Vail's Opening Day In 1962

DENVER (CBS4) - In honor of the Alpine Skiing World Championship taking place in Vail this week, we're looking back at the beginning of one of the world's great ski resorts. Vail Mountain was originally the property of the United States Forest Service (USFS) when two Coloradans hiked it and realized how perfect the terrain would be for skiing. They secured investors by promising a condo unit and a lifetime season pass.

Vail opened in 1962, with ticket prices at just $5. Your skiing experience at that time included one gondola, two chair lifts, eight ski instructors, and nine ski runs. Throughout the 1960s, Vail Village grew at an enormous rate, including the construction of Lionshead Gondola and base. President Gerald Ford even visited Vail, and was so impressed that he began to make annual trips.

Vail Resort has continued to expand and incorporate other mountains. It has held numerous competitions and opened bowl after lift after restaurant. More history can be found on Vail's 50th anniversary page.

If you recall Vail in its early days, send us your photos!