Well, I guess I find it harder to detect that romantic past than you do.

I think a lot of Coloradans just have a bias against Vail. That's OK. Stay away and let the rest of us enjoy it, but I'd be curious to know the last time you visited the town.

Jean, I find your posts a bit strident-- i.e. "stay away and let the rest of us enjoy it", "I stay in California which IMHO offers more than Colorado", and "I'd be curious to know the last time you visited the town".

We live in Colorado, as I said. My family skis at Vail occasionally. We go there for a few nights in June for an annual board meeting. We have several friends who live in Vail. I do know Vail, you can take my word for it.

It's still fake alpine, last time I looked. Jeez.
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Frankly, I love the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, obviously an "off-season" attraction. If anyone is intested in gardening, it is a delight. If you live in Colorado, it is inspiring! Worth a visit.

It's like San Franciscan's feel about Fisherman's Wharf! Just kidding!

I have a home in the SF bay area and another in Summit County; the best of both worlds summer AND winter!

I wanted to add, we were in Vail Village on New Years Eve day and stopped counting when we got to 50 fur coats. Aspen is more expensive than Vail but less showy. People in Aspen are very casual and laid back. You don't even know that the guy sitting next to you at the music festival is a billionaire.

You speak the truth, Grasshopper!
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BetsyG writes:
"Frankly, I love the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, obviously an "off-season" attraction. If anyone is intested in gardening, it is a delight. If you live in Colorado, it is inspiring! Worth a visit."

Thank You Betsy!!!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Finally!

Some kind of hook that's specific & unique that I can actually hang a hat on!

maria_so writes:

"i too had said I wanted to see vail and my explanation is simple and perhaps confirms your suspicions that it is indeed hype and marketing. as a first timer to colorado......i wanted to see vail because as someone had posted, it conjures up images of the rich and famous. vail does have alot of recognition to it and for us, we wanted to go just to see what the hype was all about. perhaps like you, we may get there and say "hmmm, wonder what the hype is all about" or we could just love it but as first timers, we want to have a chance to form our own opinions of vail. so perhaps that is why most people that asks for advice on "what to do in colorado" says "i want to see vail". when there's enough hype, people tend to want to see for themselves what that hype is all about.

that's the best way I can explain it. i hope it helped."


Thank you too maria. I must admit that when I first came to Colorado thirty-some years ago that I too harbored some of the same curiosity. I just wanted to hear someone else say it.

I think your explanation was eloquent.

My Vail memory: Dec 28, 1975, middle of the night, not-yet-hubby, his two daughters (ages 6 and 7) and I, pulled over in a parking lot to put chains on our 1968 VW bus--didn't realize it was the Greyhound bus depot--wish I had a nickel for every "Is this the shuttle bus to Denver?"--not only could we have paid for the round-trip gas (LA and back)--but could have used the extra warm bodies to heat the van! Whoa--

I'm outta here. Time to pack for my annual trip to ... VAIL! And, apparently, I need to buy a fur coat before I go lest I come off as looking too casual and laid-back, like I should really be in Aspen. First dinner? The amazing ribs and pork chili at Bart & Yeti's. Not exactly overpriced or Bavarian cuisine, but I think I'll survive.

Interesting thread to read!

I have been there once - probably wont go back - prefer Aspen/Snowmass over it.

I really prefer the beach though!!!

Have fun, Jean. It's been a great year, snow-wise.

Aspen is more expensive than Vail but less showy.

Wow, if that's true, I NEVER want to go to Vail (until now, I've actually wanted to go), because when I was in Aspen in January, the jewelry could've blinded me.

I really don't know exactly why you think there is so much more bling in Vail. My family walks around in Uggs, sneakers, jeans, and Patagonia fleeces. We never feel out of place or underdressed. Have a great trip Jean-see ya next week!

Abby43, we'll be on Pepi's patio every day after skiing (starting 2/29) since we're staying upstairs. I'll be the one with the big grin on my face.

furledleader - glad I could be helpful but I do think its different strokes for different folks. Some would be totally disinterested in the gardens! I didn't mention that there is also a very nice playground close to the gardens. This makes a nice stopping point on the way to --- further west. For us, it is usually Glenwood but has been Beaver Creek, could be Aspen or Utah. Especially great if there are kids who need to run off steam.

Do not feed into this person's ignorance...he or she is clearly using this forum to do market research for their next ad campaign...spend some money on real market research instead of this free forum.

no he's not! furledleader has helped many fodorites in the past. take a look, do your research before you start accusing people! geez!

I imagined that furled was having fun with that one! Nice new job, Furled! Marketing Director for Vail Resorts. Need any help?

Notice to readers: The following post may contain words (or even entire sentences) that are completely capitalized. Their intent is for emphasis only. The poster is NOT yelling.

emarl writes:

"Do not feed into this person's ignorance...he or she is clearly using this forum to do market research for their next ad campaign...spend some money on real market research instead of this free forum."


?????????? ???????? HUH?????????

Where in the Wide Wide World of Sports did that come from?

I guess when frustration with your inability to ANSWER THE ORIGINAL QUESTION sets in...... it's time to bash the OP.


Grasshopper,

Thanks for the offer, but at present I have enough high-season workers to get me through. Check back in late April. I'm expecting a heavy workload come spring & summer.

Can this thread not die and go to Fodor's
heaven?!!!!

Where in the Wide Wide World of Sports did that come from?

I'm with you on that one FLL! And if you ARE using us for research I think I'm due a free night or two in Vail, whaddaya think?

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