There’s always something new to learn.
Vail isn’t just a ski town — it’s a perfectly crafted alpine escape that feels lifted straight out of a Bavarian fairy tale. But beneath the après-ski elegance and world-class powder lies a history rooted in innovation, intention, and inspiration.
Built not around a mining boom or a rail stop, but around a dream — Vail was designed from the ground up to be a mountain paradise. And like the best-kept secrets of the slopes, there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
Let’s see what we discover.
Things you didn’t know about Vail.
5. Vail didn’t exist until the 1960s.
Unlike many mountain towns with 1800s roots, Vail was founded in 1962 purely to support the ski resort — making it one of the youngest major towns in Colorado.
4. Its founders were World War II veterans.
The town was the brainchild of members of the 10th Mountain Division, a U.S. Army alpine unit trained just down the road at Camp Hale. After the war, they returned to build Vail from scratch.
3. There’s no stoplight in town.
Vail has zero traffic lights — the entire village is designed to be walkable and shuttle-friendly, preserving the charm and flow of a car-lite alpine escape.
2. Vail’s sister city is in Japan.
The town is twinned with Yamanouchi, Japan — another ski haven known for its snow monkeys and mountain hospitality. The partnership celebrates shared alpine culture across continents.
1. The original gondola cabins were painted gold.
When Vail first opened, the resort debuted with gold-painted gondolas to celebrate the grand occasion — a bold nod to the luxury and prestige they envisioned from day one.
Bottom line.
Vail isn’t just a destination —
it’s a vision brought to life.
Built by dreamers, carved by snow,
and perfect for your next escape.
Where meaningful travel begins.
Start your journey with Foresyte, where the planning is part of the magic.
Discover the experiences that matter most.
