HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-36 An Amendment to Section 5.17 and Pertinent Subsections of the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan1
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RESOLUTION NO. 36
SERIES 2025
WHEREAS, on December 15, 1998, the Town Council adopted the Lionshead
Redevelopment Master Plan (the "Master Plan") by Resolution 14, Series 1998;
WHEREAS, on May 19, 2025, the Town, East West Partners and Vail Resorts
(collectively "Applicant") filed an application to amend to the Master Plan pursuant to
Section 2.8 of the Master Plan (the "Application");
WHEREAS, on July 14, 2025, the Planning and Environmental Commission (the
"PEC") held a properly-noticed public hearing on the Application, and recommended that
the Town Council approve the Application; and
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2025, the Town Council held a properly-noticed
public hearing on the Application.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO:
Section 1. The Town Council hereby approves the amendments to the Master
Plan as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
INTRODUCED, READ, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 16 th DAY OF
SEPTEMBER, 2025.
______________________________
Travis Coggin, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Stephanie Kauffman, Town Clerk
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EXHIBIT A
Master Plan Amendments
1. Section 5.17 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
5.17 West Lionshead Project
Introduction
West Lionshead is an approximately 13-acre site, bordered by I-70 on the north, Gore
Creek on the south, and Lionshead Village on the east. Red Sandstone Creek
bifurcates the site, running north-south before joining Gore Creek. West Lionshead
currently includes the Vail Resorts Maintenance Facility, the Vail Professional building,
Cascade Crossings, and the Vail Resorts Administrative Office building. The South
Frontage Road currently runs east-west across the southern portion of the site. The
The subject property is divided into six parcels, all of which should be zoned Lionshead
Mixed Use 2 District.
Figure 5.xx
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In order to guide development to align with community goals and serve as a framework
for decision making, the Town Council approved the following Mission, Vision and
Values for West Lionshead in February of 2025:
Mission
To create a transformative, new Vail Mountain base village that provides access to the
mountain, an unparalleled public realm for all people to enjoy, and retail, hotels,
housing, condominiums, and right-sized parking that reflect the inspiring quality of life
the Vail Valley offers.
Vision
West Lionshead will be a next-generation base village, seamlessly blending the
-thinking vision that exemplifies the
future of mountain recreation, living, and community. Designed for new residents,
guests and locals alike, it will offer authentic, welcoming experiences, inspired by
modern mountain town culture, sustainable design, and convenient year-round access
-class slopes, destinations and amenities. West Lionshead will
not recreation but also
redefine the year-round mountain experience for the next generation of adventurers,
families, and creators.
Values
1. Seamless Integration with Lionshead, Vail Village, and Vail Mountain Free In-
Town bus system, Gore Valley Trail, new mountain connection/Gondola, and ski-
back.
2. Pedestrians Come First Enhance pedestrian connectivity, easy access to
transit, lines of sight, and walkability through the site and to the rest of the Town.
3. Celebrate the Natural Features of the Site Incorporate environmental
sustainability and best practices into the design. Create opportunities for views of
the Gore Range, Vail Mountain, and the Eagle Valley. Align the narrative around
Gore Creek with that
Sandstone Creek.
4. Year-Round Activation With an additional 1,100 full-time residents anticipated
hub in Vail that weaves together a fabric of experiences (retail, dining, housing,
lodging, entertainment, après experiences, recreation, housing) thus bringing a
year-round vibrancy to West Lionshead.
5. A Base Village for Guests and Locals Alike Create a place that is welcoming,
approachable, and equally engaging to locals, part-time residents and destination
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guests, integrating the public realm and recreation with art, natural features,
shopping and dining, and entertainment. West Lionshead is a place for
everybody.
The following Policy Sections guide the future development of West Lionshead, to
achieve the Mission, Vision and Values.
development project at West Lionshead.
5.17.1 South Frontage Road Realignment
The relocation of the South Frontage Road has been a concept embodied in the LRMP
since its adoption in 1998. The South Frontage Road should be relocated to be adjacent
to I-70 to connect with the existing Sandstone Underpass roundabout. The relocated
road will be required to meet the CDOT Access Code requirements which will require
adequate through and turn lanes, and bike and pedestrian facilities, balanced with traffic
calming measures. Legal and physical access to the Eagle River Water and Sanitation
Di would remain in place to accommodate current uses and future
development of ERWSD property.
A benefit of the realignment of the South Frontage Road is that it would result in one
contiguous development parcel that removes the pedestrian barrier created by the
current alignment, allows for the creation of a new pedestrian village, and provides an
enhanced, safe connection to Lionshead Village.
5.17.2 Vehicular Access and Circulation
In keeping with Policy Objective 2.3.4, Improved Access and Circulation, of the Plan,
and the Go Vail 2045 Transportation Master Plan , opportunities for
public transportation and vehicular circulation improvements should be pursued in
conjunction with any future redevelopment of the South Frontage Road and interior
roads within the redevelopment of West Lionshead. Strategic opportunities for
improvements may include: improved transit stops, relocated/reduced/shared points of
entry/exiting, restricted access points, acceleration/ deceleration lanes, roundabouts at
major intersections, greater sight distances, dedicated turning lanes, landscaped
medians, and skier drop-off. It is essential that the Project provides safe and efficient
access points from the road networks adjacent to the site.
5.17.3 Transportation and Mobility
West Lionshead is envisioned to be a village that includes mixed use development,
pedestrian streets and plazas, access to transit options, bicycle and pedestrian
connections, and new access to Vail Mountain, in adherence with the Go Vail 2045. The
Go Vail 2045 vision
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transportation system with well-integrated alternative transportation options, which
reduce the number of single occupant vehicle trips and overall vehicle miles travelled to,
The Project will meet all applicable parking requirements for retail and commercial
space, and residential uses, based on the Town of Vail Municipal Code, and parking
may be accommodated throughout the development site, either on-site of residential
buildings or within a parking structure. A shared parking approach should be utilized for
the parking structure, which emphasizes efficiency during different time periods for
various uses, to accommodate day skier parking, retail and commercial visitors, local
employees and residents. The parking structure should address the Town's goal to
reduce overflow parking along the South Frontage Road. As a commercial core and
new public portal to Vail Mountain, the Project
adopted commercial core parking areas, which allow for reduced parking requirements
due to proximity to mixed-use development, while also providing appropriate skier
parking. Parking management tools should be considered as part of the overall goal to
reduce vehicle trips within Vail.
Public transportation is essential to successfully connect the Project to other portals,
neighborhoods, and down-valley communities. The Project should include access for in-
town bus service, outlying bus service, CORE Transit buses, as well as hotel shuttles.
should follow the guidance of Go Vail 2045.
Skier drop-off is an important component of a successful ski portal, as it provides
convenience and improves the guest and local experience. As such, West Lionshead
should provide conveniently located short-term or skier drop-off parking spaces, that
-off and pick-up, as a part of a
parking management plan. Short-term parking is a key aspect to community commercial
uses, allowing customers to quickly and conveniently patronize establishments. Outside
of skier drop-off and pick-up during peak periods, these spaces could be utilized as
short-term parking serving the commercial uses in close proximity.
West Lionshead will provide jobs across a variety of businesses, including retail,
restaurants, hotels and lodging, guest services, and on-mountain employees. Employee
parking should not only be provided to meet the obligations of the Town Municipal
Code, but also to meet the needs of -
site or on-mountain at critical times of the day. The redevelopment of West Lionshead
will necessitate the relocation of many uses occurring there today, including a portion of
the associated employee parking spaces. As such, the project should provide
replacement parking and/or identify off site locations where parking may be relocated,
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along with how those sites would be managed to reduce parking on other Town-owned
public parking facilities. See also Subsection 3.9.4.
5.17.4 Pedestrian and Bike Access
As compared to a separate, free-standing portal, the Project is considered a part of the
greater Lionshead area. Pedestrian and bike improvements should follow the guidance
of the Go Vail 2045 Transportation Master Plan. For this area to be successful, it is
important to have a strong pedestrian connection with the rest of Lionshead.
Streetscape improvements, including bike lanes or trails and sidewalks, should be
incorporated in any redevelopment along West Lionshead Circle and the South
Frontage Road to improve the viability of mixed uses in the Project. Improvements to
street lighting, walking surfaces, trails, seating areas, and public art that facilitate safe
and attractive pedestrian and bike movement are strongly encouraged. Red Sandstone
and Gore Creeks should be accentuated and incorporated into the overall pedestrian
experience.
Pedestrian and bicycle enhancements should connect the Gore Valley Trail to the
Project, the potential redevelopment of the pedestrian bridge on the west side of the
Project, path enhancements to the Gore Creek Trail connection into Cascade Village,
and a path connecting to the relocated South Frontage Road. All pedestrian path
improvements must meet Town of Vail recreation path standards and provide a safe
and attractive pedestrian and bike experience, per the Go Vail 2045 Transportation
Master Plan and Town of Vail Municipal Code. The ability to traverse the site as a
pedestrian or on a bicycle from west to east without the need to utilize an escalator,
stairs or dismount should be considered in the design.
Pedestrian connections between the project and West Lionshead Circle should be
improved to provide safe and attractive pedestrian crossings. Improvements to
crossings may include raised crosswalks, changes in paving material, safe harbors,
medians, and signage.
5.17.5 Vail Mountain Portal
The Project is contemplated to include another access point to Vail Mountain through a
new lift or gondola, enhancing the benefits of the Project to guests, locals and
employees. Two alternatives are accepted in the 2024 Master Development Plan for
Vail Mountain, which are subject to U.S. Forest Service approval.
The Town of Vail desires that West Lionshead should be a significant portal to Vail
Mountain, as Gondola 1 and 19 are, that enhances the Vail guest experience on and off
Vail Mountain, including a mountain connection to beginner terrain and a ski back trail
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and skier bridge to West Lionshead that completes the roundtrip access for all abilities
into West Lionshead. A ski plaza should be designed to create a vibrant winter
experience, allowing flexibility and public use to support a year-round environment. In
addition, the final lift design should support and be complementary to the significant
investment in infrastructure in West Lionshead. Lastly, West Lionshead should also
support and compliment the operations of Vail Mountain (i.e., ski school, DEVO, skier
drop off.)
5.17.6 Public Spaces and Plazas
Within the Project, public spaces and plazas are essential to create an enjoyable and
memorable experience for guests and residents at West Lionshead. Elements of
successful public spaces include portals, edge definers, public space definers,
landmarks, and public art. These place-making elements improve pedestrian circulation
and provide inviting places to congregate. They further enhance the livability of the
Project for employees, residents, and guests.
Public gathering spaces and plazas intended for lingering and special events should be
safe from vehicular traffic and appropriate secure impact resistant access control should
be provided. Flexible event space can provide an inviting place for the public to enjoy a
variety of events year-round.
The creation of gateways and portals is encouraged as a basic component of the
Project, especially in transition areas between different public, semi-public, and private
areas. Public spaces and plazas should not be shaded by buildings at peak use times.
Outdoor dining decks are encouraged to bridge the gap between public and private
space and provide vibrancy to the adjacent streets, walkways and plazas. Public spaces
should be designed to support the application of common consumption liquor areas -
future planning will explore how to accomplish this goal of the Town. In addition, public
spaces and the programming of authentic unique commercial uses should be designed
with placemaking in mind fostering a vibrant, year-round environment for both guests
and residents. Drawing from examples like Whistler Village, authentic commercial
programming can attract both residents and guests, making West Lionshead a distinct
Elements of the natural environment should interact with public spaces to connect the
urban and natural environments. Within West Lionshead, the improvements to Red
Sandstone Creek, as further detailed in section 5.17.7, would provide public spaces for
recreation and congregation that connect the Project with the natural environment.
5.17.7 Relationship to Red Sandstone Creek and Gore Creek
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Red Sandstone Creek and Gore Creek connect within West Lionshead. The
realignment of the South Frontage Road provides increased opportunity to enhance
these streams as community resources. Portions of Red Sandstone Creek and Gore
Creek should be enhanced or restored for ecological value and to create areas for
recreation, views, opportunities for environmental education, or simply enjoyment by
guests and residents of Vail.
In conjunction with the review of a specific plan for Red Sandstone and Gore Creeks,
the Town should consider to what extent it is appropriate to locate improvements, such
as walkways and bridges in these riparian corridors, versus allowing the creeks to
remain in a more natural state. The Project should preserve large trees and relocate
others where practical. While the natural riparian corridor of these streams needs to
remain protected and preserved, the physical and visual relationships and references
between adjacent development and the stream tract should be strengthened.
Improved public access and utilization of Gore Creek and Red Sandstone Creek for
fishing and other recreational purposes should be explored to create a catalyst for
activity and enjoyment of the streams. Enhancements such as stream bank
stabilization/ beautification, natural stream drop structures, interactive low flow areas,
and general improvements for wetlands and wildlife habitat are strongly encouraged.
Any modification or enhancement to the creek corridor is subject to U.S. Army Corp of
Engineers and Town of Vail approval, and development impacts mitigated per those
authorities.
Further guidance regarding the Gore Creek and Red Sandstone Creek corridors can be
2018 Open Lands Plan Update.
5.17.8 Community Housing
Community housing has been identified as a critical need throughout the Town of Vail.
Community housing provides an employee base within close proximity to jobs.
Community housing within the Town provides environmental, social and economic
benefits including reduced traffic, increased transit use, improved livability, and a
strengthened sense of community.
Section 4.9.4.3 West Lionshead identifies the Project as an appropriate site to
create community housing opportunities for permanent local residents. West
Lionshead is a suitable and ideal site for community housing due to its proximity
to jobs, Vail Mountain, transit, and the commercial cores. For these reasons,
locating community housing onsite is preferrable, with floorplans conducive to
year-round occupancy, such as studio, one- and two-bedroom units. Commercial
uses included in the Project should facilitate local employees living on site and
local entrepreneurship, that fosters a vibrant village year-round and promotes a
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sense of community.
5.17.9 Development Pattern, Program and Uses
The land uses envisioned within West Lionshead are those allowed by the Lionshead
Mixed Use 2 Zone District. West Lionshead can include multiple separate above-grade
buildings constructed atop below-grade parking structures underneath most building
footprints.
Thoughtful consideration should be given to how the Project can be an active and
vibrant place year-round. One way this can be accomplished is the reinforcement of a
well-crafted program of specialty retailers, offices, and restaurants that attract both
visitors and local residents. This master plan establishes the building blocks of the
overall future development and once defined, its program will set forth the vibrancy,
experiences and character that will bring the village to life. The village should evoke a
sense of discovery, be welcoming and inviting to guests and residents, and provide a
palette of experiences from retail and dining to events and public spaces, that make it
unique.
Like other iconic resort villages and main streets, West Lionshead should aspire to
include businesses that reflect and culture and showcase
offerings that have been born out of local and regional innovation. Public art
interspersed throughout the village can add color and interest, set a tone for celebration,
and establish an identity for West Lionshead. Amenities such as a music and event
space, and fitness facility for locals and residents can further elevate the experience,
drawing guests and residents into the village throughout the day, year-round. As stated
in 5.17.8, commercial uses within the village should incorporate the needs of local
employees living within West Lionshead. Common consumption of food and beverage
throughout the pedestrian plaza could contribute to an energetic and activated space
throughout.
Quality architecture and the creation of appealing outdoor spaces can encourage
people to spend time in West Lionshead. Buildings along Gore Creek and the western
from fewer stories to taller building mass. All
buildings should be articulated to avoid large expanses of shear/unbroken wall planes.
Because this will be a single development site, zoning only dictates the setbacks around
the perimeter of the project and does not regulate the separation of buildings internal to
the site. Special attention should be paid to the sun/shade analysis to ensure that
buildings have adequate separation and allow sunlight to penetrate public outdoor
spaces such as walkways and plazas.
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West Lionshead should aim to incorporate the latest innovations for sustainable design,
which could include reducing and offsetting carbon usage, minimizing water
consumption, and improving air quality through a combination of technology and
materials. Options such as fully electric buildings, heat capture from sewer operations,
solar installations, geothermal, and efficient building envelopes could be explored.
A number of conditional land uses may be appropriate in the Project, subject to the
approval of conditional use permits. These uses may include a ski lift/gondola, public
parking facilities, conference and meeting rooms, residential uses on the first floor,
recreational uses, and office uses.
5.17.10 Concept Master Plan
As part of the update to the LRMP, and with the support of community involvement, the
Town, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners created a concept plan that achieves the
Mission, Vision and Values for West Lionshead and serves as a framework for future
development. The West Lionshead Concept Master Plan
creates an open and welcoming mixed-use environment that extends the pedestrian
experience of Vail Village and Lionshead westward to a new transit-served portal to Vail
Mountain.
The Concept Master Plan includes a rich and active public realm that unites a thoughtful
mix of lodging and residential products, including community housing. The new ski
portal, combined with a transit stop and day skier parking, would provide an additional
western access point to Vail Mountain. A multi-purpose event space, fitness center, and
plazas provide unique experiences for the community and local residents year-round.
Red Sandstone and Gore Creeks are a focal point and anchor for outdoor recreation,
enjoyment of the outdoors, and integration of the natural and built environments.
The Concept Master Plan depicts the South Frontage Road to be reduced in width and
repurposed to a local service road pending CDOT approval while maintaining access to
Forest Road and the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District Building. The road is
realigned between I-70 and the West Lionshead parcel beginning from the existing
Sandstone roundabout, tying into the existing road alignment to the east of the site with
a new proposed connection. Most vehicle ingress and egress to the site is accessed off
the proposed realignment to allow for a car-free environment within the site. A shared
parking garage accessed off of the frontage road would serve day skiers, restaurant and
retail patrons, residents, and local employees. A new transit stop would be provided
serving current and future needs for the Vail In-Town bus route, the Vail Outlying bus
routes, and CORE transit.
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The Vail community is united by a love of the outdoors and activities it offers, from
skiing and snowboarding, to hiking, biking, and fishing. The Concept Master Plan
celebrates the active lifestyle and the outdoor culture by integrating the ski beach as an
anchor of the village at the intersection of the creeks, surrounded other various uses
and venues, that can be enjoyed year-round. The new ski back bridge provides an
opportunity for an additional creek crossing to access the southern Gore Creek Trail, as
well as the trails on Vail Mountain. The focus on outdoor activity and community fosters
organic connections and spontaneous interactions among residents and visitors alike.
The following graphic illustrates conceptual development at West Lionshead, in
alignment with uses found in the Lionshead Mixed Use 2 Zone District such as: a
mixture of multiple-family dwellings, lodges, hotels, restaurants, offices, skier services,
and commercial establishments in a clustered, unified development. Specificity will be
determined in subsequent review and approvals, as directed by the Town Municipal
Code.
West Lionshead Illustrative Plan
5.17.11 Implementation
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To implement these amendments to the LRMP, the following steps will unfold, in
coordination with the project partnership (Town, landowner and developer). A
preliminary development agreement will follow the first rezoning applications and would
specify the initial development program (including uses, density, square footage,
community housing, parking requirements), structure of public financing, and obligations
of each partner. Several technical studies would occur before the preliminary
development agreement, such as the parking and mobility study.
Parking goals that were previously established in the master plan will be updated once
a parking and mobility plan is conducted and accepted by the Town. The parking and
mobility study would include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the demand for
additional public parking, parking required for proposed development in West
Lionshead, and parking needed for Vail Resorts operations. Final development
agreements would be completed with major exterior alteration applications that would
include the square footage of specific uses and detailed site plans.
Public process will be integral throughout implementation, both formally as part of
planning applications, and informally through community outreach led by the project
partners.
2. Section 1.3.5 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
1.3.5 Transit
Create dispersed transportation centers in Lionshead to accommodate local and
regional transit, local shuttles, skier drop off, and charter buses. Locations for
these facilities may include the North Day Lot, the Lionshead Parking Structure,
and West Lionshead.
Remove the existing Concert Hall Plaza bus drop-off.
Relocate the existing Lionshead Place regional bus stop to the north day lot,
Lionshead Parking Structure, or West Lionshead area.
Improve the now difficult left turn from East Lionshead Circle onto the South
Frontage Road.
Connect the future development in West Lionshead to the Town of Vail in-town
transit route.
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Investigate alternative clean transit technologies.
Investigate potential intermodal connections to future non-vehicular regional
transit systems.
3. Section 3.9.4 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
3.9.4 Vail Resorts Employee Parking
Vail Resorts currently utilizes the West Lionshead site for employee parking, for
employees who work at the maintenance yards, at the administrative offices, or for on-
mountain employees who park in the day lot located the west of the ERWSD facilities.
Each of these sites is anticipated to be redeveloped as part of the West Lionshead project,
and utilization by Vail Resorts of the project area for employees would be reduced. As
these uses and employees are relocated to other Vail Resorts-owned parcels within Eagle
County, or on-mountain, parking would be relocated concurrently. On-site employees,
critical to resort operations, should be allocated parking at West Lionshead. A parking
management plan is required with the major exterior alteration application, identifying the
relocated off-site employees that formally identifies how remote/offsite parking locations
will be managed, operated, and the enforced to reduce the potential that the parking
becomes displaced into Town owned public parking facilities.
4. Section 4.1.5 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.1.5 West Lionshead Residential/Mixed-Use Hub
This area of Lionshead is generally underutilized, and from an aesthetic standpoint is
not in keeping with what the Town would like to see Lionshead become as it redevelops
in the coming years.
Vail Resorts plans to bring lift/gondola service to West Lionshead and a new portal to
the mountain brings with it great potential for the redevelopment of this area with
improved pedestrian connections, new retail and office activity, and other
improvements. While skier access will certainly energize this area during the winter
months, attention should be given to creating a year-round attraction within this area of
Lionshead (see detailed recommendations in Chapter 5).
The master plan recommends that this hub become a residential/mixed use area with
an emphasis on meeting the needs of both the local community and guests. Appropriate
uses could include high density residential development, lodging, community and
visitor-based commercial spaces, employee housing and parking, bus or transit
functions, and a ski lift/gondola connection to Vail Mountain. Consideration should be
given to integrating employee housing into the redevelopment of West Lionshead in
accordance with th
possible, development patterns in this area should reflect the context of the site,
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pedestrian connections, views, and sun exposure. In addition, the introduction of skier
access in this location may create a catalyst for a public parking structure. Current uses
such as Vail Resorts maintenance facilities should be relocated to other sites, as
appropriate, to enable the redevelopment of West Lionshead.
5. Section 4.4.3 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.4.3 View Corridors
Public view corridors should be established based upon the natural features present on
the project site and views to the south. Special attention should be paid to the
confluence of Red Sandstone and Gore Creeks as development plans are created and
reviewed.
6. Section 4.5.1 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.5.1 Connection to West Lionshead
Because West Lionshead is an area of potentially significant growth, it is important that
it be fully integrated into the Town of Vail transit system. West Lionshead currently
outside of the acceptable walking distance to existing lift/gondolas (approximately 1,200
feet in ski boots). The addition of a ski lift/gondola in this area would make this area
more viable for skiers as it would be within that walking distance.
With a mixed-use development in the area which integrates a ski portal, retail space,
office space and residential development, transit service to this area and
interconnections to other portals will be critical to develop in the future. The Go Vail
2045 Transportation Master Plan will direct the needed interconnections between ski
portals, regional transit stops, and other transportation modes.
7. Section 4.5.2.1 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.5.2.1 Regional Transit Stop
Alternative locations considered for a regional transit station include the North Day Lot,
the West Lionshead area, and the Lionshead Parking Structure. Of these alternatives
the preferred location is the Lionshead Parking Structure.
The structure is well-sited from a locational standpoint, allows for convenient connections
with shuttles, local and in-town bus routes, and may allow for the phased development of
Employee
housing (in lieu of a transit center) was deemed to be the preferred use for the North Day
lot and the West Lionshead area was considered too remote from the rest of Lionshead
to be a suitable location for a centralized transit center. Notwithstanding the above,
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facilities for skier drop-off, private shuttle vans, regional buses (Core Transit), charter
buses, and the Vail In-Town and West Vail buses,) should be considered in the design of
the ski lift/gondola and parking facility at West Lionshead.
8. Section 4.6.2.1 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.6.2.1 Potential Realignment
The concept of realigning the South Frontage Road at the western end of the study area
grew out of public discussions about land development and traffic flow in West
Lionshead. Relative to traffic flow, realignment would remove the conflict that now exists
between through-traffic and mountain service vehicles (snow-cats and snowmobiles)
entering and exiting the Vail Resorts service yard (in connection with relocating those
uses off-site). Realignment would position the road to the north of future development,
thus reducing the potential for conflicting turning movements and facilitating a
pedestrian-only environment within the site. The realignment of South Frontage Road
would allow the current properties to be combined into a contiguous development
parcel, further making the vision for West Lionshead viable (see Chapter 5).
Specific considerations regarding realignment are:
a. Proposed Realignment. The proposed realignment of the South Frontage Road
is depicted in Chapter 5, Section 5.17.11, Concept Master Plan. Cooperation
between property owners, developers, the Town of Vail, and the Colorado
Department of Transportation may be necessary to implement the realignment of
the South Frontage Road.
b. Existing Connections. With the realignment of the South Frontage Road, a new
local road should remain in place to maintain existing access to Forest Road and
the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District.
c. Feasibility of Realignment. The ability to realign the frontage road will be heavily
influenced by costs, CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation), the Federal
highway administration, and public financing. The cost of realigning the frontage
road is in addition to the mandatory costs of improving the road. Future West
Lionshead development could also potentially include the widening or
reconstruction of the bridge over Red Sandstone Creek.
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9. Section 4.6.2.2 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.6.2.2 Road Improvements to Handle Increased Traffic Volume
The potential expansion of the Lionshead bed base and the corresponding increases in
traffic volumes will necessitate traffic mitigation measures. Increased road width,
acceleration/deceleration lanes, and roundabouts may be required in conjunction with
new development.
It is important to note that the potential realignment of the frontage road depicted in the
overall Concept Master Plan (5.17.11) graphic is not necessarily the best or required
solution. It is a potential solution but the final design of road improvements will need to
consider not only the traffic volume requirements but visual impacts and community
preferences as well.
10. Section 4.6.2.3 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.6.2.3 Provision for Bicycles and Pedestrians
A pedestrian/ bicycle path should be contemplated within the Lionshead study area.
Providing an unbroken pedestrian/ bicycle path to connect the main Vail roundabout to
Cascade Village, this pathway will conform to the current Town of Vail standards
regarding width and material.
11. Section 4.6.5.3 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.6.5.3 Realignment of South Frontage Road
If the South Frontage Road is realigned, access to Forest Road should be maintained,
as well as existing access to the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District.
12. Section 4.8.3.3 of the Master Plan is amended as follows:
4.8.3.3 Potential New Parking Sites
To respond to the projected parking demand increase discussed in the traffic study, it is
strongly recommended that all town-wide parking opportunities be examined or re-
examined prior to any final planning or parking construction. Specific public parking
opportunities in Lionshead include:
a. Lionshead Parking Structure
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The existing Lionshead parking structure is a logical location for expanded public
parking because it is already owned by the Town of Vail. Also, the structure is
conveniently located between the proposed civic center on the east and the main
portal to the Lionshead pedestrian mall on the west. No other location offers visitors
such ease of access.
A self-ventilating split deck structure, the garage has six half decks, each holding
approximately 200 vehicles (1,200 spaces in total). The addition of one complete
level would increase the structure by 400 spaces, two new levels by 800 spaces.
Snow removal is an issue in the addition of new decks. The top deck of the structure is
cleared manually with front-end loaders. Additional decks will make it impossible to
continue this method, as the internal dimensions of the structure will not accommodate
front-end loaders. In addition, the construction of a new delivery staging area on the
west end of the structure will remove the snow storage area presently used. Alternatives
include heating the upper deck, providing for an alternate snow removal access road to
the upper deck, and construction of a roof over the entire structure. Public input during
the master plan process has indicated the importance of the eastward view, across the
top of the parking structure, toward the Vail Village as motorists travel east along the
South Frontage Road and I-70. Future expansion plans of the Lionshead parking
structure should consider the potential impacts expansion could have on this view
plane. Also, an issue is the necessary structural reinforcement of the existing facility to
support the weight of additional decks.
b. West Lionshead
The construction of a new public parking facility at the west end of Lionshead has
been a planning consideration since the completion of the Vail Transportation
Master plan in 1991. The viability of a new public parking facility in this location
would be enhanced by bringing lift/gondola service to this area.
The construction of a new public parking facility would address the existing overflow
parking along the frontage road on peak days and the new demand of parking
created by the introduction of a new ski lift/gondola in West Lionshead. It is
anticipated that the new public parking structure would meet all applicable
requirements directed by Town code, as well as incremental public parking open to
day skiers or visitors in general. A parking structure should follow the same or
compatible parking management system as the Town.
The Go Vail 2045 Transportation Master Plan provides guidance on the location and
quantity of additional public parking spaces in the Town of Vail. The location of
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additional public parking should consider where parking is most optimal for both
guests and employees, year-round utilization, mountain operations, and overall
traffic circulation. While public parking opportunities should be reviewed throughout
town, the West Lionshead area presents a unique opportunity to provide substantial
public parking. Given the location of a West Lionshead parking facility, it had been
assumed that regular transit or shuttle service would be important because of its
distance from the retail core area and the lift/gondola. Provisions for bus stops
and/or a transit facility should be considered for the parking structure. Should the
Town identify West Lionshead for additional public parking beyond development
requirements, public private partnerships and public financing will be critical to its
viability and should be explored.
13. Section 4.8.4 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.8.4 Parking for Community Housing
The unit-to-parking space ratio for employee housing should be reduced to maximize
the housing opportunities in West Lionshead. During the master planning process, the
Vail Town Council toured several employee housing complexes in Keystone Resort that
averaged .25 cars per bed (one parking space per four-bed unit). Most of these
complexes at Keystone are removed from the core and depend on a bus transit system
to carry employees to and from work. Yet, Keystone property managers have not
observed a parking shortage. Likewise, at the Rivers Edge employee housing project in
Avon, a parking ratio of .75 cars per bed has been more than adequate and the parking
lot is underutilized. The Town has experience with numerous in town employee housing
developments and Parking reductions should be directed by Town code.
14. Section 4.9.4.3 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
4.9.4.3 West Lionshead
and requirements. In order to create activity and vibrancy in West Lionshead it is
appropriate to include some dispersed employee housing opportunities for permanent
local residents in proposed developments in the area consistent with these policies.
15. Section 5.20 of the Master Plan is amended as follows:
5.20 Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (ERWSD)
While this parcel would be a suitable development site, the costs to relocate current
uses at this site, particularly the treatment facilities, are significant. For this reason, it is
assumed that the wastewater treatment facilities will remain in their existing location.
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ERWSD property is located within West Lionshead adjacent to future development.
Legal and physical access to the ERWSD site shall remain to accommodate current
uses and future improvements of the ERWSD property.
16. Section 9.1.1.3 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
9.1.1.3 The West Lionshead Pedestrian Portal
The West Lionshead pedestrian portal is critical to the functioning of the retail core, but
it is dependent on the redevelopment of at least one private property (Concert Hall
Plaza). It is strongly recommended that the Town of Vail work with the owners of this
property to facilitate its redevelopment.
17. Section 9.1.1.8 of the Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
9.1.1.8 Parking
Further study is needed to understand the current total parking demand across
Lionshead, given the extent of development and change that has occurred since this
plan was originally adopted. The redevelopment of West Lionshead in the future may
require an additional public parking structure to serve commercial patrons, residents,
day skiers, and local employees. See Section 5.17 for further detail.