In less than one month, both Vail AND Beaver Creek will be open. Vail opens on Nov. 16 where it will reveal it’s new gondola. As for now, the gondola is known as Gondola 1 but the name will be revealed on opening day. This gondola is something to see! Not only does it move faster and carry more people but it has heated seats, an ipod jack and so much more.

Beaver Creek will open not too long after Vail. The big day is Nov. 21. The crews at Beaver Creek have already started building features for this years ski season. Take a look…

It’s that time of year again. The temps are dropping and the mountain is turning white! Vail starting blowing snow this week and people are already shopping for their gear. Yup, you guested it. It’s ski season. If you are not ready for it yet, here is a little insipration to get you ready for (cross your fingers) the BEST snow season yet!

Celebrating the big 5-0 will not be the only thing Vail lovers will be doing this winter. They will be partying harder than ever at what Vail Marketing is calling the “biggest ever” Snow Daze. The week long activities start December 10 and end on December 16. Wondering who the headliners are? Have you heard of Wilco? Michael Franti and Spearhead? or The Shins? That’s what we are thinking! HOLLY COW! Tickets go on sale September 17. Make sure you buy them before Dec. 11!

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…

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.