Lois Alter Mark
| Special to USA TODAY 10Best
With more than 5,200 acres of ski and snowboard terrain and 7 miles of celebrated Back Bowls, it’s no wonder Vail is considered one of the best ski resorts in the world. But that’s not all it should be known for.
The one-of-a-kind town has a storied history that starts with Pete Seibert, who founded Vail Mountain with Earl Eaton. That was 60 years ago, after returning from the mountains of Northern Italy where he fought during World War II. Seibert was a U.S. Army veteran of the 10th Mountain Division, which was made up of top skiers and mountaineers who trained for alpine combat at Camp Hale, just south of Vail. They set the tone for what has become an iconic resort town.
President Biden recently designated Camp Hale a national monument, and it’s always a great time to pay a visit, even if you’re a novice when it comes to winter sports. Vail’s après-ski culture is legendary, and there are enough activities to keep you busy off the slopes, no matter the season.
“Everyone knows about the winter but if you come in fall, you get to see the Golden Aspens at their peak,” says Pete Seibert, Jr., Town Council Member and son of Vail’s founder. “If you come in the summer,…
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