VAIL, Colo., Oct. 1, 2024 – In a landmark collaboration set to redefine the future of Vail Mountain, the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners have announced a strategic partnership to develop the West Lionshead area into a premier fourth base village. This ambitious project, situated on the grounds previously earmarked for the Ever Vail initiative, is poised to significantly enhance Vail Mountain’s standing as a top-tier global destination. The development promises seamless access to the resort’s expansive 5,317 acres of renowned skiable terrain, complemented by new luxury lodging options, diverse dining experiences, boutique retail spaces, and enhanced skier services. Furthermore, the plan incorporates vital community benefits, including much-needed workforce housing, inviting public spaces, improved transit solutions, and ample parking facilities.
Vail Mountain Legendary Back Bowls: Part of the Expansive Terrain Accessible from the New West Lionshead Base Village Developed by East West Partners.
This pivotal partnership received unanimous approval from the Vail Town Council, who voted in favor of the West Lionshead master plan. Reflecting its commitment to this transformative project, the Town Council will update its Strategic Plan to prioritize West Lionshead as a key initiative to elevate the resort experience and provide substantial community benefits. The Town will actively collaborate with Vail Resorts and East West Partners throughout the community engagement process, ensuring a shared vision shapes the new master plan for the West Lionshead area. A significant aspect of the east west partners‘ led development is the inclusion of incremental workforce housing. Consequently, Vail Resorts will withdraw its appeal against the Town of Vail’s condemnation of the East Vail property, originally intended for Vail Resorts’ affordable workforce housing project.
East West Partners, renowned for their expertise in creating exceptional mountain communities, will take the lead in driving community engagement and the overall design of West Lionshead in close cooperation with the Town and Vail Resorts. Following the master plan’s completion, East West Partners and Vail Resorts will jointly navigate the entitlement process for the West Lionshead base village. As the chosen developer, East West Partners brings a wealth of experience in harmonizing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Their proven history of successfully executing complex projects in premier mountain destinations makes them an ideal partner for this venture.
This announcement marks a new chapter of cooperation between the Town of Vail and Vail Resorts, forging a unified path toward the future of Vail. The West Lionshead base village development represents a substantial investment by all three partners: the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners, demonstrating their collective commitment to the area’s prosperity.
“Ensuring Vail remains a premier destination for visitors while nurturing a vibrant community for our residents is a shared objective of the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners,” stated Travis Coggin, Mayor of the Town of Vail. “We are entering a period of revitalized collaboration between the Town and Vail Resorts. The entire Vail Town Council and I are enthusiastic about partnering with Vail Resorts and East West Partners on this process to bring to life a dynamic new base village for Vail Mountain, which will deliver significant advantages to both our guests and our community.”
Beth Howard, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Vail Mountain, echoed this sentiment, “We deeply appreciate the Town’s partnership and shared vision for the West Lionshead base village, which will greatly benefit our community, our dedicated employees, and our valued guests. We eagerly anticipate this next phase of collaborative development. We also recognize and value East West Partners‘ involvement, given their esteemed reputation for crafting meaningful places that foster community, driven by their creativity and deep industry knowledge.”
Chris Frampton, Chief Executive Officer of East West Partners, expressed his enthusiasm, “Vail is not just a location for our company; it’s our home and holds a truly special place in our hearts. I am incredibly excited that East West Partners will play a central role in this transformative initiative. Vail has always been a community and mountain that champions innovation, and this fourth base village signifies the next step in pioneering partnerships that will ensure Vail remains the leading resort community in North America, and a globally recognized mountain destination.”
The West Lionshead base village development will prioritize community input through a comprehensive engagement process commencing this fall. This will include open forums for community members to contribute their insights on the vision, design, and planning of the project. The initiative remains subject to all relevant entitlement and approval procedures.
About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts, Inc. is the leading global network of premier ski destinations, encompassing Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America, as well as Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland, and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia, all accessible with the revolutionary Epic Pass. Committed to providing an Experience of a Lifetime for both team members and guests, Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise aims for a zero net operating footprint by 2030, supports its employees and communities, and expands participation in skiing and snowboarding. The company manages a portfolio of luxury hotels under the RockResorts brand, vacation rentals, condominiums, branded hotels near its mountain destinations, and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Vail Resorts Retail operates over 250 retail and rental locations throughout North America. For more information, visit www.VailResorts.com and discover pass options at www.EpicPass.com.
SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc.
