In 1962 the first resort opened for business and soon large numbers of visitors flocked to the area, drawn by the light snow and smooth slopes that set Vail apart from other nearby mountains. Four years later the Town of Vail was incorporated, and construction began to make the downtown as much of an attraction as the ski runs. By the 1970s, it was becoming the most popular ski resort in the country, gaining fame for its sunny slopes, miles of expansive tracks, and its famous vacationers such as President Gerald Ford.

Since that time, the industry has boomed, making Vail the country's top destination for leisure skiers, snowboarders, and Olympic hopefuls alike. The Alpine World Championships were held here in 1989 and 1999, putting the city of Vail on the map for its world-class restaurants, hotels, and spas. In 1996, Vail Resorts Inc. was formed through a series of mergers, allowing skiers to access all of the area's resorts on one ticket. In addition, new runs were opened in 2000, completing the original dream of the valley's ski industry pioneers.