Vail, Colorado – A new base village is likely coming to Vail Mountain.
Yesterday, the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners announced that they’ve agreed to a collaborative plan to develop West Lionshead into their fourth base area. For many years, this development was referred to as Ever Vail, but it didn’t reach the point of being constructed. While the specifics have not been finalized, the base village would include lift access to the ski resort, lodging, restaurants, shops, and skier services. Regarding infrastructure, there would be worker housing, public park spaces, transit services, and more parking spots.
“We appreciate the Town’s partnership and shared vision for the West Lionshead base village that will benefit our community, our employees, and our guests,” said Beth Howard, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Vail Mountain “We look forward to this next chapter of building the future together. And we appreciate that East West Partners is a part of the partnership, given they are known for creating meaningful places that bring people together, with creativity and expertise.”
Yesterday, the Town of Vail voted unanimously to create the partnership and develop a new master plan for the West Lionshead base village community. As part of the process, the Vail Town Council plans to update its Strategic Plan to prioritize the West Lionshead development due to its impact on growing the community. To create the new master plan, the town is partnering with East West Partners (the developer) and Vail Resorts to create a community input process this fall, with open houses designed for the public to give their opinions. The project will have to go through applicable entitlement and approval processes before construction begins.
“It is a shared goal of the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners to ensure our town remains a top destination for guests and a vibrant community for the residents who create the welcoming and unique atmosphere Vail is known for,” said Travis Coggin, Mayor of the Town of Vail. “We are in an era of renewed collaboration between the Town and Vail Resorts. The entire Vail Town Council and I are excited to partner with Vail Resorts and East West Partners in a process to enable this exciting new base village for Vail Mountain, which will bring significant benefits to our guests and community.”
“Vail is our company’s home and holds an incredibly special place in our hearts. I am thrilled that East West Partners will be a part of this transformative initiative,” said Chris Frampton, Chief Executive Officer of East West Partners. “Vail has always been a community and mountain that embraces innovation, and this new fourth base village marks the next chapter in innovative partnerships that will ensure Vail stays the leading resort community in North America, and one of the best mountain towns anywhere.”
As part of the agreement, Vail Resorts is dropping its appeal against the Town of Vail over the condemnation of land that the ski resort conglomerate planned to use to develop employee housing. The land was condemned because it was situated near a bighorn sheep habitat, although others debated that it was due to NIMBYism.
Image Credits: Katie Musial, Max Ritter (Vail Resorts), Vail Mountain
