Destination Vail

Lodging ~ Festivals

Once again, Vail reigns as the Number 1 ski resort in North America for the third consecutive year, according to the October 2004 issue of SKI Magazine's annual readers poll. For the 13th time since SKI Magazine began ranking resorts in 1988, Vail was rated the No. 1 ski resort in North America by magazine readers in SKI Magazine’s October “Top 60 Resort Ranking” issue. According to magazine editors, Vail has captured the Number 1 spot as the best ski resort in North America, by raising the industry bar and exceeding the expectations of our customers year-in and year-out.

For the 2004-2005 season, guests will discover several enhancements. Corduroy lovers can take advantage of 33 percent more grooming with the addition of 10 new snowcats. For those who prefer untouched terrain, there's still 4,000 acres available for exploration. Golden Peak benefits from a more water and energy efficient snowmaking system, as well as beginner and intermediate terrain has been re-contoured for better snow management and easier descents. A new stone and steel bridge will welcome skiers and riders across Gore Creek at the base of LionsHead, replacing Vail's original skier bridge. The new structure is one of the first projects to launch Vail's New Dawn, an ambitious, multi-year plan that includes $500 million in redevelopment projects in both Vail Village and LionsHead.

In May 2003, Vail joined the Leading Mountain Resorts partnership as the North American member along with three international alpine resorts representing Europe and Australasia. The program provides marketing, cultural and economic benefits from four of the world's leading mountain tourism resorts. Chairman of the Leading Mountain Resorts, Marcelo Corengia of Bariloche Emprotur stated, "The intention was to create an international understanding between alpine resorts from each continent to guarantee the availability of a fantastic alpine holiday experience year round."

In December 2000, Vail put the final touches on the second phase of its Blue Sky Basin terrain expansion, with the addition of its fourth new high-speed quad chairlift and the opening of an additional 125 acres of ski terrain in Pete's Bowl. This expansion, although completed in December 2000, is still considered "new", offering skiers and snowboarders a unique wilderness experience different from any other on Vail Mountain. This brings Vail's total count of high-speed lifts to 15, more than any other ski area in the United States.

Vail's crowning Blue Sky Basin terrain expansion provides a unique wilderness ski experience unlike anything else found on Vail Mountain and features a total of 645 acres of natural, gladed terrain for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

With the addition of Blue Sky Basin, Vail continues to strengthen its position as the largest single-mountain ski area in North America, offering three distinct mountain experiences: the front side, the legendary Back Bowls, and the Blue Sky Basin. With this exceptional ski experience, superior customer service and extensive vacation options, Vail continues to take its place at the top of the ski world year after year.

During the 2003-2004 season, Vail will opened the Hawk's Nest deck atop High Noon Lift (Chair 5) overlooking the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. In addition, Vail's renowned Two Elk restaurant expanded to include a 250-seat outdoor, heated deck. The deck offers pristine views of the Gore Range and features in-floor heating to help take the chill out of cool toes.

In the Works

In fiscal 2001, the Company announced plans to dramatically enhance the aesthetic appeal of Vail's Front Door, the link between Vail Village and Vail Mountain. Revitalization plans for Vail's Front Door encompass approximately four acres of land located at different sites within the uppermost portion of Vail Village. These plans include a new and beautified ski yard and plaza, and will generate numerous improvements throughout the Town of Vail.

In June 2003, Vail Resorts unveiled its plans for a complete revitalization of LionsHead in Vail, one of the most significant development projects ever undertaken by the Company. The project includes a new skier services portal, a five-star, luxury hotel, riverfront townhomes and more than 400 additional "hot beds," 50,000 square feet of retail space, a small number of single family home sites, improved auto and pedestrian access, and more. Complementing the historical architecture of Vail, classic European architecture will be featured throughout the LionsHead area.

Call our Ski Travel Specialist at 1.888.808.8728 to find out more about all the Ski Travel POINTS preferred Ski Resorts