Vail Colorado Lodging, Hotels, Activities & Events
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Vail did not exist 50 years ago. It was just a place in the middle of the White River National Forest. Now it is a small “village” that sits in the heart of the Rockies that is supposed to remind visitors of the Swiss Alps and Bavaria. Each Fall during two weekends of Octoberfest, beer and brats and band members dressed in lederhosen fill the streets of Vail. People yodel, drink beer from steins, and stroll the cobblestone streets. The architecture of Vail was designed to capture the essence of other “real” ski towns but Vail has become its own place. Vail is about 95 miles west of Denver, off I-70. Oktoberfest runs Sep 10-12 and 18-19 (free; outdoors on main streets). For festival or city information, visit www.visitvailvalley.com or call 970/476-1000 or 800/653-4523 (reservations).
The year-round resort of Vail is 100 miles west of Denver, reachable by I-70; in fact, the Highway zips right through this internationally famous mecca where you can backcountry ski, hike, bike, raft, ski, camping, go fly fishing, jeep, and dine and stay in stylish accomodations close to town. Check out our summer activities guide for Vail.
We recommend the 4 mile hike to Shrine Ridge, named for the 11,888 foot high on the North Ridge, is on the difficult side. The hike to Shrine Ridge is also know for the spectacular views of the 14,005 foot high Mount of the Hold Cross. The hike starts at an altitude of 11,089 feet and ascends almost 900 more feet. The hike will take you about 4 hours round trip. The Ute knew of this area 7,000 years ago. When Vail Pass was constructed many artifacts of Native American activity were found in the area. The Trailhead is 14 ½ miles east of Vail on I-70 where you will use Exit 190 for the Vail Pass Rest Area. You will turn South on Shrine Pass Road, a dirt road and continue to 2 ½ miles to a sign on the left for the parking for the Shrine Ridge Trail. More information on Vail area hiking opportunities.
Vail is Americas answer to European four-season resorts, a masterpiece of planning, a super-combination of skiing, lodging, shopping, a genuine total resort. From the start Vail was cosmopolitan, innovative and idea-rich, polite and policed, fashion-conscious, the ideal place for people-watching.
This winter sports town has handsome people, attractive hotels, the widest ski bowls, and the most extravagant array of lifts. They practically invented the high-speed quad here. Vails mayor likes to tell how his ski town differs from the average city. We dont have the prejudices and problems of the metropolis. We have no strikes. We dont see a hostile face; smog is unknown. People come here to escape from all of those things, and revitalize themselves.
Others who come here criticize the community for its strict fashion consciousness, artificiality and an almost codified sense of well-to-do unreality.
Oil and stock market tycoons, Senators and Congressmen, US government cabinet members, models, and Playmates ski these slopes along with well-to-do Texans. There is a movie theater and supermarket. Shops sell imported $4,000 fur coats, French champagnes, Swiss watches, Irish linen and fine Danish cheeses. Youll find an almost-complete village. Vail is the most expensive place in Colorado.
History
Vails founders never anticipated a success of such magnitude. Although thousands of mountain troopers and skiers passed through the valley during the 1940s and 50s, none of them saw the potential of Vail Mountain, since the best slopes were out of sight above the Highway. But Peter Seibert, an ex-10th Mountain Man and a ski racer, knew a lot about ski areas; he spent two years hiking, climbing and skiing all over the Rockies to look for the ideal resort location. One day in 1957 he scaled the Vail summit with a local prospector who lived in the valley. Upon seeing the bowls, glades, and open slopes, Seibert knew hed found the perfect site.
Colorado River Rafting Near Vail Colorado
For exciting Vail Colorado whitewater rafting adventure, look to Rock Gardens Rafting. On the Colorado River in dramatic Glenwood Canyon, we’re an easy hour drive west of Vail on scenic I-70, right around the corner from historic Glenwood Springs. Call Rock Gardens Rafting toll free 1-800-958-6737 or the local telephone number 970-945-6737. Seibert and some friends invested their savings. But more money was needed. Unfortunately, at that time Denvers conservative bankers wouldnt gamble on a large new ski area, with Aspen already doing well. All the same, Seibert kept looking for partners. He turned to Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Texas, and other states. He bought a snow cat and brought visitors to his magic mountain. He showed films of his powder bowls all over the country. He invited prospective investors to ski with him. One day, he finally hit pay dirt. A Michigan oilman/skier recognized the potential and found other wealthy backers who spread Seiberts gospel. They raised $5 million, formed Vail Associates, successfully tapped the Small Business Administration and the no-longer-reluctant Denver bankers. Then they sold real estate to precisely the people who had shaken their heads the hardest.
During the summer of 1962, the bulldozers started to dig in. A Milwaukee architect had drawn up the plans and now supervised the frantic building activity.
When the dust settled, there stood the first lodges, apartments, malls, homes and lifts of Vail. Seibert then chose the right people to help him publicize and manage the booming resort.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Vail Valley Tourism & Convention Bureau, 970/476-1000.
Vail Central Reservations, 800/525-3875.
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