The United States Army created a training camp during World War II called Camp Hale. Located south of the valley, Camp Hale became a alpine combat training field for the 10th Mountain Devision. After returning from northern Italy the members of the 10th became leaders in the ski industry. Many of them worked or founded over 50 resorts in the United States.

Pete Seibert returned to Colorado after fighting in the war and met Colorado local , Earl Eaton. The two climbed Vail Mountain during the winter of 1957 for the first time. Eaton and Seibert decided then and there that Vail Mountain would be a perfect ski area. Their only issue was money.

In 1957, Vail Mountain was owned by the United States Forest Service and local ranchers. In order for Seibert and Eaton to obtain the ground they needed $1,000,000 in the bank. Seibert reached out to investors and Vail Mountain was started. The initial investors paid $10,000 for a condo unit and a lifetime season pass.

Vail has changed quite a bit since then. This year Vail will be celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary. 50 years! In 1962, Pete Siebert and Earl Eaton founded what is known today as one of the best ski areas in the United States. Just like many locals will tell you, they came for the night and never left. Watch Pete and Earl’s story to learn more.

Pretty remarkable! Vail is a place where so many people around the world share memories. Please share your memories with us! In honor of Vail’s 50th Birthday we want to hear what Vail means to you. Oh, and we will leave you with this to get you in the mood…

Put on your dirdnl or lederhosen and get ready to polka! This weekend is Beaver Creek’s annual Oktoberfest.  The day festivities start at 11 a.m. with a beer garden, brats and more. The face of Oktoberfest, Helmut Fricker will be performing on stage at 12:30. His authentic sounds and atitude towards drinking beer are sure to get you in the mood for Oktoberfest. Don’t be afraid to jump in and dance during his dance sessions, but make sure someone in your group is taking pictures! If you are feeling up to it after Saturday’s festivities sign up for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund’s 5K and 10K mountian hike, walk, or run. Then finish your day back in Beaver Creek Village with more beer, brats, music and dancing.

The USA Pro Challenge is coming to Beaver Creek TOMORROW! Beaver Creek will be the finish of Stage 4 which starts in Apsen and ends at the top of Beaver Creek. Stage 4 is 97.2 miles and has a total climb of 7740 ft. Think these racers are crazy? So do we, but that’s only because we are jealous of there athleticism. Watch the video talking about Stage 4.

Parking. Yikes. The Pro Challenge is estimated to bring around 30 to 40 thousand people to the area. Parking up in Beaver Creek will not be an option. However, there will be a free shuttle service taking people from the Rodeo Parking lot to Beaver Creek Village. If you don’t want to hassle with parking, there will be a bike valet at Creekside Park which is on the north side of the Village.  The busses will stop running at 2:15 right before the racers finish the race.

Don’t hesitate to get up to Beaver Creek early. There will be events going on all day. At 10 a.m. the Scout the Stage Citizen’s Ride begins in Leadville. You can ride the exact course the racers will ride before they do! Then of course park your bike at the valet and enjoy the rest of the activities. Starting at 11 a.m. The Pro Art Challenge will start in Beaver Creek Plaza. Our favorite event starts at noon and ends at 3 p.m. You know what I’m talking about, The CroMoly Challenge. If you have never seen this, you will want to make sure you are at this event. Participants will build a bike from scratch with supplies they are given. Finally, after the race and a long day of fun you can relax and enjoy the sounds of Chris Duarte on the Ice Rink where the awards will be given at 5 p.m.

If you are wanting to visit Colorado our friends at Beaver Creek West are doing an amazing giveaway! They are giving away a 3-nights stay to people who like their Facebook page and fill out a little form. It’s quite a deal and their location is perfect! They are going to pick one winner each month for the next six months! Even better than that, if you spread the word and your friend is one of the six winners he or she can tell Beaver Creek West you were the one that told them about the give away and you too will win a three nights stay! Click here to go to our Facebook page.

For all your shoppers out there now is your chance to get all your winter gear at a great price. Each year Vail Sports puts on it’s Blizzard Sale. It ends this Sunday so make your way to Vail anytime after 10 AM. The tent is set up in Salaris Plaza and has brand new ski apparel at 70% off. Click here to get all the details.