Inaugural Vail Après bell ringing debuts Friday with public launch on Pepi’s Deck

This season, Vail will pay homage to its European heritage with the debut of its newest town-wide tradition: Vail Après.

On Friday, Nov. 15 — Vail Mountain’s Opening Day — Sheika Gramshammer and her family will join dignitaries from the Town of Vail and Vail Mountain to kick off the inaugural Vail Après bell ringing and celebrate the start of Vail’s 57th ski season.

To join in the celebration, members of the community are encouraged to gather on Pepi’s deck at 2:45 p.m. Friday to take part in a ceremony that will launch this new tradition – the ringing of custom bells precisely at 3 p.m. every day throughout the season to signify the beginning of après-ski.

The Gramshammer family has operated their Austrian-style hotel along with Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant since 1964 and are well-known for their après-ski hospitality.

They’ll be joined during Friday’s honorary bell ringing by Vail Mayor Dave Chapin and other members of the Town Council, as well as Beth Howard, Vail Mountain’s vice president and chief operating officer.

 “The ringing of bells is a unique tribute to our European alpine heritage, where bells are rung throughout the villages to signify the beginning of après-ski,” said Howard. “Throughout the season, we’ll be inviting our guests to come together in the community to embrace this historic tradition that our locals have enjoyed since Vail’s founding.”

Following Friday’s launch, Vail Après will take place daily at 3 p.m. throughout the season with simultaneous bell ringing throughout Vail Village, Lionshead and on Vail Mountain.

This will include Vail’s landmark bell towers including the Vail Chapel, LaTour and Arrabelle Glockenspiel along with hand-held bell ringing by community partners and merchants.

Businesses are being encouraged to offer unique guest offerings in conjunction with this activation, such as appetizer specials, signature drinks, retail promotions and more.

“While the New York Stock Exchange has its bell ringing tradition, we’ll be having some fun with our own version right here on Wall Street,” said Mayor Chapin. The town will continue to offer free parking in the Vail Village and Lionshead structures after 3 p.m.

In addition to the daily bell ringing activities, watch for details on honorary Vail Après bell ringing events on the 15th of each month throughout the season at locations to be announced. 

The Vail Après activation has been inspired by a partnership between the Town of Vail, Vail Mountain and the Vail Chamber & Business Association to provide a world-class experience for Vail’s collective vacationing guests and grow a sustainable tourism economy. The partnership includes reimagined early season activities such as Revely Vail and PrimaVail, a guest service development initiative.

For details on Vail Après or information on custom bell orders, visit www.vail.com/apres.