Our Story

Prologue

Bob and Diane Lazier first came to Vail Colorado on their honeymoon during a bitter cold snap in January of 1963 – the first ski season of Vail’s existence. They were enticed by a brochure of the fledgling resort left by legendary Vail marketing guru Bob Parker in the Minneapolis ski shop where Bob Lazier worked. The Lazier’s honeymoon turned into a lifelong passion for each other and for Vail.

They worked various Vail Colorado hotel jobs at the Vail Village Inn those first few years cleaning rooms, serving coffee, washing dishes, tending bar, and listening to and learning from the builders who stopped in for drinks after work each evening. In the tradition of the pioneering early days of Vail, the Lazier’s scraped together enough money to buy their first lot in Vail Village for $7,000, taking a chance and building an eight-unit apartment. That led to a building a year for the next decade, including the Arcade Building in Vail Village, the Wedel Inn where the Sonnenalp now stands, and the old Tivoli.

Tivoli Lodge Is Born

Bob and Diane Lazier opened the iconic Tivoli Lodge doors in 1968.

Indy, The Beloved Mascot

Indy, the first chocolate labrador to join the Lazier family, quickly became an integral part of the Tivoli Lodge’s legacy. With his calm temperament, love for the family, and playful nature, he became an unofficial mascot, greeting guests with his big happy smile and spreading joy wherever he went. Indy, was the beginning of a long tradition for the Tivoli Lodge family and guests.

Legend on the Track: Buddy Lazier’s Historic Indianapolis 500 Victory

On May 26, 1996, Buddy Lazier achieved one of the most remarkable comebacks in IndyCar history, winning the 80th Indianapolis 500 just weeks after recovering from serious injuries. Despite the challenges, Lazier’s win was the culmination of years of hard work and determination, marking a career-defining moment that extended his racing legacy for years to come.

Racing has been a deep-rooted passion for generations of the Lazier family, with each member leaving their mark on the sport. Bob Lazier, the 1981 CART Rookie of the Year, made his Indianapolis 500 debut that season, while his sons, Buddy and Jaques, both carved out successful careers in IndyCar. Today, the legacy continues with Flinn Lazier, who has followed in the family’s footsteps, winning the Formula Atlantic championship in 2019 and competing in events like Indy Lights, ensuring the Lazier name remains synonymous with racing excellence.

The Tivoli Expansion

The Tivoli Lodge expanded its original building pictured with Bob Lazier and Indy, the original chocolate labrador mascot.

Tivoli Reborn

In 2004 the iconic lodge was reborn in its new location and re-opened in 2006.

The Lazier’s have watched Vail Village grow from a sheep pasture with a few buildings and a couple of lifts, to this world-famous and world-class resort. And now they get a chance to see their children and grandchildren become a part of the next great era in Vail history.

You can see this family tradition throughout our Vail lodging. Brown Hound Lounge, for example, offers up a bountifully stocked bar and its signature Indini cocktail – inspired by our Vail Colorado hotel mascot Indy, the brown hound for whom the lounge is also named. Indy was named for the Indianapolis 500, the legendary auto race won by Bob and Diane’s oldest son, Buddy, in 1996. Started as one of Vail’s first great European-style lodges in the 1960s, Tivoli Lodge in Vail Village has been reinvented from the ground up as an ultra-modern model of boutique luxury Vail Colorado hotel accommodations in Vail.

The Tivoli Lodge, with over 50 years in Vail Colorado, is still steeped in old-world charm and suffused with Tyrolean tradition, ambiance and hospitality.

That’s the Spirit of Speed

Speed, the second-generation chocolate labrador, came into the Lazier family with boundless energy that perfectly matched his name. While Indy would always hold a special place, Speed quickly became the heart of the Tivoli Lodge, greeting guests with his wagging tail and playful spirit. Independent and full of spunk, he loved sneaking rides on the elevators and exploring the village on his own, earning the nickname “Speedy” from Bob.

50 years in vail

Reaching 50 years in Vail is a remarkable milestone, not only for the Lazier family but for the community and traditions that have made this mountain town so special. Over the decades, the Tivoli Lodge has become a cornerstone of Vail’s rich history, symbolizing the warmth, hospitality, and commitment to excellence that define this iconic destination. Celebrating half a century here means honoring the long-standing relationships, the countless memories made, and the enduring spirit of Vail, with a promise to continue sharing that legacy for generations to come.

A New Chapter in the Tivoli Lodge Legacy

From Speed came Racer, a chocolate labrador with a name inspired by the cartoon “Speed Racer,” and a perfect complement to his older brother. Born in Oxford, Mississippi, Racer, and Speed shared an immediate bond, with Speed stepping into the role of a patient big brother to teach Racer the ropes. Just like Speed, Racer takes his mascot duties seriously—greeting guests in the lobby, offering a stuffed “baby Racer” for smiles, and playing in the Gore River, fetching sticks and rocks. With his calm demeanor and love for hanging out at the Tivoli Lodge, Racer is eager to meet every guest and share his joy.