Vail Updates and Upgrades

Many Vail updates and upgrades are underway this summer season, keeping the town we love busy all year long. We look forward to seeing our guests back at Vista Bahn Ski Rentals (VBSR) this winter season for ski rentals, ski tuning services, and gear storage. But until then, we’re gathering local knowledge about what Vail updates will make the 2018-2019 ski season even better than the last.

Here are a few recent developments we’ve been excited to watch take shape in and around Vail:

Vail Updates: Attractions, Lodging, and More

Vail updates in the area of lodging have brought expanded options in luxury and in affordability. Hotel Talisa, Vail—formerly the Vail Cascade—opened for the 2018 ski season with a $60-plus million renovation. And its offerings continue to expand. Hotel Talisa features 285 luxurious rooms along Gore Creek and within walking distance from a Vail ski lift. This luxury resort hotel has three culinary venues, including signature restaurant Gessner. It also features a spa, a meeting space, and an athletic club.

Located in West Vail, the DoubleTree by Hilton Vail is another of the recent Vail updates to expand lodging options. Guest rooms and suites capture the mountain modern style in a location that’s close to all that Vail proper has to offer. And a free shuttle makes getting to the slopes and around town a cinch. If you plan to relax onsite, be sure to visit bar and restaurant Pivot62 for cocktails, sharable plates, and a sociable atmosphere.

In addition to these new lodging and dining opportunities, two new Vail attractions are generating quite a buzz. In June 2018, the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame in Vail Village celebrated the official unveiling of its $2.6-million renovation. One of the most striking technologies incorporated into the space is an “iWall” that brings Colorado snowsports history to life. Other Vail updates in the town’s Art in Public Places program will appeal to outdoor explorers and art enthusiasts, including a Stickwork installation created by artist Patrick Dougherty. This large-scale sculpture project made from whimsically intertwined willow branches is located on the lower bench of Ford Park and will remain through the winter season.

Vail Upgrades: Around-Town Progress

Some people say that Vail has two seasons: ski season and construction season. Summertime weather is optimal for town construction. So it’s not surprising that the Town of Vail Spring and Summer Construction Overview lists ten town-sponsored construction projects for summer 2018. Some of these will improve town walkways, bus stops and parks for the future. Here are a few notables on the list:

• Bus Stop Upgrades in Vail Village and Lionshead: Vail Village has a great free transportation system, and new bus stops are among the updates happening now. Two new bus stops will be added in Vail Village, and two new stops will also be added in Lionshead Village.
• Gore Valley Trail Reconstruction: During the summer season, cycling on Vail’s bike paths is a popular recreational activity. Good news: Biking paths are getting even better! The Town of Vail is reconstructing approximately 2,700 linear feet of the Gore Valley Trail between Matterhorn Drive (Donovan Park) and the West Vail Conoco.
• Pirateship Park Improvements: Pirateship Park is a favorite of VBSR families and guests. It’s located just steps from our shop near Gondola One. This park features a huge pirateship that kids love playing in and around. Improvements are aimed at safety and include installing a resilient surfacing and reconstructing a stairway.
• Sunbird Park Maintenance: Simply put, Sunbird Park rocks. This destination playground in Lionshead Village has been called one of the world’s coolest playgrounds. And while kids love its slides and climbing features, adults appreciate its eye-catching design. Sumbird Park upgrades include refinishing the wood play structures and replacing several play components.

When you come to Vail this winter, we hope that you get to fully enjoy these Vail updates and upgrades. Stop by VBSR and let us know your favorite things around town. We also hope that our ski rentals, ski tuning services, and ski gear storage make the top of your list!