Elevating the Experience

Everyone who lives in, works in or visits our town can agree Vail is like nowhere else. Over the course of 2023, the Town of Vail focused on ensuring the opportunity to experience the magic of Vail is available to all.

National Brotherhood of Skiers Celebrates 50th Anniversary Summit in Vail

Vail welcomed 2,000 snow sports enthusiasts for the 50th anniversary summit of the National Brotherhood of Skiers in February 2023. The organization’s mission is to identify, develop and support athletes of color who will win International and Olympic winter sports competitions representing the United States and to increase participation in winter sports. Highlights of the week included a parade of ski clubs and the Soul on Snow concert.

In recognition of the summit, the Town of Vail’s Art In Public Places (AIPP) program commissioned an oil painting by renowned artist Lamont Joseph White. With a backdrop of the Gore Range and the Gorsuch clock tower, “Towering” is a celebration of representation and inclusion in the ski world and in outdoor spaces. In addition, prints of White’s work were on view in the Vail Public Library’s Community Room in conjunction with the NBS summit, organized by AIPP with funding from the town’s Cultural Heritage Committee.

Bicycle Safety Improvements Throughout Town

The Town of Vail continued its efforts to encourage non-motorized travel and to improve safety by doubling the number of painted “sharrows” on on-street bike routes. In addition, close to 40 new bike trail etiquette signs have been installed along Vail’s multi-use trails.

Sixteenth Annual Vail Winterfest Installation by Ben Roth with Alpine Ice

Updated on 03/20/2024 11:13 AM

The Art In Public Places Board continued its collaboration with visual artist Ben Roth along with Alpine Ice for the design of the annual Winterfest illuminated ice and light installation, on display in January and February. The installation, titled “New Wave,” included 27,000 pounds of sculpted ice creating 50 undulating wave-like forms.

Visitor Centers Get a Refresh

The Vail and Lionshead Welcome Centers underwent a remodel offering visitors a welcoming space to immerse themselves in all that Vail offers. Features include an eye-catching mountain map, a digital events calendar, and display panels that celebrate the natural environment with engaging content on wildlife, sustainability and the history of Vail.

Parking Program Continues to Evolve

From the 2021/22 to the 2022/23 winter season, overflow parking days on the Frontage Road during were reduced from 53 to 26, a major goal of the town’s parking program. For passholders, the town simplified the signup and verification process by reducing the information needed; implementing auto credentialing which allowed passholders to acquire a QR code pass as soon as payment was received; and improving license plate recognition to have a higher capture rate, making the passholder scan in and scan out process a faster one.

In addition, a partnership between the Ford Park User Group, the Parking & Mobility Task Force and the Town of Vail Environmental Sustainability Department resulted in a carpool incentive program for two Hot Summer Nights concerts. The program rewarded people for carpooling or biking to the concert, with 150 bike lights distributed to those who participated. The program is looking to expand in 2024.

Kids Love Kringle Crossing

The holidays came alive in Vail Village with Kringle Crossing, a miniature village featuring eight custom chalets. The whimsical miniature village featured twinkling lights, live music, carolers and visits from Santa Claus, creating a spot to capture photos, videos and special memories for all.

One Book One Valley Marks 12 Years of Hosting the Community Read

The Vail Public Library, in partnership with The Bookworm of Edwards, Colorado Mountain College, Battle Mountain High School, Eagle Valley High School and Vail Mountain School, proudly facilitated a community read of Stacey Lee’s “The Downstairs Girl” in 2023. One Book One Valley encourages all residents to read the same book at the same time to create a community book club.

Vail Recognized in Renowned International Dining Guide

The MICHELIN Guide officially made its debut in Colorado in September, with two Vail restaurants receiving a “Recommended” distinction. Sweet Basil and Osaki were noted for their menu selections that use quality ingredients and unique preparations.

Pilot Artist in Residency Program and an Expanded Public Art Collection

In anticipation of a working visual arts studio expected to open in 2025, the 2023 summer pilot Artist in Residency program served as a framework for the public art effort while expanding the collection with a commissioned sculpture. Art In Public Places invited Squire Broel from Walla Walla, Washington to be the first artist in residence during the month of July. AIPP developed a summer program without the physical studio space working with partners such as the Vail Valley Foundation, The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and The Lodge at Vail.

The public art collection also grew thanks to the gift of a sixth work from the collection of Vicki and Kent Logan: Male Baseball #1 by Yoram Wolberger. Working with the Vail Recreation District, it was sited at the entrance to the main playing fields at Ford Park. AIPP worked with Chevo Studios to design a base complimenting the enlarged baseball player figure reminiscent of Little League trophies. Landscaping improvements and design also accompanied the sculpture installation.

2023 Annual Report: Commitment to Community