Vail Developers Plan Funicular Lift for Forest Road Properties

The sound of heavy machinery echoes through the valley as construction crews work to bring a new development to life on Forest Road, a stretch of land known for its steep slopes and exclusive properties. Dust kicks up from the dirt road, a reminder that this project has been years in the making.

Here's the thing though: building on Forest Road isn't for the faint of heart. The terrain is treacherous, with grades of more than 40% that make it difficult to access, let alone construct, new properties. But that's not deterring the architects behind the new development on lots 816 and 826, who are hoping to get a funicular lift on track to connect their ski-in/ski-out properties to Vail Mountain.

Picture this: a cable-driven railway system, known as a funicular lift, transporting passengers and cargo up the steep slope, providing a seamless connection between the main units and the proposed "recreational structure" at the top of the property. It's not a new concept, as another Forest Road home, Ascension, already utilizes a funicular to connect its ski chalet to the main house. But, as the Vail Planning and Environmental Commission has noted, the plans for this new development aren't yet in accordance with town code.

Not exactly a surprise, given the complexity of the project. The property's history is marked by failed development attempts, with the original small home being demolished in the early 2000s. The land was sold for $8.4 million in 2015, and again in 2020 for a combined $9.5 million, after being broken up into two separate lots. The town of Vail even got involved, providing a land swap to facilitate the development of four separate units, with two of them already listed for sale.

And that matters because the success of this project could set a precedent for future developments in the area. The use of a funicular lift to connect properties to Vail Mountain could become a significant advantage for properties in this area, providing a unique selling point that could attract high-end buyers. But, as the Vail Planning and Environmental Commission has made clear, there are still hurdles to overcome before this project can become a reality.

As the sun begins to set, the sound of construction fades into the distance, and the valley is left to wonder what the future holds for this ambitious project. The funicular lift, if approved, would be a notable addition to the area, providing a new way for residents and visitors to access Vail Mountain. For now, though, it remains a proposal, one that will require careful consideration and planning to bring to fruition.

The units currently under construction are expected to be completed soon, with the first one already nearing completion. Two of the units, 816 and 818 Forest Road, are already listed for sale, a sign that the developers are confident in their ability to bring this project to life. But, as the Vail Planning and Environmental Commission continues to review the plans, the outcome is still uncertain.

In the meantime, the community will be watching with interest, eager to see how this project unfolds. One of the key concerns is the potential impact on the local real estate market, as well as the environment, and the developers must approach this project with caution and careful consideration. One concern is that the funicular could disrupt the natural habitat, so the commission's review will be thorough.

The sound of the wind through the trees is the only sound now, as the construction crews have packed up for the day, leaving behind a landscape that is both familiar and foreign. The funicular lift, if it becomes a reality, will be a notable addition to this landscape, one that will change the way people experience Vail Mountain. For now, though, it's just a proposal, a idea that is still taking shape.