It is the big 5-0 for Vail. Founded on dreams and the spirit of adventure, Vail’s history is a colorful one. From its opening in 1962, Vail’s history reflects the pioneering spirit, the heroes of the 10th Mountain Division, the athletes and much more. One of my favorite stories is how Vail Pass was named after Charles Vail, the Chief Highway Engineer who constructed over 3500 highways in Colorado and the one highway he named in honor of himself. Instead of a route preferred by the locals in the area, Charles Vail chose a route over Monarch Pass for a new highway over the Continental Divide. In opposition, the locals tore down the sign and blacked out his name with paint and replaced it with Monarch or removed the “P” in Pass.

At the same time, another road was being constructed through the Gore Range. The workers on the project jokingly erected a sign by the road reading Vail Pass. Since the area was sparsely populated, no one said a word and the name stuck.

Be grateful for Vail Pass. It offers access to “the best in class” snow skiing. Congratulations to Vail for 50 years of winter sports and non-stop fun.