Overview

The Vail Valley is one of the finest resort destinations in the world, nestled in the magnificent Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Vail's evolution from a quiet sheep pasture to an international resort over the last 40 years can be attributed to the famous 10th Mountain Division ski troops who were introduced to the valley while training at Camp Hale in the 1940s. Following World War II, a group of former Army buddies returned to the Gore Creek Valley to fulfill their collective dream...to develop a ski resort.

Vail later emerged as a ski giant and the county has flourished ever since. The Colorado Ski Museum is located at the top of the Vail Transportation Center, and documents this great skiing heritage with photographs and memorabilia. The Vail Valley is comprised of the towns of Vail, Avon, Edwards, Minturn, and Eagle, and Vail and Beaver Creek resorts . Together, they offer an incredible array of world-class sports, shopping and gastronomy.

Although the skiing is unsurpassed, much of the Vail Valley's charm comes from its uniquely designed alpine villages and pedestrian system, a tightly knit community and the lifestyle. The community is connected by a bus system that, in the town of Vail, is free - the largest free transit system in the country.

Although winter has traditionally offered many activities for visitors, Summer is arguably the Valley's most beautiful season. Visitors, guests and residents alike take advantage of the abundance of the natural surroundings, recreational activities and cultural events.

Natural Surroundings

• Craggy mountain peaks include those from the Gore, Sawatch and New York mountain ranges
• Lush, green valleys and blooming wildflowers
• A clean, purified environment that refreshes your body and mind

Recreational Activities

• Golf
• Tennis
• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Kayaking
• Rafting
• Rock Climbing
• Spa Days
• Shopping

For more information on summer activities please visit: www.vail.com & www.beavercreek.com

Prima - www.primavail.com

Come soak in all that PRIMA has to offer this summer in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. PRIMA is an extraordinary palate of cultural events featuring the world's best music, dance and theatre all summer long.

Set in the natural outdoor splendor found only in the Vail Valley, PRIMA's three internationally acclaimed festivals yield more than 90 performances by world renowned talent that includes the New York Philharmonic, the Atlanta Ballet, members of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Neo-Futurists, Ensemble Soloists from La Scala Ballet, and more!

A multitude of shows, musical revues and free concerts take place in and around Vail all summer long, including the Hot Summer Nights concert series and the Labor Day Jazz Festival.

Colorado Music Alliance - www.coloradomusicalliance.com

Stunning scenery, first-class presenters, avid audiences: it's no wonder some of the world's finest classical musicians take a summer sojourn to Colorado. The state's classical music festivals present nearly 1,000 concerts every summer, ranging from symphonic to chamber to opera to virtuoso recitals. Come hear the music in sublime concert settings ranging from Victorian opera houses to state-of-the-art tents and amphitheaters. Sponsored by the Colorado Tourism Office.