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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

Dana Correia of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate is the listing agent for 167 Rockledge, Vail. The asking price is $7.95 million.

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.

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

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Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate is a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.