Facilities & Destinations: VAIL

Rocky Mountain resort town reaches new heights of popularity among meeting groups

Prior to the United States’ entry into World War II, multiple battles in Europe saw outnumbered forces familiar with rugged mountainous terrain defeat larger well-equipped armies. When drawn into the war in the early 1940s, United States Army officials expressed concern about the ability of their forces to fight winter battles in Europe or even in the United States, and took action to remedy that concern. The result was the creation of the 10th Mountain Division — then referred to as the 10th Light Division (Alpine) — that took residence in a newly constructed Camp Hale, 9,200 feet above sea level in the Colorado Rockies. At the base, soldiers were trained in combat as well as mountain climbing, various styles of skiing and winter survival techniques. When the camp was in full operation, approximately 15,000 soldiers were housed there.

The 10th Mountain Division made its mark on the region. Across the country, soldiers of the division returned home after the war and used their skills to help shape the burgeoning skiing industry. Vail’s founders were soldiers of the famed army division that had encamped on Vail Mountain during their training and identified it as an ideal location for skiing — and to build a resort. The division is commemorated in public art and monuments throughout the area. Local distiller 10th Mountain honors the division “in spirit” by crafting bourbons, ryes and other spirits from locally sourced ingredients. 10th Mountain has tasting rooms in Vail and welcomes groups to host events in its distillery.

While its founders’ fortunes waxed and waned, today’s Vail Resorts is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. Some of the notable resorts in its portfolio include Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Resort, Colorado’s Keystone Resort, Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Resort and Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort. The resorts have been linked with the Epic Pass (which provides unlimited, unrestricted access to the properties) and the PEAKS loyalty program, which encourages guests to stay and ski within the growing network.

The system makes transportation easy for attendees no matter where they choose to lodge. Closer to the Lionshead Village area is the luxury, 134-room Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, whose nearly 8,500 sq. ft. of function space includes a 3,500-sq.-ft. ballroom. The 285-room Grand Hyatt Vail’s indoor and outdoor function space features a 6,100-sq.-ft. ballroom.

VAIL MARRIOTT MOUNTAIN RESORT & SPA

In addition to managing the mountain and its year-round activities, Vail Resorts Hospitality operates the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa. A short walk from the Eagle Bahn Gondola that rises to the top of Vail Mountain, the 344-room property is a favorite among both leisure and business travelers. Planners will appreciate the Marriottflagged property, whose flexible Grand Ballroom is the largest in the Vail valley at over 8,200 sq. ft. Another formal onsite function space is the 4,400-sq.-ft. Colorado Ballroom, complemented by smaller rooms suitable for breakout sessions. The Mountain View room, as its name implies, has breathtaking views of the Rockies.

The scenic pool area at Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa

While Denver-area groups are responsible for a large number of the hotel’s bookings, Eric Laituri, Executive Meetings Manager at the hotel, noted a steady business from the Midwest and a growing interest from the East Coast. High-profile personalities taking up residence in the area have given the town greater visibility and produced more interest in bringing groups to the region.

Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa

While walking and basking in the crisp Rocky Mountain air is an experience to be taken in, free shuttle busses are available throughout Vail.

YEAR-ROUND RECREATION

During winter season, multiple ice-skating rinks throughout Vail are open to the public at no charge, including the Vail Square Ice Rink in the Lionshead Village area. The rink is near a Marriott property and a number of other lodgings including the Arabelle, a 62-room luxury resort. Another rink is located outside Solaris Plaza, home to a number of dining and entertainment establishments. Matsuhisa, located within the plaza, serves the dishes of world-renowned chef Matsuhisa Nobu in a restaurant whose floor-to-ceiling windows afford panoramic views of Vail Mountain. Less formal opportunities for groups or individual attendees looking for a break include the Vail Brewing Company and Bol — a 14,000-sq.-ft. space whose 10-lane bowling alley and separate private dining area can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Vail’s off season includes many recreational opportunities for the active attendee.

While skiing and snowboarding in the winter months have been a perennial draw to the area, spring and summer recreational opportunities can also sway planners to consider the region. Off-season activities include biking, hiking, golf, rafting and fishing. Further options for the outdoorsy attendee include ziplining, summer tubing down the mountains, as well as the “Forest Flyer” alpine coaster. While Laituri reported that the best pricing can be secured for bookings between the end of August and Christmastime, as well as between April and July, that may soon be changing.

—D.K.