there are plenty of other things to do. Check out the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum and Hall of Fame, which traces the history of extreme skiing and tells the story of the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who founded Vail, or take a ride on a snowmobile tour in the mountains to get a closer look at how beautiful and scenic the area is.
Another way to get out and explore is by hiking through the stunning Colorado mountains. The town is home to a variety of trails that take hikers through wildflower fields, under canopies of aspen trees and up mountain peaks.
There are a number of hiking trails around town, but some of the best ones are found along Red Sandstone Road in East Vail and on the North Trail. These trails offer amazing views and are easy to navigate, making them ideal for families with young children.
You can also try your hand at an adventure course, or ropes course, at Vail Mountain. These courses challenge you to balance, climb and dangle as you make your way through bridges, logs and more. The course offers scenic views of the surrounding area, and you can choose from two different courses for children ages 3 and older.
If you’re in the mood for some fun in the sun, rafting on the Colorado River is a great option. There are a few companies that offer rafting trips throughout the summer and there are even half-day tours available for all skill levels.
The mountain also has a number of family-friendly activities for visitors to enjoy in the summer, including hiking and mountain biking. In addition, you can visit a scenic gondola that takes riders up to the top of the mountain for more spectacular views.