Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, Vail is the world’s premier mountain resort. The year-round alpine destination delivers a superior, seamless experience for every guest, from the vast terrain and natural grandeur of the surrounding Gore and Sawatch Ranges to world-class events, shops and spas, and the abundant culinary options and luxurious accommodations that line the pedestrian-friendly streets of Vail and Lionshead Villages. Vail offers more than 5,300 acres of developed ski and snowboard terrain, including seven limitless Back Bowls in winter, and expanded offerings of summer activities through Epic Discovery. Coupled with the enduring spirit of innovation inherent in Vail’s founders, and a timeless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is like nothing on earth.
VAIL MOUNTAIN TURNS 60
Vail Mountain is anything but ordinary, built on the pioneering spirit embodied by its founders. There’s a feeling skiers and snowboarders only get by visiting the fabled resort and its Seven Legendary Back Bowls, and the resort will be celebrating 60 years of that classic energy and excitement – all season long. Vail Mountain takes a modern twist on those Vintage Vail emotions while also bringing to life what the next 60 years will look like for the resort and the industry.
Vintage Vail: Après & Ice Bars
Nothing celebrates that Vintage Vail feeling and an outstanding ski day more than Vail Après. The destination’s commitment to creating vibrant and unique après experiences comes to life on- and off-mountain during Vail Mountain’s 60th Anniversary season.
Vail Après Passport
Vail Après returns bigger and better than ever with the free Vail Après Passport. A limited number of Vail Après Passports will be available throughout the season at special Passport Drops. Guests will discover Signature Après offerings throughout Vail’s legendary après scene, and special après events and giveaways will be open to passport holders who check off all that Vail après has to offer. Stay tuned for Vail Après Passport drops.
Ice Bars + Snow Bungalows
How the first Ice Bar came to be is full of lore and legend, but when a pioneering Vail entrepreneur piled up snow to kick off this one-of-a-kind experience, après was never the same. Sixty years later – the Ice Bars are BACK! Located at Eagle’s Nest and Wildwood, guests can enjoy an energetic and elevated Ice Bar experience. Don’t miss out on music, food and signature cocktails in this vintage Vail setting.
Looking to carve out your own special place on the mountain? Reserve one of Vail Mountain's four Snow Bungalows, located at the Igloo Village at the Eagle’s Nest Ice Bar. Offering a private experience right in the middle of the action, the Snow Bungalows are your personal retreat on Vail Mountain.
10th Mountain Signature Spirits
Vail Mountain has partnered with 10th Mountain Whiskey, Vail’s very own local distillery, to bring guests TWO one-of-a-kind spirits: the Vail Mountain 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Bourbon and Henry’s Rescue Bourbon. These spirits are available at exclusive on-mountain and lodging locations, and at the 10th Mountain Whiskey tasting room on Bridge Street.
The Vail Mountain 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Bourbon is going to be hand selected by Vail Mountain’s Chief Operating Officer, Beth Howard, and her leadership team, and can be found in signature cocktails at The Lodge at Vail, The Arrabelle, The 10th and the Ice Bars. These cocktails have been carefully crafted by 10th Mountain Whiskey and pay homage to Vail’s storied history.
Henry’s Rescue Bourbon is a partnership with Henry, the first K9 member of the Vail Ski Patrol. As the pioneer of the Vail Avalanche Rescue Dog program, Henry blazed a trail for the next generation of Avalanche Rescue Dogs and is affectionately known as “The Dogfather.” Henry’s Rescue Bourbon and 10th Mountain Whiskey donate a portion of all proceeds to K9s for Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for veterans.
Cucina @ The Lodge at Vail
Also celebrating its 60th Anniversary is The Lodge at Vail, which opened in 1962 along with Vail Mountain. The Lodge at Vail combines the old-world charm of an alpine inn with incredible amenities. Cucina at The Lodge at Vail has been transformed into one of Vail’s can’t-miss après scenes, with an entirely NEW bar experience. The renovation will include a new restaurant bar, new seating and an enhanced buffet bar. The upgrade will enhance the Lodge at Vail’s iconic and historic character, making it a go-to après destination in Vail Village.
For guests looking to book the ultimate getaway, Chalets No. 1, No. 3 & No. 10 are 4,000 to 5,000 square foot ski-in, ski-out retreat just steps away from Gondola One in Vail Village. With five and six bedrooms and bathrooms, an elegant living and dining space, and a chef’s kitchen that can accommodate chef-catered meals, this is an indulgent experience for a large group of family or friends looking to celebrate their sense of adventure during Vail’s anniversary season.
Signature Hot Chocolate & Cocktail Service @ The Arrabelle
The Arrabelle, which anchors Vail’s legendary Lionshead Village, is playing host to signature experiences that celebrate Vail Mountain’s 60th Anniversary. Hotel guests shouldn't miss the daily Signature Hot Chocolate Cart, serving up hot chocolate cocktails and kid’s concoctions, along with an elegant arrangement of hand-crafted marshmallows, cookies, candies, toffees and apple cider. The hotel’s cocktail service will include 60th themed cocktails, paying homage to Vail’s anniversary year.
The Arrabelle has also introduced complimentary strudel service and whiskey tasking to all guests during check-in. This warm welcome is a subtle nod to the resort's Bavarian roots and the hotel’s Swiss style.
A New Era at Wildwood: Chair 7 + 17
What’s better than one NEW chairlift? TWO NEW chairlifts! Vail Mountain’s investment into high-speed chairlifts is unmatched, and Game Creek Express (#7), built in 1985, was replaced this summer with a high-speed six-person chairlift that improves reliability and uphill capacity by nearly 50 percent. The lift line was repositioned so the top terminal could make room for Vail Mountain’s newest chairlift, Sun Down Express (#17). This chairlift connects the bottom of Sun Up and Sun Down Bowls to Wildwood, improving the egress experience from Vail Mountain’s most iconic Back Bowls. This lift project will make the guest journey to and from Lionshead Village more seamless, and help the resort open Sun Up and Sun Down Bowls more expeditiously during Vail’s legendary powder days.
Wildwood Restaurant, known for Bar-B-Que above 10,000’, is also bringing back classic menu items like Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, while expanding into the outdoor bar scene with Vail Mountain’s Ice Bar. Wildwood is now a destination on the mountain that holds its own with Mid Vail, Eagle’s Nest and Belle’s Camp.
Classic Events with a Fresh Face
Birthday Bash
Vail Mountain officially turns sixty on December 15th, but the Birthday Bash will celebrate the resort’s legacy all week long. From a modern take on vintage après, to events and live music, to the official birthday celebration, guests won’t want to miss this epic birthday celebration. The action will be centered at Vail Mountain’s Ice Bars, but the fun will consume the entire mountain.
Other events returning this year include Oakley Week, Legacy Weekend, and the Spring Après Series
Elevated Food & Beverage
Bistro 14 a Fine Art Experience Featuring Gray Malin
Vail Mountain dining has re-imagined Bistro 14 and will be welcoming guests into a Fine Art Experience in a partnership with the legendary fine art photographer – Gray Malin. Guests who enter the dining and cocktail space will be surrounded by aerial artwork composed by Gray, and a NEW fine art series Gray Malin @ Vail. The experience will feature a new cocktail menu with all of your classic cocktail favorites.
Signature Menu Items Return
Guests can expect to find throwback food items all across Vail Mountain. Paying homage to some of the original chef creations, Vail Mountain’s culinary team will be bringing back items like Chicken and Wild Rice Soup at Wildwood, Pork Green Chile at Two Elk and the Cookshack Cobb at Mid Vail.
Express Lift
The Express Lift located at Gondola One will lean into the resort’s Bavarian connection by offering a German Biergarten inspired menu. Taps will feature German beers, and the menu will feature classic Bavarian items perfect for any end of day après celebration.
Personalize Your 60th Experience
Vail Mountain’s 60th Anniversary abounds in all NEW personalized experiences for guests who arrive to celebrate this momentous ski and snowboard season at the resort.
Vail Mail
Stop inside the Legacy Hut for FREE postcards featuring fine photography artwork, and send off well wishes from 11,250 feet. Postcards and postage are courtesy of Vail Mountain, and can be mailed from the highest mailbox in Vail.
Photo Stops
· The most epic photo stop in Vail – the gateway to the Legendary Back Bowls – just made some friends. Leave Vail Mountain with more perfectly framed photos when you visit the NEW corbel archway at Eagle’s Nest, uniquely framing up Mount of the Holy Cross, Vail Mountain’s closest 14,000-foot peak.
· Also, not to be missed, is a custom designed mural at Wildwood that pays homage to Vail’s original Opening Day signage.
· Guests can also take a self-guided Legacy Stop tour for more iconic views and historic spots on Vail Mountain.
· Lastly, guests shouldn’t miss out on the chance to send home a photo from Vail Mountain’s original Gondola Cabin, located inside Mid Vail on the Look Ma level. Pick your own distinct background and celebrate Vail Mountain’s 60th Anniversary Season!
60th Pop-up Shop
Looking for some 60th Anniversary memorabilia? Stop at Mid Vail’s 60th Anniversary Pop-Up Shop. Located on the patio overlooking the stunning Gore Range, this retail space is re-opening with a focus on Vail’s 60th Anniversary Season.
Gondola Cabins
Vail Mountain is rolling out a signature diamond white gondola cabin in honor of the 60th Anniversary on Gondola One. Have you had a chance to ride in Vail Mountain’s golden 50th cabin? Now you can get the chance to ride our newest signature cabin celebrating the mountain’s latest milestone year. Also keep an eye out for gondola cabins featuring fine photography artwork, as well as a special luxury gondola cabin.
Pinnacle by Vail Resorts Retail
More Details Coming Soon
The Next 60 Years
Since it opened in December of 1962, Vail Mountain has led the industry - from its dedication to high-speed lifts to its pioneering safety programming to its world-class ski and snowboard school. Carrying on that tradition, resort leaders are committed to propelling the industry into the next 60 years with a focus on Equity, Inclusion and Diversity; bringing sustainability efforts to life; creating access opportunities for youth; and a strong commitment to adaptive skiing and snowboarding. The next 60 years will build upon Vail Mountain’s position as the world’s premier mountain destination by leading the industry in a welcoming spirit that creates opportunity for everyone to feel the excitement of the Legendary Back Bowls and beyond.
National Brotherhood of Skiers 50th Anniversary
Vail Mountain is honored to host the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS) for its 50th Golden Anniversary Summit. The NBS Summit is an annual fundraiser that brings together more than 50 member clubs and thousands of supporters from around the world. During a week of winter sports fun from Feb. 4-11, 2023, NBS will raise funds to support their mission – increasing participation in winter sports while developing and supporting athletes of color with the potential to win international competitions. Vail Mountain is honored to host the NBS Summit, and is committed to creating more equity, inclusion and diversity at the resort and in the industry.
Industry Leading Sustainability Programming
In 2017, Vail Resorts announced Commitment to Zero – a bold goal to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030. Vail Mountain is making incredible contributions to the company’s three pillars: zero net emissions, zero waste to landfill, and zero net operating impact on forests and habitat. From the industry’s only gondola-based waste removal system, to the mountain’s custom-designed recycling center, to its automated ambient air heating and cooling system, and its resource efficient snowmaking system - the resort has earned its best-in-class certification as the first mountain resort in the world to achieve certification as a Mountain IDEAL sustainable destination.
Access Programs
Vail Mountain and Vail Resorts are committed to growing the sport we love. We’re committed to removing barriers to entry and creating a more inclusive sport through the Epic for Everyone Youth Access Program. Last season, at Vail Mountain and across our family of resorts, we hosted more than 8,000 youth who otherwise might not have had access to skiing and snowboarding. Here at Vail Mountain, and at other resorts, we work closely with SOS Outreach and other organizations to make youth access a reality. The company also partners closely with the National Brotherhood of Skiers and Boys & Girls Clubs. While programs vary by partner, a typical Epic for Everyone Youth Access Program provides five free on-snow sessions including ski and ride school, meals, and equipment rentals, plus two additional free lift tickets to continue practicing with a guardian. These services are combined with mentorship, including an introduction to career opportunities at our resort. Additionally, Vail Mountain and our family of Colorado Resorts offers the Colorado School Kids Epic Pass, which offers free skiing and riding across our five Colorado resorts for any eligible K-5th grader enrolled in Colorado schools.
Adaptive Programs
Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard school offers lessons to individuals with a wide variety of disabilities for skiing, snow biking and snowboarding, focusing on cognitive, visual and physical impairment. The school is renowned for being one of the few adaptive programs where the instructors are largely full-time professionals in the field of adaptive snowsports instruction. Additionally, Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard School offers assistance to children who may be challenged to participate in group class lessons due to cognitive disabilities. The resort’s adaptive assistants work hard to integrate these children into class lessons and season programs with individualized care. The resort also offers specialized rental equipment for guests who are looking to enjoy Vail Mountain, but may not have the ability to justify the cost of owning this equipment. Vail Mountain also supports a variety of nonprofit partners through the adaptive snowsports program, including Vail Veterans, Foresight Skiing Guides, Small Champions, and Access Unbound.
GETTING TO AND AROUND VAIL
Village to Village Access
Vail is linked by three lively base areas filled with endless shops, restaurants, après hot spots and hotels. With a broad network of picturesque, heated cobblestone streets, getting around could not be easier. With intimate walkways closed off to cars, Vail's pedestrian villages set the stage for a luxurious shopping experience or the chance to stroll and appreciate the village atmosphere. Vail boasts dozens of miles of biking trails that connect the villages to surrounding towns and wilderness areas. Our recreation path system includes more than 15 miles of paved, multi-use paths, with connections to numerous soft surface hiking and mountain biking trails.
Easy Access from Eagle Airport (EGE)
Eagle County Regional Airport provides non-stop flights from 14 major markets in the winter, and three in the summer, which makes getting to Vail and Beaver Creek easy no matter when you visit. One-stop connections are available from over 250 cities worldwide, making EGE the number one choice for frequent visitors to Vail and Beaver Creek. This winter season, Eagle Airport will be serviced by Air Canada, American, Delta and United from markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/JFK, Newark, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington DC. Eagle County Regional Airport is located just 30 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek. For more information and current flight schedules visit www.flyvail.com
For more story ideas, facts and figures, and the latest news on Vail, visit http://news.vail.vailresorts.com.
Images and b-roll for editorial use only can be found at https://vailresorts.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/MediaAssets/EgOS2pWGH1JKmR-itJroZioBbOKVYy2_DYqNw3t2IPrqRw?e=HtgBzE
Please credit the photographer listed and Vail Resorts in a visible location near the image. Dates and Hours 2022-2023 Season: November 11, 2021 – April 23, 2022* Hours of Operations (MST) Variable depending upon time of year Elevations Base Elevation 8,120 ft. /2,476 m Mid-Elevation: 10,250 ft. /3,125 m Peak Elevation: 11,570 ft. /3,527 m Vertical Rise: 3,450 ft. /1,052 m
Acreage Total Skiable Terrain: 5,317 acres/2,152 ha Front Side: 1,627 acres/658 ha Back Bowls: 3,017 acres/1,221 ha Blue Sky Basin: 645 acres/ 261 ha Trail Classification 53% Expert/Advanced 29% Intermediate 18% Beginner Conventional Trails: 195 Longest Run: Riva Ridge – 4 miles/6.4 km Lifts Total number of lifts: 33
· Gondolas: 2
· High-speed six-passenger chairlifts: 4
· High-speed quad chairlifts: 14
· Fixed-grip quad chairlifts: 1
· Fixed-grip triple chairlifts: 2
· Surface lifts: 3
· Conveyors: 7