About Vail, Colorado
As the largest ski mountain in North America, Vail provides arguably the best skiing in the United States. Built in the early 1960's, Vail now has an enormous 5,289 skiable acres of terrain for the ski enthusiasts. With the ski runs divided nicely in thirds among beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, this is the perfect vacation place for the whole family. Located a bit more than 8,000 feet above sea level, Vail provides plenty of winter and summer outdoor activities, making a second home here a year-round investment.

The town of Vail has gracefully moved from the peaceful ranching area it was 30 years ago to the bustling mountain resort and vacation home paradise it is today. Surrounded by the White River National Forest, Vail is the ultimate in Rocky Mountain resort towns. It has a late spring and an early winter, so there's a long ski season, with peak crowds during the holidays.

Quality of life is a priority, with the town protecting 30% of its area as open space. A one percent tax on the transfer of real estate is used to fund open space acquisition. Did you know that Vail has the largest free transportation system in the country? All this goes to keeping down pollution, traffic and making the area totally livable and lovable, for permanent residents as well as second home owners.

 Local History
Vail is located in Gore Valley, named after a British nobleman, Lord Gore, who traveled with his four poster bed, his china and his crystal. Perhaps that has set the tone for the upscale lifestyle in Vail today. Vail was founded as a ski resort in 1962.

An Average Lifestyle in Vail, Colorado
Affluent, pricey, glamorous are just some of the words applied to Vail lifestyle. However, the truth is that without the incredible alpine scenery, no one would come here, and that is what people value first and foremost.. Holiday season is particularly festive here.

Housing
Options: Lots of ski condominiums, and a good selection of property managers to help you rent them out when you are not there. Condos in Vail are great for second homes as well as investment. The rental market seems to fluctuate, from totally booked, to a 2003 experience of overabundance, driving rental prices down.  It's important to find out the pulse before investing. Yet it's still not uncommon for a one-bedroom, 700sq feet condo to rent from $150 to $450/night (summer to holiday).

30% of the homes in Eagle County, when build-out is complete, are expected to be second homes. Homes range from small to large 6-bedrooms. Most desirable properties are in walking distance of the slopes or the shuttles to the slopes. Because of the high prices, the town of Vail has its own housing lottery, offering houses as 40% below value, for people who are making Vail their permanent residence.

Costs
Median housing cost, census 2000, was $575,000. The year-end numbers for 2003 for Eagle County showed an average home price of $643,642, which was a new high.  Mid-range sales were from $500,000 to $1million, with entry prices at $291,000.

Things to Do in Vail
Ski, ski, ski
Snowshoeing
Ice climbing
Ice skating
Snowboarding
Golf
Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas and Colorado rivers
Horseback Riding
Ride the Vail Gondola
Mountain Biking
Boutique Shopping
Spas
Mountain Climbing
Fishing
Tennis
Cultural Activities in Vail

Nightlife
Concerts in Gerald Ford Amphitheater
Art Galleries
Visit Betty Ford Alpine Garden

Location
In Eagle County, Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Elevation
8,380 ft
Size: 4.5 sq miles

Distance to other major cities:
Frisco, CO: 18.7 miles
Aspen, CO: 46 miles
Boulder, CO: 80 miles
Denver, CO: 96 miles

Getting To Vail, Colorado
By air to Eagle County regional airport (American and United Airlines); or fly to Denver, and drive 100 miles, or by car.

 Weather
Annual Average Temperature: Jan: 14; July: 57
Annual Average Snowfall: 335 inches (yes, that's not a misprint: three hundred thirty five.)

Economics and Demographics
Population: 4,500+ permanent residents and about 5,000 second-home owners.
Median Age, 2000: 31.9 years
Median Household Income: $56,680

Principle Industries
Skiing