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.
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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.
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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.

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

I don't think you've been the least bit contentious. 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, "My intent is really not to "bash" Vail, but I need to know...." could have been re-written "Obviously, I'm not a fan of Vail in the off-season, so I'm just wondering what makes others like it so much....".

And "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." would have sounded "nicer" if it had read "The Rockies ARE stunning, but many other towns, such as Telluride, Breckenridge and Leadville, are far more stunning IMHO".

And "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." Well, lucky you. Not everyone can.


And "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......" If that's not sarcasm, I don't know what is. How about "I guess when I travel, I'd prefer to see authenticity, rather than a town that is built to look like something else".

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

" I think your first responder was actually pretty contentious. "

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 "Have you been to Vail?" 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.

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

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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 "Vail Resorts"?

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 "competition" 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?
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