If you’re a skiing enthusiast, then you’re probably familiar with Vail Ski Resort. This popular ski resort is located in Eagle County, Colorado and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
But when did Vail Ski Resort first open its doors? Let’s take a closer look.
The Early Years
Vail Ski Resort was the brainchild of two men: Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton. Seibert had served in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II and had fallen in love with skiing during his time in the military. After the war, he returned to Colorado to pursue his passion for skiing.
In 1957, Seibert and Eaton began exploring the area around Vail Pass in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. They were searching for the perfect location to build a ski resort that would rival those found in Europe. After several months of searching, they finally found what they were looking for.
The Grand Opening
After three years of construction, Vail Ski Resort officially opened on December 15, 1962. The grand opening was a huge success with over 5,000 skiers hitting the slopes on opening day.
One of the key features that set Vail apart from other ski resorts at the time was its size. With over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and over 30 lifts, Vail quickly became one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
Expansion and Upgrades
Over the years, Vail Ski Resort continued to expand and improve its offerings. In 1970, they added two new mountains to their already impressive lineup: China Bowl and Blue Sky Basin. These expansions increased their skiable terrain by an additional 3,000 acres.
In addition to expanding their terrain, Vail also invested heavily in their infrastructure over the years. They replaced old lifts with newer, faster ones and added state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment to ensure that their guests could enjoy skiing throughout the entire season.
Vail Today
Today, Vail Ski Resort is still going strong. With over 5,200 skiable acres and 31 lifts, it remains one of the largest ski resorts in North America. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Vail also offers a wide range of other activities including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
In recent years, Vail has also made a commitment to sustainability. They have implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact including using wind power to run their lifts and implementing a comprehensive recycling program.
Conclusion
Vail Ski Resort has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 1960s. From its grand opening in 1962 to its impressive expansion over the years, Vail has remained one of the premier ski resorts in North America. And with their commitment to sustainability and dedication to providing an exceptional guest experience, there’s no doubt that Vail will continue to thrive for years to come.