vail

Vail is a resort town in Eagle County, Colorado, United States, located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains along Gore Creek at the base of Vail Mountain. It lies within the White River National Forest and is best known for Vail Ski Resort, one of the largest ski areas in North America, offering extensive terrain accessible by a modern lift network and a system of back bowls and trails. The town center comprises the pedestrian-friendly Vail Village and Lionshead, with shops, dining, and lodging that support a year-round tourist economy.

Ski development began in the early 1960s when Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton scouted the valley. The resort opened in 1962 and the surrounding community grew, with the town of Vail incorporated in 1966. Since then, terrain expansion, snowmaking capacity, and infrastructure have continued, and the area is now part of the operations of Vail Resorts, a major owner and operator of alpine ski areas.

Geographically, the area sits at roughly 8,000 feet above sea level and experiences a high-elevation climate. Winters are cold and snowy, summers are mild, and snowmaking extends the season in many years. The region is characterized by a distinct alpine village atmosphere, with a concentration of lodging and services designed to support tourism.

Economy and culture: Tourism is the core of the local economy, driven by lodging, dining, and recreational services. The resort emphasizes a European alpine aesthetic, and the area hosts year-round activities such as hiking and mountain biking, in addition to winter sports.

Access: Vail sits along Interstate 70, about 100 miles west of Denver. The region is served by regional air service at Eagle County Regional Airport and by road shuttles and bus services connecting to major hubs.