Year-round, Vail Colorado is a special niche in the Colorado landscape. Whether you’re planning a winter ski vacation to Vail, a summer golf outing, or planning to move to the area, Vail Colorado is truly a paradise in the Rockies. Views of snow-capped peaks in winter and mountain wild flowers in summer attract visitors solely on the scenic views.
Vail Colorado is home to approximately 4,500 permanent residents, plus another 5,000 or so part-time residents of vacation and ski condo properties. Vail has a lifestyle that combines one of the best alpine ski resorts in the world with a cozy, small-town feel. Vail Colorado residents and visitors enjoy the bountiful recreational and cultural opportunities that the Colorado Rocky Mountains has to offer.
Vail enjoys a quality of life that provides alpine living at its best. Visitors and residents alike enjoy Vail's 1,100 acres of open space and 350,000 surrounding acres of national forest. And don't forget the 5,289 acres on the largest first-class ski mountain in the North America. Vail boasts fifteen miles of recreation hiking and biking paths, the highest botanical gardens in the world, and an outdoor amphitheater named for Vail’s most famous resident, President Gerald R. Ford.
Vail was founded as a ski resort in 1962, incorporated as a town in 1966. By the mid-1970s, world-class skiers had discovered Vail, and the town was earning the reputation as one of Colorado's best ski areas. When Gerald Ford became President of the United States in 1974, this small ski town made front-page news. Vail was soon recognized worldwide and mushroomed into the ski resort it is today.
During the early 1980s, the area blossomed as a year-round vacation destination. Golf courses were developed and mountain-biking trails were laid out to increase the draw of summer tourists. The gondolas and chairlifts on Vail Mountain began transporting sightseers instead of skiers. Hot-air balloon rallies, tennis tournaments, and concerts featuring everything from chamber music to hard rock became part of the Vail summer visitor's scene.
Boasting world renowned skiing, diverse shops and restaurants, luxurious accommodations, and breath-taking mountain views, Vail is arguably the finest resort destination in the world. Known as the "Ultimate Mountain Playground," Vail has much to offer its visitors. There are activities for everyone to enjoy including skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter; to hiking, biking, rafting, and fishing in the summer.
Vail's lodging experience includes a vast array of options from luxurious, world-class hotels, bed and breakfasts, affordable inns and more. There's camping in the summer for those that really enjoy being out doors. Vail's dining options include everything from a home-town bistro cafe atmosphere to a four-star dining experience that draws the world traveler.
Vail is known for its shopping experience along its pedestrian village. Visitors come from around the world to shop in Vail's quaint shops. Everything a visitor could wish for can be found in Vail's shops. Souvenirs of Colorado and this special valley abound, as well as clothing fit for the world market. There's something for everyone to be found in Vail Colorado.
Besides being one of the favorite Colorado ski destinations, Vail Colorado is a community which people love to visit and live in. There are numerous employment opportunities. This is especially true during the winter ski season when Vail businesses enjoy their peak season. Full-time professional opportunities also are available now that the city of Vail Colorado has become a year-round mecca.
