$8-Million Vintage Ski Villa In Vail, Colorado, Revisits The ’60s

The Alpine villa-style residence at 167 Rockledge Road in Vail, Colorado, is a time capsule of sorts, built the same year Vail Ski Resort opened in the early 1960s (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

This classic ski villa in Vail, Colorado, was built in 1962 – the year Vail Ski Resort opened.

It was a time when the sport of skiing was taking off. Initial investors could buy a condo for $10,000 and receive a lifetime lift pass.

entrance to an alpine villa home with pine siding and blue doors at 167 Rockledge Road

Listed for $7.95 million, the three-bedroom villa could be used or rented out as is, updated or totally redeveloped. A new dwelling of up to 4,000 square feet is permitted on the site (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

Plastic boots with buckles were replacing the old-style leather lace-ups, which had to be soaked and molded to the skier’s feet. Wooden and aluminum skis were giving way to fiberglass, with its added flexibility. Slope grooming was improving conditions, and snowmaking was extending the season. In short, the sport was becoming easier for recreational skiers and growing in popularity.

Map of Vail Ski-way showing ski trails and the location of a vintage vail residence at 167 rockledge road

Set among mature evergreens, the home at 167 Rockledge Road is near the Bear Tree ski run to Vail Village and the Lionshead ski way (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

About this same time, a little-known French alpine racer named Jean-Claude Killy took his first international win for the giant slalom. He would schuss on to dominate the sport, earn Olympic gold and become a household name even in America.

vintage vail home built in the 1960s with alpine-inspired decor and time capsule kitchen

The three-bedroom villa was built at a time when the sport of skiing was taking off. Initial investors could buy a condo for $10,000 and receive a lifetime lift pass (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

This detached duplex has a retro time-capsule vibe in keeping with the heady days of early U.S. skiing. One half expects to see a downhiller donning stirrup pants, a quilted parka and a headband emerge from the front door.

1960s vail colorado home with vintage tile and faux plaster ceilings

The vintage kitchen features tile counters and a bay window with a small breakfast bar and storage (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

The front of the two-level, wood-clad house is accessed through a wide, pine-shaded deck. The one-car garage is also situated at the entry level of the house.

vaulted ceiling living room with fireplace and hearth in a 1960s vail colorado home

Thick beams top the vaulted-ceiling living room, which incorporates a broad fireplace with a hearth (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

The open-concept family room-dining room has rustic wood beam accents and thick ceiling beams. A broad fireplace with a hearth and beam mantelpiece serves as the perfect spot for some après-ski relaxation. A bay window seat creates a reading nook.

167 rockledge road in vail colorado features a primary suite with a fireplace

There are three bedrooms, one with a fireplace, and three full bathrooms within the 2,663 square feet of living space (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

There are wood floors in the vaulted-ceiling family room and the kitchen, which features tile counters and another bay window – this one with a small breakfast bar and storage.

vignette bay window in a vintage vail home built in the 1960s

A vignette bay window with tree-top views adds another charming note to the residence (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

A sleeping loft with a wooden railing overlooks the living area. A spiraling staircase with a stained-glass window connects the levels.

There are three bedrooms, one with a fireplace, and three full bathrooms within the 2,663 square feet of living space.

spiral staircase with stained glass window inside vintage vail residence at 167 rockledge road

Stained glass windows and plaster walls are among details of note (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

The alpine villa could be used or rented out as is, updated or totally redeveloped. A new dwelling of up to 4,000 square feet is permitted on the site.

Janice Ciampa-Bauer and Dana Correia of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate are the listing agents for 167 Rockledge, Vail. The asking price is $7.95 million.

bathroom inside vintage vail residence in prime ski territory at 167 rockledge, vail, colorado

Dana Correia of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate is the listing agent for 167 Rockledge, Vail (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

Set among mature evergreens, the property is near the Bear Tree ski run to Vail Village and the Lionshead ski way. Views take in the mountains and surrounding forests.

In addition to being a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, Vail has plenty of year-round activities. Golfing, hiking, rock climbing and fly fishing are among popular pursuits. Fine restaurants, casual dining options and shops are abundant.

aerial view of 167 rockledge, a vintage alpine retreat for sale in vail colorado

Views take in the mountains and surrounding forests (SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE).

The Eagle County Airport is 30 miles away, while Denver International Airport is 100 miles to the east of Vail.

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Author

During four decades of covering luxury and celebrity housing, I’ve looked into people’s homes, lives and property records through many lenses. I was the Los Angeles Times Real Estate section editor for eight years, the Hot Property columnist for six and did stints as a newspaper reporter, copy editor and page designer. My work for The Times Business, Home and Real Estate sections has garnered in-house and national awards for blogging, editing and feature writing.

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