Introduction to Vail, Colorado
Vale is a popular ski resort town situated in Eagle County in the Rocky Mountains. It's surrounded by the White River National Forest and features one of the top ski mountains in the entire world. It's a popular summertime destination for hiking, bicycle riding, fishing and other outdoor activities. Tourism is the primary factor for the economy. Most places are accessible by walking. The city offers majestic scenery, quality restaurants and nightlife.
History
The Ute Indians were the original inhabitants. During the late 1800's ranchers and miners seeking gold and silver arrived in the region. It was named in tribute to Charlie Vail, a state highway engineer. The population significantly increased due to the construction of a highway connecting the city with Denver. During World War II Vail was utilized for mountain survival training by the 10th Mountain Division. In 1962 the U.S. Forest Service granted a permit to Peter Seibert and Earl Eaton and Vail Mountain was officially available for skiing.
Attractions
- Vail Film Festival
- Bravo Vail Valley Music Festival offers the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
- Colorado Ski Museum includes extensive information regarding the history of skiers and snow boarders
- Numerous luxurious spas
- Piney Lake is known for its beautiful views
- Lazy J Ranch
Outdoor Activities
Vail is one of the top ski destinations in the world. Vail Mountain has a vast amount of acreage for skiing. Snow boarding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular activities. The well known Vail Ski Resort includes seven bowls and is the biggest single mountain ski resort in the country. A gondola provides transportation to the mountain top for non-skiers who want to enjoy the magnificent view. The nearby Beaver Creek Resort is a prominent United States ski resort and often hosts Alpine Skiing World Cup competitions.
The ski trails are utilized for mountain biking during the summer months. Bicycle riders can take lifts to the mountain top and enjoy the thrilling ride down the mountain. The trails have been rated for difficulty. The Berry Picker Trail provides hikers access to the top of the mountain. The Eagle River flows through the valley and provides excellent opportunities for rafting. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the numerous quality golf courses.
Nightlife and Accommodations
Quality accommodations including hotels, condominiums, resorts and lodges are available. The Roost Lodge, the Sitzmark Lodge, Wren at Vail, the Vail Racquet Club Town Homes and Condominiums, Bighorn Vail Marriott Resort and Spa and the Lion Square Lodge are some of the top locations to stay at.
There are more than 100 restaurants and nightclubs. Vail Village is popular for dining and nightlife. Visitors enjoy the piano and sports bars, the romantic restaurants and the active nightspots. There are a large number of shops and quality art galleries.
Transportation
The city is served by the Vail/Eagle County Airport. An extensive free shuttle bus system is available.
