Vail approves plan for fourth 'base village' for Vail Mountain

The Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners have announced plans to develop a fourth base village at Vail Mountain's West Lionshead area.

The Vail Town Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the partnership and create a new plan for the West Lionshead base village development, the location previously designated for the Ever Vail project.

In response, Vail Resorts will dismiss its appeal of the town's condemnation of the company's East Vail property planned for an incremental affordable workforce housing project.

According to a press release from the partners, the new base village will reinforce Vail Mountain's status as a world-class destination. It will also feature access to Vail's 5,317 acres of terrain, plus new lodging, restaurants, boutiques, and ski services, as well as community benefits like workforce housing, public spaces, transit, and parking.

Developing the West Lionshead base village represents a "significant investment" from the town of Vail, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners. After a master plan is completed, Vail Resorts and East West Partners will pursue the entitlement process for the base village.

"It is a shared goal of the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners to ensure our town remains a top destination for guests and a vibrant community for the residents who create the welcoming and unique atmosphere Vail is known for," said Travis Coggin, Mayor of the Town of Vail, in the release. "We are in an era of renewed collaboration between the Town and Vail Resorts. The entire Vail Town Council and I are excited to partner with Vail Resorts and East West Partners in a process to enable this exciting new base village for Vail Mountain, which will bring significant benefits to our guests and community."

As the project developer, East West Partners will provide expertise in balancing economic, environmental, and social responsibilities and has a history of "bringing successful projects to life in premier mountain communities."

"Vail is our company's home and holds an incredibly special place in our hearts. I am thrilled that East West Partners will be a part of this transformative initiative," said Chris Frampton, Chief Executive Officer of East West Partners, in the release. "Vail has always been a community and mountain that embraces innovation, and this new fourth base village marks the next chapter in innovative partnerships that will ensure Vail stays the leading resort community in North America, and one of the best mountain towns anywhere."

The project will undergo a community engagement process starting this fall, including open houses where community members can offer input on its vision, design, and planning.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)