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Opportunity Identification

VVMBA is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to develop new soft surface trails as well as to improve existing trails through maintenance and reroutes throughout the Vail Valley. Our board stays in regular communication with governmental agencies, local municipalities and local trail users to generate ideas and identify opportunities for expanding and improving the valley’s trail system. We also keep an eye on trail initiatives pursued by other communities with a goal of replicating successful programs.

Once an opportunity is identified VVMBA either takes the lead or assists in the trail planning and design efforts. VVMBA has been involved in all aspects of trail design from the master planning of entire trail systems (such as the West Avon Preserve network) to flagging the precise layout of a specific trail.

Local governments and agencies are increasingly taking an active role in building and managing trail networks within their jurisdictions. VVMBA supports these efforts by providing education, ideas, advice and by coordinating volunteer trail work programs. VVMBA maintains a holistic perspective which helps to ensure that individual trail initiatives are viewed in the context of enhancing a valley-wide trail system. VVMBA is also able to act as a common and unifying voice for trail initiatives that cross multiple government and agency jurisdictions.

Each summer VVMBA coordinates trail crew leader training sessions. VVMBA either brings in 3rd parties such as IMBA or VOC to teach these sessions or teaches them directly. As a result of these training sessions VVMBA has developed a solid stable of well-trained Trail Crew Leaders who are critical to the trail work initiatives below. If you are interested in becoming a Trail Crew Leader or already are one and want a refresher please see VVMBA’s calendar for a schedule of training sessions.

VVMBA’s Trail Crew Leaders coordinate regularly scheduled trail work days throughout the spring, summer and fall. Under the watch of these Trail Crew Leaders, VVMBA’s sizeable and growing database of volunteer workers have poured countless hours into our local trails. Significant trail construction and improvement has been achieved through these efforts. VVMBA’s calendar provides the schedule for these rewarding and fun trail work days.

VVMBA solicits and manages large volunteer days where an entire trail can be built in one-day. We have relationships with Volunteers For Outdoor Colorado, Vail Resorts and others. VVMBA has coordinated work days with over 300 volunteers – relying heavily on our well-trained trail crew leaders.

Keeping our local trails in good shape requires constant attention. VVMBA is recruiting individuals to become Trail Stewards for their favorite local trail or section of trail. VVMBA will provide training, support and coordinated volunteer days (when needed) to each Trail Steward. If you are interested in becoming a Trail Steward in your backyard, please contact us directly.

Properly remediating and formally abandoning old trails is just as important as building new sustainable trails and maintaining existing ones. This often overlooked element of a comprehensive trails program is critical to minimizing long-term disturbance on the land.

In an effort to build a unified soft surface trails community VVMBA organizes events that bring our local trail users together in a non-competitive setting. These events include open houses, group rides and end-of-season parties.