We asked three Vail Valley locals what Peaks + Valleys means to them — here’s what they shared:
Travis Coggin
Mayor of Vail
“In Vail, peaks and valleys take on a deeper meaning. While we’re physically in a valley, it’s a place where so many of life’s highs happen — whether it’s the thrill of a powder day, the camaraderie of a tight-knit community or the quiet beauty of an alpine morning. Not all valleys are lows, and not all peaks are highs. True elevation comes from the experiences we share, the resilience we build and the balance we find in between.”
Amanda Veit
Vail Health Chief Operations Officer + Chief Nursing Officer
“From skiing in the winter to biking in the summer, I appreciate being able to connect to nature and explore this special place where we live and work. It is so healing. Connection in every aspect of our lives is essential, and in my role at Vail Health, I greatly enjoy being able to connect our clinical team and administrative team in a way that fosters relationships and elevates our patient experience.”
Nicholas LoFaro
Artist + Founder of LoFaro Metalarts LTD.
“Art imitates nature — it traces the peaks and valleys of the Earth. Our land and ecosystem in Colorado beckon us to climb, to rise. As a welding artist, every piece I create becomes a new expedition, a new interpretation of the natural world.
The reward for reaching the peak is reveling in the view. You are now part of the sky. But you must descend, return to what you call home. The landscape of the artistic journey is continual rocky escarpments, drop-offs, crevices and various sharp and blunt objects. The plateau never lasts. You must return to the woods, hold on to wonder and remain a student.
The valley is for reflection, not just a place ‘below.’ I fear regret more than failure. The valley is a place to rest, to look up and find the horizon. You cannot remain at the summit forever, but the sun will never set on your dream. It was all worth it.”
