The town of Vail, Colorado, located in the northeast central part of the state, was founded when three WWII veterans had a vision. Pete Seibert, Bill “Sarge” Brown, and Bob Parker, who had done backcountry survival training in the region during the war, all had a dream of building a majestic mountain ski community among the slopes they already knew to be stunning and beautiful. In 1954, Seibert met with a uranium prospector named Earl Eaton, who helped to draw up the plans for the future resort. Together they arranged for construction to begin in 1962, and by 1966 they were able to incorporate the new town of Vail.

In the years after WWII, skiing became a very prominent sport, and the fact that Vail built the first gondola in the U.S., as well as two double chairlifts and a beginner Pomalift, was significant to its success as a resort. But even more significant to its success was its most famous resident, former President Gerald Ford. When Ford became President in 1974, it became public knowledge that he owned a home in Vail, and the resort became nationally and internationally recognized as the place to ski.

Since then, Vail has been recognized not just for its ski slopes, but its recreational possibilities all year round. In the summer months, Vail Mountain is open to activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. The town offers many big-city amenities while maintaining a small-town atmosphere; shopping, fine dining, music concerts and theatre are just a few of the pastimes Vail has to offer.

Between its natural beauty and abundance of recreations, it is no wonder that Vail has a growing population of over 4,500 permanent residents, and another 5,000 part-time residents of vacation properties. Because the town is always growing, buying real estate in Vail can be an excellent investment. The real estate market is currently offering a variety of condominiums, town homes, and mountain retreats, all within a pleasing price range. Vail’s thirteen square miles are broken up into several main areas: Vail proper, Vail Village, Lionshead, East Vail, Lionsridge, Potato Patch, West Vail and Minturn. Many homebuyers choose East Vail because of its glorious scenery with jagged cliffs and waterfalls, and its close proximity to the Vail Golf Course. Vail Village is a cultural center, offering boutiques, restaurants, and a variety of entertainment all year long. The neighborhood of Lionsridge and nearby Sandstone contain many reasonably price homes that are within walking distance of the Gondola. The residents of West Vail enjoy close proximity to grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops. No matter which neighborhood you choose, it is easy to get where you need to go without ever getting into your car. Hiking and mountain biking paths are everywhere, and the Town of Vail Bus is for everyone to use, absolutely free. Vail, Colorado prides itself on being a premier location for skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and for people who just want that perfect mountain getaway. With so much available, it’s easier than ever to find your next dream home!

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