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…