Exploring the allure of Vail: Why buyers justify the higher price tag?

March 9, 2024

According to Vail Daily, Beaver Creek in Avon is the preferred resort of locals for three reasons:

1. Exposure to prevailing winds generates better snowfall.

2. There are less tourists and therefore less crowding.

3. There is more beginner and intermediate terrain.

Vail primarily consists of black diamonds including the famous back bowls. Many of the beginner runs at Vail aren’t that great either, not like Beaver Creek.

Are you an expert skier or snowboarder?

If you are, you’ll go to the double-blacks to get some breathing room on those really busy days. Beaver Creek also excels in this category. They have 10 double black runs and more total miles versus Vail’s 7.

My family certainly preferred Beaver Creek as do most apparently… So why Vail?

Despite its apparent disadvantages, Vail's charm lies beyond just skiing or scenic vistas. It’s not so much about the skiing, snow, terrain or even the views. Yes, the scenic views are a notch better, but it’s certainly not the most awe inspiring place I’ve been.

Vail is a magical pedestrian oriented community with vehicle access restricted. Think Disney for skiing. Apparently, Vail even took cues from Disney and his failed attempt to develop a ski resort. These design elements give it a certain appeal which other resort towns haven’t quite been able to replicate.

This pedestrian first design ensures fantastic access and fosters a tight-knit social fabric. From complimentary bus rides to vibrant après-ski scenes, Vail cultivates an environment where making new connections, and social opportunities aren’t just possible—their inevitable.

The median square foot price for condos and townhomes in Vail currently sits at $1,187, the same statistic for Avon is $697. By contrast the square foot price for Park City is $909. Here are some additional market stats.

So why does Vail command such a high price?

“The networking you could do

really makes the higher price justifiable.”

It's the unparalleled experience, access, the events, and crucially, the relationships fostered within its magical confines. This also indicates that their success can be replicated.

Now, I’ve met a lot of really interesting and successful people snowboarding! It’s unavoidable when you’re forced to sit together on a gondola. Which, I can assure you is quite a different experience than sharing an elevator. I quickly realized that in Vail these opportunities to meet and connect abound. It’s residents seize these opportunities to meet and interact with others to create new connections and nurture relationships.

Ultimately, the experience, entertainment, and the social opportunities combine to make Vail a very enticing place to be. The networking you could do really makes the higher price justifiable.

What’s the conclusion?

I enjoyed Vail and yes, it’s worth the price. But, with it’s more family oriented suburban feel, and price/sqft Avon, seemed to suit my young family a bit better.

The pedestrian experience certainly isn’t the same. We didn’t have to get in the car to get around town though. We walked to the park and restaurants, we also found it easy and convenient to travel between the two towns. For us this would make Vail an ideal place for a couples night out or to attend social events. Either way they are both great options as a vacation destination.

I still think I’d prefer Park City for a full time residence, but what about Aspen, Big Sky, or Heavenly? Then there’s Big Bear, Breckenridge, Brian Head, Taos or Telluride?

Stay tuned for more.

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