Industry News
Since it opened 60 years ago in December of 1962, Vail Mountain has led the industry. From its dedication to high-speed lifts to its pioneering safety programming to its world-class ski and snowboard school, Vail has become a staple of the ski world.
Carrying on that tradition, resort leaders are committed to propelling the industry into the next 60 years with several core focuses including:
- Equity
- Inclusion
- Diversity
- Bringing sustainability efforts to life
- Creating access opportunities for youth
- A strong commitment to adaptive skiing and snowboarding.
The next 60 years will build upon Vail Mountain’s position as one of the most well-known mountain destinations in the world as it welcomes the opportunity for everyone to feel the excitement of the Legendary Back Bowls and beyond. Join in for the National Brotherhood of Skiers 50th Anniversary Summit for a week of winter sports fun from Feb. 4-11, 2023, and check out Vail Mountain’s plans for the future below.
The Next 60 Years
Vail Mountain is will host the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS) for its 50th Golden Anniversary Summit. The NBS Summit is an annual fundraiser that brings together more than 50 member clubs and thousands of supporters from around the world. During a week of winter sports fun from Feb. 4-11, 2023, NBS will raise funds to support their mission – increasing participation in winter sports while developing and supporting athletes of color with the potential to win international competitions. Vail Mountain is honored to host the NBS Summit, and is committed to creating more equity, inclusion and diversity at the resort and in the industry.
Industry-Leading Sustainability Programming
In 2017, Vail Resorts announced Commitment to Zero – a bold goal to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030. Vail Mountain is making incredible contributions to the company’s three pillars: zero net emissions, zero waste to landfill, and zero net operating impact on forests and habitats. From the industry’s only gondola-based waste removal system to the mountain’s custom-designed recycling center to its automated ambient air heating and cooling system, and its resource-efficient snowmaking system – the resort has earned its best-in-class certification as the first mountain resort in the world to achieve certification as a Mountain IDEAL sustainable destination.
Adaptive Programs
Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard School offer lessons to individuals with a wide variety of disabilities for skiing, snow biking, and snowboarding, focusing on cognitive, visual, and physical impairment. The school is renowned for being one of the few adaptive programs where the instructors are largely full-time professionals in the field of adaptive snowsports instruction. Additionally, Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard School offers assistance to children who may be challenged to participate in group class lessons due to cognitive disabilities. The resort’s adaptive assistants work hard to integrate these children into class lessons and season programs with individualized care. The resort also offers specialized rental equipment for guests who are looking to enjoy Vail Mountain but may not have the ability to justify the cost of owning this equipment. Vail Mountain also supports a variety of nonprofit partners through the adaptive snowsports program, including Vail Veterans, Foresight Skiing Guides, Small Champions, and Access Unbound.
Access Programs
Vail Mountain and Vail Resorts are committed to growing the sport we love. We’re committed to removing barriers to entry and creating a more inclusive sport through the Epic for Everyone Youth Access Program. Last season, at Vail Mountain and across our family of resorts, we hosted more than 8,000 youth who otherwise might not have had access to skiing and snowboarding. Here at Vail Mountain, and at other resorts, we work closely with SOS Outreach and other organizations to make youth access a reality. The company also partners closely with the National Brotherhood of Skiers and Boys & Girls Clubs. While programs vary by partner, a typical Epic for Everyone Youth Access Program provides five free on-snow sessions including ski and ride school, meals, and equipment rentals, plus two additional free lift tickets to continue practicing with a guardian. These services are combined with mentorship, including an introduction to career opportunities at our resort. Additionally, Vail Mountain and our family of Colorado Resorts offer the Colorado School Kids Epic Pass, which offers free skiing and riding across our five Colorado resorts for any eligible K-5th grader enrolled in Colorado schools.
