By Helen Olsson By Helen Olsson | December 19, 2022 | Lifestyle, Events, Features, Style, Travel, Outdoor, Ski,
FROM GORE-TEX TO HIGH-SPEED QUADS, A LOT HAS CHANGED SINCE VAIL OPENED IN DECEMBER OF 1962. TO CELEBRATE THE RESORT’S 60TH YEAR, WE DUG THROUGH THE ARCHIVES.
To celebrate the 60th milestone, Vail Mountain is bringing back the venerable ice bar, with locations carved out at Eagle’s Nest and Wildwood. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
Vail pioneer Christie Hauserman is credited with designing the famous “Vail stripe” that was prominently featured on Vail’s first ski school uniforms. The diagonal lines were inspired by uniforms worn by the royal guard during the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
The first-ever FIS Alpine World Cup races were staged in 1967. At the Vail GS race in March, French phenom Jean-Claude Killy took home gold and American Jimmie Heuga took silver. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
Singer and actor Barbra Streisand takes a ski lesson at Vail in the 1972-73 season. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
Before the internet, skiers checked the snow report via a corded telephone. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
A timeless Vail moment: powder skiers in the 1960s. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
Between May and December of 1962, one gondola and four chairlifts (2, 3, 4 and 5) were constructed, trails were cut and the Lodge at Vail was built. This season, look for high-speed lifts in Game Creek and Sun Down bowls. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
Après-ski revelry is an integral part of Colorado’s ski culture. This season, 10th Mountain Whiskey is releasing Vail Mountain 60th Anniversary limited edition and Henry’s Rescue, two bourbons that pay homage to Vail’s history. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
In the mid 1960s, Diana (shown here) and John Donovan owned and operated Donovan’s Copper Bar, the ski patrol’s favorite watering hole. John gave patrollers a “raise” each afternoon in the form of a 25-cent Budweiser. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
The National Ski Patrol packs down the slopes in the 1974-75 season. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
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