By definition, the name Vail exudes visions of champagne powder and European Villages. In reality, it is that and so much more. Originally known for its winter attractions, Vail has become a year-round destination resort community.
Vail Village and Lionshead comprise the core of Vail. Known for its wealth of recreational opportunities, its intimate pedestrian streets, fine dining, shopping and nightlife, you know you are in the heart of the action when you live in Vail. Steps to the slopes and any imaginable amenity is what gives Vail its status as North America's number one ski destination.
Owning a home in Vail Village or Lionshead can be as simple as a one or two bedroom condominium or as spectacular as owning a slopeside ski chalet on Vail Mountain with ski-in, ski out access. Either way, winter or summer, Vail offers a unique combination of unending recreational opportunities in a quiet, relaxing setting in the midst of the grand Rocky Mountains.
It is often said that "winter is why we came, summer is why we stayed". Summer in the Rocky Mountains is a spectacular blend of colors and climate where temperatures average in the mid 70's during the day and evenings are just cool enough for a light sweater while strolling around the Village. When the snow clears, spectacular wildflowers cover Vail making any activity, from golf to hiking and everything in between that much more enjoyable.
Vail's most alpine setting is East Vail. Century old pine, spruce and aspens emerge from the base of the Gore Range, where the valley narrows and winter stays a little longer, to form a small, close knit community. This popular local and second home market is just four miles from Vail but feels worlds away. With Gore Creek running through the community and towering mountain ledges above, East Vail residents enjoy the serenity of living in the mountains. The free Town of Vail bus system, which loops around East Vail, makes commuting to the Village a breeze. Best of all, property prices are moderate compared to Vail Village.
West Vail is unique in its setting as it take advantage of both sides of the Valley. The south side is known for its alpine scenery among towering trees and blankets of snow in the winter and beautiful wildflowers in the summer. The north side receives Colorado's famous sunshine and is more arid, allowing for long, extensive views of the surrounding Valley and Gore Range. Many locals and second homeowners find the convenience of living in West Vail a plus. Shopping and dining opportunities abound and most times you are just a few minutes drive or free bus ride to Vail and Lionshead.
Eagle-Vail
A favorite among local families, Eagle-Vail is one of the Valley's true residential communities. Located between Vail, Avon and Beaver Creek, neighborhood streets wind through the community of parks, ponds, an 18-hole golf course and community center. Eagle-Vail borders National Forest land, which invites endless recreational opportunities. Single family homes, duplexes and townhomes are found throughout Eagle-Vail. Some are located on the golf course while others take advantage of the alpine setting on the south side of the Valley. With a nearby business center featuring a variety of shops, restaurants and services, Eagle-Vail is a wonderful combination of quiet neighborhood living and convenient city life.
Minturn/Redcliff
The historic town of Minturn is much more than just a "stop out of the way" between Vail and Avon. Located on Highway 24, it is a short ten-minute drive from Vail, but feels worlds apart. Located along the banks of the Eagle River, Minturn has retained its own personality. Formerly a mining and railroad town, it now is home to a close community of homes and businesses, taking visitors "back to the old west". Small shops, galleries and some of Valley's most enjoyable restaurants can all be found on Main Street. From the Minturn Jazz Festial to the summer Farmers Market, Minturn is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the Valley.
Avon
No longer famous for its lettuce production, Avon is now considered the heart of the Vail Valley and gateway to Beaver Creek. With picturesque Nottingham Lake as the jewel of the town, numerous residential opportunities exist for both locals and second-home buyers. Avon presents wonderful opportunities for residents and visitors. The library, recreation center, parks and playgrounds all give Avon a true community feel while shopping and dining opportunities are plentiful. During the 4th of July, you won't want to miss Colorado's largest fireworks display over the lake.
Wildridge
On the north side of the Valley, above Avon, lies Wildridge. This well planned residential community of single family homes and townhomes takes advantage of its rise in elevation to capture some of the Valley's most breathtaking vistas. This "community within a community" has easy access to Avon and the rest of the Valley but you will find it hard to leave home while overlooking Beaver Creek Mountain, New York Mountain and the Sawatch Mountain Range. Popular with families and second-homeowners, Wildridge has quickly become a destination for those seeking higher ground and panoramic views.
Mountain Star
Perched high atop the valley floor, amidst rolling hillside tiers and aspen groves, you will find the exclusive gated community of Mountain Star. Breathtaking 360 degree views of the surrounding vistas reaffirm your place in the Valley with uncomparable views of Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead and the mountain ranges beyond. Thoughtfully placed for maximum privacy and conservancy, only 90 homes will ever exist in Mountain Star on its 1,300 acres. The remaining 75 percent of the land is surrounded by U.S. National Forest land and Town of Avon open space.
Beaver Creek Resort
The crown jewel of the Vail Valley, Beaver Creek is home to North America's only European style Village-to-Village skiing experience. What was once known as Vail's little sister, Beaver Creek has shaped its own identity in becoming a luxurious five star, four season resort catering to families and visitors alike.
Beaver Creek Resort is known for its numerous national and international awards for innovative design and exceptional service. These characteristics can all be found in the myriad of shopping and dining experiences you are sure to encounter during your stay. Among the many highlights of the Village is the Vilar Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art performing arts complex. Just a quick escalator ride away is the popular year-round ice skating rink.
A prestigious address, Beaver Creek Resort is the definition of luxury, privacy and exceptional attention to detail. A rare opportunity exists to become part of this renowned community.
Bachelor Gulch Village
Living on Beaver Creek Mountain is a rare opportunity which presents itself at Bachelor Gulch Village. This intimate gated community is located up a secluded mountain valley surrounded by rolling hills and forested ski terrain. Virtually all the properties, renowned for their architecture which is inspired by the grand lodges of the national parks, are ski-in, ski-out. Magnificent Gore Range views and panoramic valley vistas are captured from every vantage point. An intricate mix of single family residences and lodges makes Bachelor Gulch ideal for a vacation or forever. And don't forget, the Ritz Carlton at Bachelor Gulch will be here in 2002.
Arrowhead
Known as the "western gateway to Beaver Creek", Arrowhead is the ideal winter and summer playground. Situated between the ski slopes and the Eagle River, Arrowhead offers its residents a small, intimate Village setting, skiing, an 18 hole Jack Nicklaus designed private golf course and some of the best fly fishing anywhere. The Village, at the base of the mountain, features custom townhomes and condominiums while magnificent single family residences are found on the mountain and surrounding the golf course. Arrowhead offers a true luxurious community feel in a private, gated setting just a ski run or short drive to Beaver Creek and the rest of the Valley.
Edwards
Once a sleepy stop for travelers along I-70, Edwards has turned into one of the most popular communities in the Vail Valley. It's proximity to Vail, Avon and Beaver Creek to the east and Eagle and the Eagle County Regional Airport to the west makes its location ideal for locals and second homeowners. The drop in elevation and the widening of the valley allows for warmer temperatures and longer summers and autumns. Edwards boasts some of the Valley's best restaurants and shopping. The Riverwalk, located on the banks of the Eagle River is a community in itself with a movie theater, restaurants, grocery store, hotel and anything else one might need. Across the street in the Edward Village Center you will find the same experience with a wonderful mix of shopping, dining and nightlife.
Singletree
Perhaps the most popular community in the Valley is Singletree. This wonderful setting on the north side of the Valley enjoys all day sun and gorgeous views of Arrowhead Mountain and the southern mountain ranges beyond. Singletree is home to the very popular Sonnenalp Golf Course, which meanders through the community. The clubhouse, with tennis courts and a swimming pool is popular during the summer while the community center, with its pavilion, park, playground and open multi-sport field is enjoyed year-round. Homeowners are just a short drive to "downtown" Edwards and all the amenities it has to offer and skiing from Arrowhead Mountain in Beaver Creek is less than five minutes away.
Homestead
Another popular residential community is Homestead. Located on the southern side of the Vail Valley, just minutes from "downtown" Edwards, homeowners take advantage of beautiful views and close proximity to hiking and biking trails to the south. This community is home to the Homestead Court Club, which affords all community members the opportunity to take advantage of workout facilities, tennis courts, an indoor heated pool and much more. Restaurants, shopping and all the conveniences of a small town are just a short drive or walk away while skiing at Arrowhead and Beaver Creek Mountain is a quick 5 minute drive to the east.
Cordillera
Known as one of the premiere golf communities in the country, Cordillera defines Rocky Mountain living. Spectacular views, three championship golf courses and the finest amenities combine to make the perfect setting for luxury, recreation and privacy. Four distinct communities comprise Cordillera: The Divide, The Ranch, The Summit and the Valley Club.
The Divide
- 2,100 total acres
- The Short Course - Dave Pelz
- Elevation: 8,200 feet
- "Out-your-door" access to an extensive trail system
- The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera
- Tennis, Swimming Pool & Fitness Center
- Grouse-on-the-Green Irish Pub
The Ranch
- 1,100 total acres
- The Mountain Course - Hale Irwin
- Elevation: 8,200 Feet
- The Trailhead - children's recreational activities center with swimming pool
- Nordic Center - 15 miles of hiking &
- Winter sports trails
- Timber Hearth Grille - American Southwestern Menu
The Summit
- 2,500 total acres
- The Summit Course -Jack Nicklaus
- Elevation: 8,800 Feet
- The Summit Club - a 10,000 square foot recreational retreat
- Whittaker Bros. General Store
- Borders three million acres of National Forest
The Valley Club
- 336 total acres
- The Valley Course - Tom Fazio
- Elevation: 7,200 Feet
- Tennis, Swimming Pool & Fitness Center
- Chaparral Steakhouse
Bellyache/Wolcott
One of the hidden gems of the Valley is Bellyache. This community of homes located on the southern hills of the Valley enjoys rolling, arid landscape at the bottom and a more mountainous, alpine setting near the top. Magnificent views and privacy are why many people choose to call Bellyache home. Wildlife abound as residents are literally surrounded by open space. Coming soon to Bellyache will be Red Sky Ranch. This small golf course community will be home to two golf courses and approximately 80 homes. Located on the banks of the Eagle River is Wolcott. Known mainly to river rafters and those on their way to Steamboat, Wolcott is a wonderful respite for the traveler and the local. The Wolcott Market is one of the finest in the Valley, serving breakfast, lunch and a variety of specialty gourmet items. Located just north of I-70, it is also home to the Valley's least expensive gas. Keep it a secret...
Eagle
Eagle is a quiet, sleepy town just fifteen minutes west of Edwards and is home to the county seat. With a traditional "Main Street", and a wonderful mix of homes and small, locally owned businesses, Eagle has become popular for its slower pace and warmer climate. However, with such a popular location just five minutes to the Eagle County Airport and 25 minutes to world class skiing in Beaver Creek, Eagle has been discovered! The latest residential project to come to the Vail Valley is located just south of Eagle, called Eagle Ranch. An Arnold Palmer public golf course will be the crown jewel of this wonderful neighborhood community that will eventually be home to 1,100 homes. A small retail and commercial center will handle all the basic needs of the "town within a town" and Eagle will finally have their first movie theater. No matter the new developments or the increase in residents, one thing you can expect to remain the same is the true community feel in Eagle.
Gypsum
Perhaps Gypsum is best known for the Gypsum Board it produces from the mines just north of the town, but this small community has become home to many Vail Valley residents in recent years. Gypsum is centrally located just five minutes from the Eagle County Regional Airport, 25 minutes from Glenwood Springs and a short one hour drive to Aspen. In recent years new homes and developments have been cropping up from condominiums and townhomes to single family homes and new commercial projects. Two of the more popular residential opportunities have been Cotton Ranch, a golf course country club community surrounding Gypsum Creek and the Valley's only Pete Dye Golf Course and Willowstone, a wonderful residential neighborhood located on the banks of the Eagle River. In addition to the small communities within Gypsum, some of the Valley's most beautiful ranches and acreage can be found in Gypsum and the surrounding areas. From wonderful residential opportunities to shopping and dining and the Valley's warmest climate, don't miss the opportunity to visit Gypsum.