Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Vail, Colorado, is a world-renowned ski destination. But beneath its glamorous façade lies a complex history shaped by boom-and-bust cycles, Indigenous displacement, and the looming threat of climate change.
Long before Vail became a playground for the wealthy, the Ute Tribe called this region home. The Utes were nomadic hunters who thrived in the harsh mountain environment, relying on elk, deer, and seasonal migration patterns. Their deep connection to the land was severed in the 19th century when the U.S. government forcibly removed them to reservations in Utah.
The late 1800s saw a rush of prospectors and railroad workers flooding into the area. The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad carved through the mountains, bringing miners hoping to strike it rich. While Vail itself wasn’t a major mining hub, nearby towns like Leadville and Silverthorne boomed—until the silver market crashed in 1893. Abandoned mines and ghost towns still dot the landscape, silent reminders of Colorado’s volatile economic past.
Vail as we know it didn’t exist until the 1960s. World War II veteran Pete Seibert, inspired by European ski resorts, envisioned a world-class destination in the Rockies. With backing from investors, including oil tycoon Earl Holding, Vail opened in 1962. Its rapid success was no accident—strategic marketing, luxury accommodations, and proximity to Denver made it an instant hit.
Vail’s expansion came at a price. The construction of ski runs disrupted wildlife habitats, particularly for lynx and bighorn sheep. In the 1990s, environmentalists clashed with developers over the expansion of Blue Sky Basin, leading to protests and even arson attacks by radical groups like the Earth Liberation Front.
Today, Vail faces an existential threat: rising temperatures. The ski industry relies on consistent snowfall, but winters are becoming shorter and less predictable. A 2022 study by the University of Colorado Boulder predicts that by 2050, the state could lose 50% of its snowpack.
Colorado’s rivers, including the Eagle River that runs through Vail, are under strain. Downstream states like Arizona and California depend on this water, leading to legal battles over allocation. Meanwhile, Vail Resorts has invested in snowmaking technology—but artificial snow requires massive amounts of water, exacerbating the problem.
Vail’s economy thrives on tourism, but many workers can’t afford to live there. The median home price exceeds $1.5 million, while service employees commute from towns like Gypsum or even sleep in their cars. Local governments have tried to subsidize housing, but demand far outstrips supply.
COVID-19 initially devastated Vail’s economy—then rebounded explosively. Wealthy urbanites, freed from offices, flocked to mountain towns, driving real estate prices even higher. Remote work may be here to stay, but not everyone benefits. Longtime residents are being priced out, changing the town’s cultural fabric.
Can Vail adapt? Some advocate for year-round tourism, promoting hiking and mountain biking in summer. Others push for stricter environmental regulations. One thing is certain: the town’s survival depends on balancing profit with sustainability.
Vail’s history is a microcosm of the American West—land grabs, industry booms, and environmental reckoning. The choices made now will determine whether it remains a winter wonderland or becomes another cautionary tale of climate neglect.