What is it about Vail?
 

I need to know!

It seems to me that there are many visitors to the state of Colorado that just seem to NEED to see, visit, or stay in Vail.

And I don't understand the attraction.

During ski season I CAN understand. The mountain is an awesome place to ski or board.

But during the off-season, I don't see the attraction. It's not in a particularly scenic setting at all, and the dining & lodging seem overpriced. The town itself seems contrived. It has no history outside of the ski industry that built this town at the end of World War 2. And there are much more historic & scenic towns within a 20 mile radius of Vail that offer something much more "Colorado" than Vail does.

So help me out here.

My intent is really not to "bash" Vail, but I need to know......

What is the draw to Vail during the off-season?

Why do you guys want to go there?

Have you been to Vail? You say "it's not in a particularly scenic setting at all". Really? The Rockies are stunning, the village looks like it was taken from the swiss alps, good restaurants, nice hotels and great shopping.

Summer time is our favorite time. We horseback ride, hike, canoe, kayak (haven't done that yet), mountain bike down the ski mountain (very fun) and watch the best 4th of July fireworks.

Are you sure you don't have it confused with someplace else?

"Have you been to Vail?"

Yes, many times. I live in Colorado and have skied there in the winter, and passed through many times in other seasons.

"The Rockies are stunning..."

Yes they are. Unfortunately you don't see much of them at all from the town of Vail. Many other towns far overpower Vail on the "stunning factor" in regards to their setting. Telluride, Breckenridge, and Leadville, just to name three.

"....the village looks like it was taken from the swiss alps...."

Exactly. To me that smacks of contrivance. If I want the swiss alps, I'll go to Switzerland....or to Ouray.

"...good restaurants, nice hotels, and great shopping."

Fortunately I can get those 3 things right here in my hometown, and at much better prices. Heaven help me if I've got to go to Vail to go shopping. Besides, you'll find those 3 things at many ski areas in Colorado (i.e. Telluride, Aspen, Beaver Creek & Breckenridge) as well as a much prettier setting.

"We horseback ride, hike, canoe, kayak (haven't done that yet), mountain bike down the ski mountain (very fun) and watch the best 4th of July fireworks."

OK, now were getting somewhere, but again......these are things you can do out of several other ski towns.

I guess what I looking for is the answer to the question - What is unique about Vail that makes people want to go there? I suppose the sight of an imitation Swiss Village in the middle of the Rockies is unique, and if that's what you're after.......

Is there a mystique about Vail that makes someone who has never been there just burst with the need to go and then be able to say they've been there?

"Are you sure you don't have it confused with someplace else?"

Yes, I'm sure.

Personally, I love Vail. I'm going again in 2 weeks and I can't wait.

I'm not going to go into why I love it or why I did a special trip last summer to see what it was like then. Why should I? I think it was very rude of the OP to ask a question and then COMPLETELY BASH the one poor girl who chose to respond! I mean, come on! You don't have to agree with her but do you have to pick apart her reasoning bit by bit and rip her a new one? It disgusts me. If you can't find a reason why Vail is so special then take my advice-DON'T GO!

I think I agree with the OP, although maybe not quite so vociferously. Vail has always seemed a bit "over-hyped" to me - particularly because it's crammed into a valley with the freeway. When I'm there, I feel as though I can never get away from I-70!
Aspen is also contrived, but it seems like a more "authentic" town (if you can even use the word authentic to describe a tourist town!). I think people go to Vail for the same reason that they buy Calvin Klein underwear. Can you find other underwear that functions just as well? Yes, but it doesn't have "the name". The secret to Vail is all about the branding. Some people love it, some people hate it. That's just the way the world works.

I guess I somewhat agree with the OP (but not with such intensity!). We've stayed in Vail several times, summer and winter and I much prefer Breckenridge, Keystone or Frisco as a home base. Guess I just like more of a town feel, as in the case of Breck and Frisco.

If anything, though, I like Vail better in the summer. We stayed there a couple years ago when my son was in a summer soccer tourney--so much fun to sample the outdoor Village restaurants and peek into the shops.

Thank goodness we all don't like the same things, right?

I understand what furledleader is saying. The first time I went to Colorado I HAD to go to Vail. It's got name recognition world over. And the trip was certainly beautiful. But as I made more trips, and ultimately bought a home in Colorado, I found Vail a lot less appealing. The highway is far too close and the village is just overpriced shops.

It's just that people don't know about all the other amazing destinations in Colorado. And yes, I'm glad that everyone doesn't like the same place where I live.

furledleader,

If everything in your hometown was so much better,

Why did you ask???

Keep talking, furledleader. I'm hoping you will deter potential visitors so that those of us who love Vail can enjoy it without the crowds.

Abby43, we'll also be there in two weeks. Where will I find you?

That's right people-continue to hate on Vail so the rest of us can enjoy it for all its fabulousness!

Jean-I am going with family and friends. We stay near the Lodge in the village. I'll be on the back bowls. Going from March 4-10. CANNOT WAIT. What about you?

I find it really funny that the OP stated "My intent is really not to "bash" Vail..." and that's EXACTLY what he/she does in his/her reply to BeachGirl!!! OMG...I"m glad I can find some humor in this.

Abby
I agree. I think he just wants to jerk everyone's cord. Set up a straw horse and then beat on it. Just wants to argue.

I also understand what furledleader is saying & I don't think he/she was bashing Beachgirl - just responding to her question. I also live in Colorado and find Vail okay. It is definitely not on my top 10 favorite places in the state. I don't think any of the posters that agree w/furledleader said that they "hate" Vail.

Is it the wonderful skiing or the free concerts in town? The amazing weather and variety of activities all within a short drive. Ease of travel also makes Vail a unique spot unlike Steamboat or Telluride, which can really be a long haul. Luckily I live here and get to enjoy my backyard 365 days a year. And yes we are not perfect, but as we say around here; "There is no comparison."

No,I don't want to argue. I was hoping to get some insight. I meant this to be a conversation about what people see in Vail that I just don't see.
My intent was also NOT to "rip [Beachgirl] a new one". If that's the way it came across, I apologize. Even though her response has come the closest to answering my question, the particulars of her response (although sincere), appeared patent to me, and thus the need to address each individually.

Abby43 writes:
"I'm not going to go into why I love it or why I did a special trip last summer to see what it was like then. Why should I?"

BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT I'M ASKING FOR!

Tell me what it was that so intrigued you. Tell me what it is/was that Vail has during the off-ski season that no other place in Colorado has that made you want to go there above all else.
Is it really just the "branding" and the "world wide name recognition"?

Because if that's all it is, (and my inclination is to think that's what it really may be) then we are doing a huge disservice to those who come to this forum looking for honest info about what they should see and do in Colorado, and we go off and tell them that they definately have to go to some place that is over-priced, over-hyped and not particularly scenic.

Furledleader:

You live in Colorado. You see the beautiful mountains every day. Your a bit spoiled! I can see why you would not understand the attraction to Vail.

Now, I on the other hand live and work on the East Coast. I have a limited vacation. I want to be assured that I can find a place to go that will have all of my 'checklist' for a good vacation.

For skiing I thought Vail had all that covered...and then some. I do think that it is a bit "TOO RICH" for me, but the skiing terrain is top notch! and that is what I seek on my ski vacations.

But I have never had any reason to see Vail in the off season!

In the off season I love to travel to OUR LOCAL mountains (hills to you!) in Vermont, Mass, NYState! Now that is something where I DO UNDERSTAND the attraction!

As another Coloradan who lives near Vail, I do understand furledleader's question, and I agree on the whole with furledleader's comments.

In comparison to other Colorado mountain towns, including some very close to Vail, Vail has some definite detractions (i.e., being RIGHT ON the highway), and a lack of actual history (built in the early '60s, as opposed to being a former mining town). In terms of being scenic, due to Vail's position on a narrow valley floor, you don't get the views of the mountain peaks from the town that you do from, for example, Breckenridge (from the top of Vail mountain, of course, there are great views).

It does have many good points, both summer and winter. It is a pretty town, though the alpine architecture is a bit artificial (and I love all the flower boxes in the summer). And for vacation shopping (which I never do, even when I'm on vacation elsewhere), it's probably good. But many of Vail's other positives are also found in other mountain towns. For example: biking, hiking, a gondola running in the summer, a pretty river running through the town that kids can play in.

One thing that Vail has that other nearby towns do not is a larger number of upscale restaurants (yes, overpriced, but I'm willing to pay for that occasionally). Obviously, not everybody goes to Vail for that, but we do. (Beaver Creek also has great restaurants, but it's enough further west to make it impractical for us to go for dinner.)

But, setting aside Vail's fantastic ski mountain (one of my favorites, along with Steamboat), I think visitors are drawn to Vail because of the name recognition and the cachet of that name (and branding).

All in all, it's just a matter of opinion. And us Coloradans do really want to know what draws people to Vail (vs. all those other wonderful towns), and this post has produced some interesting answers to that question.

I agree with you wtm003 - I understand what furledleader is trying to get at, and I don't interpret any of his/her responses as bashing anyone - his/her points and tone all seem quite logical and inoffensive to me.

I can't give much insight into your question, furledleader, but I think residents of most places popular with tourists often wonder the same thing - I have lived in Florida and now live in Sonoma County and I have often been mystified at why some towns/beaches/activities in both those places make most tourists' "must do" lists, while others - that offer the exact same types of sights/amenities/activities, only more authentically, less expensively, and less crowded, are ignored.

I think it is often just the "follow the crowd" (there's a reason companies spend millions of dollars on advertising and name recognition) thing that most of us are subject to (I know I am at times), especially in new places.

One could ask this question about many tourist-favorite destinations in the U.S. Many people on this board ask for comments about their proposed itineraries to California. It's the same ol' thing over and over again: S.F., drive down the Coast, Hearst Castle, S.B., maybe a day in L.A. (mostly for Disneyland or a studio tour), and "how can I fit in a day in Yosemite?"

California is like a small country. A quite varied coastline, beautiful mountains (highest point in the 48), deserts (lowest point in the 50), lakes (freshwater, saltwater, one with tufa formations), ghost towns (history!), volcanoes(!), tar pits (dinosaurs!), world-class museums. And yet, people "seem to NEED to see, visit, or stay" in the "Vails" (if you will) of the state. But, if they have a good time on their vacation, who am I to say they went to the wrong places?

Signed,
California native

Furledleader, I totally understand your question, and feel the same way about Vail. I think the name recognition points to the fact that they must do some amazing advertising around the world, because everyone knows their name.

I prefer any mountain town over Vail myself. I live in Colorado, too, and yes, we are spoiled.
:)>-

I wasn't asked whether it was the best town, only about the town itself.

Is that my favorite Colorado ski town? No.

Do I live in Colorado? No.

(P.S. All caps is shouting so if that isn't your intention lower case works well.)

Furledleader-
Beachgirl is right. You don't need to yell at me. This is what you wrote in your response to me:

"Tell me what it was that so intrigued you. Tell me what it is/was that Vail has during the off-ski season that no other place in Colorado has that made you want to go there above all else.
Is it really just the "branding" and the "world wide name recognition"?

Because if that's all it is, (and my inclination is to think that's what it really may be) then we are doing a huge disservice to those who come to this forum looking for honest info about what they should see and do in Colorado, and we go off and tell them that they definately have to go to some place that is over-priced, over-hyped and not particularly scenic."

I didn't go into detail why I liked Vail because after what you did to BeachGirl's explanation I didn't feel you deserved to know.

Also, when did it become your responsibility to let the readers of this website where they should and should not go on vacation??? Everyone is certainly allowed to give their opinion on different places, but it's not your responsibility to tell people not to go somewhere because YOU do not like it. How narcissistic.

I also don't live in Vail nor do I live in Colorado. I go there for many reasons and I love it. That's my opinion and I"m entitled to it. If you don't like Vail then don't go! I really don't care-it will be a happier place anyway.

Jeez, I think furledleader may have been misunderstood.

Because I interpret his/her original post as simply asking some questions, and trying to understand WHY some people like Vail. He/she doesn't particularly like Vail, but neither do I.

Isn't it perfectly ok on this forum to ask people why they like a place? I also didn't take Furledleader's posts as yelling, because I see a lot more capital letters in other people's posts on this thread.
:)>-

The reason why some people prefer Vail while others think there are "better" places to visit in Colorado is because everyone has different tastes, experiences, preferences, etc. Thank God we're not all alike.

As far it being "contrived," well, it's contrived for tourists which makes it a much easier place to visit than, say, Crested Butte. If I'm there to ski, I frankly don't give a darn that the place has no "history."

We have been driving to Vail (from L.A.) since 9/11, so I get to see lots of beautiful scenery along the way. I hate to break it to you, but I think Utah wins the scenery contest.

I need to know why you need to know why some people just like Vail.

Jean-we are totally hanging out in Vail. Our minds think alike.

As I've stated, of course it is ok for people to ask questions like why you like this place or that place. But to then bash that person's honest opinion is just downright rude. That's what happened with the OP and the first person that responded. Why couldn't that OP just said either: nothing, or "thank you for your opinion"? Whether the OP agreed or not shouldn't matter. They asked a question and BeachGirl answered the question honestly-and the specific question was answered. Why do people like Vail? BeachGirl gave a bunch of reasons. OP then broke down every reason and ripped it apart. It made me sick.

Then the OP goes on to say that if everyone hates Vail then we should be telling people who ask if they should go there. Who gives the OP that right? Sure, if another poster asks about Vail you can write in and say you don't like it. I have no problem with that at all. But to ask our opinions, then rip them apart because it still did not satisfy you, makes no sense to me.

And again, I'm glad most of you don't like Vail because that means more powder for Jean and me!

To alleviate some confusion, let me reiterate a part of my original post:

During ski season, I DO understand the attraction to Vail. But only because of the sheer awesomeness of the skiing available. The magnitude of the ski experience trumps whatever shortcomings I believe exist with the town itself. I'd never discourage anyone from skiing or boarding at Vail.

My issue is with why we'd encourage anyone to visit or stay at Vail, over a myriad of other more attractive places, once the slopes are barren and the ski season has ended.

I went to Vail off season because I wanted to see it, to decide if I felt like it was worth going to in winter.

The OP does seem rather strident and there's no need to be so hostile to people who like it off season. After all, nobody's asking furledleader to pay for their trip! FLL, you asked a question, you got answers. Thank people for taking the time to answer your question rather than sneering at them for their choice.

FWIW, we think the mountains of the Pacific NW trump both Colorado and Utah for summer visits.

Forgive me if this has already been asked, but what destination does the OP like in the summer? Maybe he/she just has a different opinion of those who like Vail off season.

I for instance like to visit San Francisco, but I could never live there for my own personal reasons. Others LOVE it there and would not live anywhere else....

Well lets see, my son lived there and I found it affordable off season and very convenient to lots of activities. Is THAT a good enough reason to visit furled? Cripes, give it a rest.

Just a side comment-- that the Forum seems to be so contentious lately. The slightest perceived offense gets jumped upon.

Please note that furledleadeer has given many, many posters great and detailed information about their driving trips in Colorado. Let's give him/her a break. I don't think any offense was meant by the OP.
:)>-

Forget about it furled. People who go to Vail and don't try any of the other Colorado mountain areas don't get it and probably won't. I don't think you've been the least bit contentious. I frequently wonder the same thing. I think your first responder was actually pretty contentious.

Let's just keep the rest of our magnificent state to ourselves. :-D

By the way, I read yesterday that Summit County is the 6th "most educated" county in the US. Pitkin (Boulder) is the first!

<i>I don't think you've been the least bit contentious.</i> I'm neutral in this, having never been to Vail, summer or winter. Use of language is very important in my line of work, however. There are many different ways to say the same thing. For example, &quot;My intent is really not to &quot;bash&quot; Vail, but I need to know....&quot; could have been re-written &quot;Obviously, I'm not a fan of Vail in the off-season, so I'm just wondering what makes others like it so much....&quot;.

And &quot;Yes they are. Unfortunately you don't see much of them at all from the town of Vail. Many other towns far overpower Vail on the &quot;stunning factor&quot; in regards to their setting. Telluride, Breckenridge, and Leadville, just to name three.&quot; would have sounded &quot;nicer&quot; if it had read &quot;The Rockies ARE stunning, but many other towns, such as Telluride, Breckenridge and Leadville, are far more stunning IMHO&quot;.

And &quot;Fortunately I can get those 3 things right here in my hometown, and at much better prices. Heaven help me if I've got to go to Vail to go shopping.&quot; Well, lucky you. Not everyone can.


And &quot;I suppose the sight of an imitation Swiss Village in the middle of the Rockies is unique, and if that's what you're after......&quot; If that's not sarcasm, I don't know what is. How about &quot;I guess when I travel, I'd prefer to see authenticity, rather than a town that is built to look like something else&quot;.

For the record, I'd prefer a &quot;real&quot; swiss town to a &quot;fake&quot; swiss town, too. But to state that the OP wasn't being contentious is crazy. It's exactly what OP was doing.

&quot; I think your first responder was actually pretty contentious. &quot;

It wasn't personal until you added that comment, Grasshopper. I didn't take offense to the OP as I understand things can be taken in the wrong sense when it is over email or internet vs. face-to-face.

we have spent several vacations there and loved it....you mention the name Vail and people conjure up visions of movie stars and the rich and shameless....but if you go there, it is quite a nice place to get away...but I think that it becomes a destination simply because it has a large quantity of resorts and hotel rooms...it becomes a destination that can service large amounts of vacationers where as the other ski resorts can not...and with all the building going on, Vail is seeking to expand even more...

Beachgirl, try Aspen or Snowmass next time and see if you feel the same way about Vail.

I thought &quot;Have you been to Vail?&quot; started out pretty contentiously. Sorry, that's just the way I read it.

I have been to Aspen, I have not been to Snowmass (yet). I have been to many other ski towns in Colorado and have favorites elsewhere. The OP asked about Vail. Not what our favorite ski towns were and why.

&quot;Have you been to Vail?&quot; was a real question. Nothing snide about it. Said it with a smile because we've had some very fun summers there. <i> &quot; Sorry, that's just the way I read it. &quot;</i> That is one thing I hate about this board and emails. You cannot see the smile or know the tone of voice.

:)&gt;-

Well you are a great advocate of Vail. Incidently their stock is doing quite well (MTN). Did you know that Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone are all part of &quot;Vail Resorts&quot;?

Also, property in Vail runs about $1500 per sq. foot while in Summit County it runs about $600 - $700 per sq. foot.

More than you wanted to know. :-)

If there's contention on this board it's tame compared to the &quot;competition&quot; between places like Vail/Aspen/A-basin/Steamboat.
When my son left Vail for Steamboat he learned quickly to NEVER mention he'd lived in Vail. The local's hated Vail as well as BC and Aspen. I sort of thought the OP was of similar vein. Makes no never mind to me and of course there are many many beautiful spots in Colorado. Vail is not a bad place to base a summer trip from IMO. You could do a LOT worse!

Jette, you're so right about Steamboat's attitude towards Vail. The two places are polar opposites, aren't they? I guess it's good we have such variety here in Colorado. To each his own, non?
:)&gt;-