History

2025

The Precourt Healing Center opened

Became the only inpatient behavioral health facility between Denver and Salt Lake City.

2022

The Steadman Philippon Medical Building and Surgery Center in Basalt opened

This 65,000-square-foot, three-story multipurpose medical facility offered an ambulatory surgery center, orthopaedic sports therapy services, and more.

2021

The Dillon Health Center opened

Introduced premier healthcare services to a convenient Summit County location and featured:

  • Colorado Mountain Medical: Family medicine, pediatrics and urgent care
  • Dillon Surgery Center: Orthopaedic and outpatient surgery by The Steadman Clinic and Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery
  • Howard Head Sports Medicine: Physical therapy
  • Shaw Cancer Center: Cancer care, breast imaging and breast care
  • Vail Health: Cardiovascular care, occupational health, and pulmonology
2020

Vail Health became the world's most advanced mountain healthcare system

Completion of the 5-year Master Facility Plan with the opening of the updated 520,000-square-foot hospital on December 1. Improved access to high quality care by including:

  • A state-of-the-art 24/7 Emergency Department with dedicated behavioral health rooms for patients in crisis
  • A roof-top helipad with direct elevator access to the hospital, reduced transport times by 30-45 minutes
  • Improved medical space for nurses and providers
  • Additional operating rooms
  • A new imaging/radiology department
  • Increased covered parking
  • A main entrance off South Frontage Road West
  • An enclosed loading zone and covered, snowmelt concrete ambulance bay
  • LEED certified standards
  • A new pharmacy, gift shop, Starbucks and outdoor patio with scenic views of Vail Mountain
2019

Vail Health established Eagle Valley Behavioral Health

Created to address the behavioral health crisis in the community, Vail Health originally committed $60 million over 10 years and launched a $100 million fundraising campaign to improve access to care. That commitment was later increased to $200 million.

2017

Vail Valley Medical Center changed its name to Vail Health

52 years after opening, Vail Health grew to become a comprehensive, nonprofit community health care system serving locals and visitors with locations in nine towns across Eagle and Summit counties.

2017

Phase 1 of the Master Facility Plan completed

West wing renovations and expansions included Surgical Services, Howard Head Sports Medicine, Patient Care Unit, Intensive Care Unit, a new 4th floor for The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

2015

Vail Valley Medical Center started construction on a 5-year Master Facility Plan

Made Eagle County a center of medical excellence and improved access to care for the community and guests. Cardiac Catheterization Lab opened.

2012

Vail Valley Surgery Center opened in Edwards

Offered a convenient, central valley location in Edwards, Colorado.

2007

Jack's Place opened at Shaw Cancer Center

A 12-bedroom cancer caring house for those in need of lodging during cancer treatment.

2007

Eagle Healthcare Center opened in Eagle Ranch

Offered cardiology, wound care, surgical consultation, occupational medicine, and orthopaedic sports therapy services.

2006

Avon Medical Center opened

The 5,300-square-foot clinic became Avon Urgent Care, which provided the first urgent health care in the heart of the Vail Valley. In 2023, the facility became the central location for Mountain Family Health Centers.

2002

Women & Children's Center opened

Now the Family Birth Center, doubled the size and scope of the OB department and offered a Level II Nursery.

2002

Sonnenalp Breast Center opened

Located in the Edward Medical Campus, offered leading breast imaging services locally including 3D mammography, breast biopsy, breast MRI’s and ultrasounds.

2001

Shaw Regional Cancer Center Opened

Became the first health care system to provide comprehensive cancer care to Colorado’s mountain region.

1998

Edwards Pavilion opened

Now Edwards Medical Campus, opened with offices for physicians, human resources, patient accounts and development.

1989

The hospital became a regional medical facility

Another 30,000 square foot expansion that added four new operating rooms, physician offices, and a parking structure.

1987

Hospital expanded its footprint and added physical therapy

A 40,000 square foot expansion was completed and included the addition of physical therapy and 20 hospital beds.

1980

Vail Clinic changed its name to Vail Valley Medical Center

Vail Clinic changed its name to Vail Valley Medical Center in its first year as a full-service hospital. That year, the hospital employed 25 full-time physicians and performed 350 surgical operations.

1979

Obstetrics, general surgery and orthopaedics offered

Construction completed on a new wing, and the clinic began to accommodate obstetrics, general surgery and orthopaedics.

1967

Vail Clinic moved to West Meadow Drive

The Mill Creek Court Building became the central supply and purchasing area. Board members began fundraising to accommodate the growing needs of the hospital as it served an ever-increasing population.

1965

Vail Clinic opened

A small medical clinic opened in the Mill Creek Court Building with Dr. Tom Steinberg as Vail’s first full-time doctor.

1962

Medical care began in Vail

As the Vail ski area opened, the founders of the resort contracted with a doctor for the winter months to provide medical care to skiers and set up an office in what later became the kitchen at the Red Lion restaurant on Bridge Street in the Vail Village.