Vail: President Ford Ski Trails

Posted by Donna Dailey Feb 26, 2007

The Colorado ski resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek were favorite vacation spots for the late President Gerald R. Ford and his family. In a fitting tribute for Presidents Day 2007, Vail and Beaver Creek renamed two ski runs in honor of President Ford.

At Vail Mountain, the last pitch of the Lower Giant Steps run - a black diamond trail - has been renamed "38". The number reflects the fact that Ford was the 38th president of the United States. The trail, which is located on the front side of Vail Mountain, overlooks Ford's former Colorado holiday home at Vail.

The late president also enjoyed skiing at the neighboring resort of Beaver Creek, where another black diamond trail has been designated in his honor. Here, the former Pitchfork Trail has been renamed "President Ford's". It begins at the top of Strawberry Park and also passes by Ford's former home.

For Americans, one of the most enduring images of the former president outside the White House is of a smiling Ford enjoying the Colorado ski slopes with his family. Although President Ford was often parodied in the media for his perceived clumsiness, he was in fact an accomplished skier. His frequent presence at Vail and Beaver Creek brought much media attention and helped to give these resorts a world-class image.

Vail and Beaver Creek continue to be popular destinations for international visitors as well as American skiers. With 5,289 skiable acres and 193 trails, Vail is the largest ski resort in Colorado. Over 50 percent is classified as expert terrain. Beaver Creek has 146 trails and 1,805 skiable acres, with 43 percent intermediate and 38 percent expert terrain respectively. Both resorts are open through mid-April.