Vail Village Area, Colorado, CO

Vail Village was first explored and settled by gold and silver miners in the late 19th century. Back then it was called Gore Creek Valley.

Named after highway engineer Charlie Vail, Vail Village is a special place. The town started as an idea that it would be possible to create a place where people from all walks of life enjoy a shared passion for skiing and the beauty of nature. In 1962 this big dream came to fruition after a few visionaries decided to open the Vail Ski Resort. Now Vail has grown to become the biggest ski area in North America.

The town started with only three lifts consisting of a gondola at the foot of the mountain, a chairlift from Mid-Vail to the top, and a second chair lift that descended into the back bowls. By 1969, Vail had become the most popular resort in Colorado at which time the Lionshead Gondola and the Village lift were added to deal with the crowds.