V

C

B

A

The Vail Valley was first explored by gold and silver miners in the late 19th century.  It was then known as Gore Creek Valley. As time went on each community was developed in to its own
unique way.

Vail was named after state highway engineer Charlie Vail.  The ski mountain was then cultivated in the mid 1950's by 10th Mountain Division trooper Peter Seibert and a local rancher Earl Eaton. In 1962 on December 15th, Vail opened and eventually grew to become the one of the largest ski areas in North America.  At 5,289 skiable acres, Vail is second only to Canada's Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, which counts 8,171 total skiable acreage.

The ski town began with three lifts: a Gondola at the base of the mountain, a chairlift from Mid-vail to the top, and another chair lift that dropped off into the back bowls.

By 1969, Vail was the most popular resort in Colorado.  The Lionshead Gondola and the Village lift, were both added due to the new found popularity of the mountain. A day lift ticket back then was only $8.

By 1970, Vail was becoming the best mountain to ski. By 1962-1963, there were over 55,000 skiers recorded to have skied the mountain.

Vail is continuing the tradition of being the world's premier mountain resort community with the revitalization of amenities and infrastructure.