Ranked among the world’s top ski destinations, Vail is a year-round hideaway in the Colorado Rockies—two hours west of Denver. Founded in the 1960s, the town has a resident population of nearly 5,000, but each year thousands of devoted international visitors bring their cosmopolitan sophistication. At the heart is Vail Village, a pedestrian-only enclave with European-inspired charm, stylish shopping, and lively après-ski bars and restaurants. For ski and snowboard enthusiasts, Vail stands for vast size and variety. Vail Mountain is 11 kilometres (7 miles) wide, with 21 square kilometres (5,289 acres) of skiable terrain, providing challenges for every skill level and every member of the family. Annual snowfall averages 889 centimetres (350 inches), with the high altitude and inland location creating drier flakes and fluffier powder. Sunshine brightens 300 days each year, adding dazzle to Vail summer adventures, including fly fishing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting and golf.