SHOPPING Truly unique shopping discoveries are made at Vail Valley. One of a kind selections, not found anywhere else, abound - including custom jewelry to whimsical crafts, and souvenirs unique to the area. Numerous boutiques, galleries, gift shops, sporting good stores capture one’s interest when strolling through the pedestrian villages.
Some of the favored shops in Vail include: the Charm School Boutique, Roxy, The Golden Bear, Gorsuch Ltd., J. Phillips, Laughing Monkey, Luca Bruno, Pepi's Sports and W. Couture.
Very fine art galleries and art works are seen along the shopping paths in Vail. Pismo Gallery at Vail has Contemporary glass art by Chihuly, Kuhn, Tagliapietra, Powell and Perkins.
MOUNTAIN MUSIC
Over 60 concerts are scheduled for the Summer of 2006 in the magnificent setting of the Vail Valley - a perfect venue for the upcoming Rochester Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, New York Philharmonic, inviting chamber ensembles, and inspired contemporary works.Major Attractions
The Colorado Ski Museum has everything one would want to know about skiers and snowboarders in the Hall of Fame. At the Colorado Ski Museum, visitors can get a feel for the slopes without strapping on the skis at this museum chronicling Colorado's skiing history.
Ski and nightlife can range from a boisterous dance evening, to a romantic toast, to acoustic sing-alongs, to sports and piano bars. Throughout the resorts and towns, Rocky Mountain casual is the theme.
SPAS & HEALTH CLUB
The Spas & Health Clubs throughout the area offer rejuvenation. For a change of pace, The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail is a beautiful alpine botanical garden. The Gardens are located at the foot of Vail Mountain.
SKI EQUIPMENT
The American Ski Exchange is a full service ski shop where Vail's best service and equipment are just steps from the Vista Bahn ski lift. They also provide the services of offering ski rental storage.
LOCAL HISTORY
Gold was discovered in the mountains west of Colorado in 1859 where the early pioneers learned that webbed snowshoes, so popular with the Native Americans of the west, were a method of travel. However, Norwegian snowshoes and skis were incorporated.
Colorado skiing history was made when the 10th Mountain Division, U.S. Army men training for high country combat in Europe against Hitler's Nazi forces, were based near Vail. They returned from duty in Europe to the surroundings they had come to know so well during their training in the Rocky Mountains.
Father Dyer was one of the mail carriers in Colorado’s early history who provided a lifeline to the outside world. In 1880 there were over 50 skiing mail carriers in the state. They traveled up to fifty miles at a stretch over the mountains. Their skis were only a simple toe strap and heel block to keep the foot in place.
Mail carriers like Al Johnson (Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame) are legendary heroes. Johnson carried the mail from Crystal City, a ghost town above Marble, over Schofield Pass to Gothic, Crested Butte and Irwin. He was known internationally as one of the best skiers in the Elk Mountains. In 1886, 25 downhill racers competed in heats on a hill above Crested Butte.