Picture yourself in a gated mountain community with three championship golf courses, a fun short course, and four distinct neighborhoods to match your lifestyle. If Cordillera is on your radar, you likely value privacy, year‑round recreation, and a home that feels effortless to own. In this guide, you will learn how the neighborhoods differ, what to know about memberships, HOA and metro‑district details, rental rules, and smart due diligence steps. Let’s dive in.
What Cordillera is
Cordillera spans about 7,000 acres and centers on four golf‑oriented neighborhoods commonly known as the Valley Club, the Ranch, the Divide, and the Summit. The community’s golf venues operate as The Club at Cordillera, with three 18‑hole courses and a Dave Pelz short course. Golf is managed by Troon Privé, and each course sits at a different elevation, which influences season length and winter conditions. You can review course designers, elevations, and scorecards on the Club’s overview page at The Club at Cordillera.
Cordillera’s governance has two layers. The Cordillera Property Owners Association (CPOA) manages many community amenities and enforces covenants, while the Cordillera Metro District (CMD) handles roads, gate access, and snow removal. Some enclaves, especially Cordillera Valley Club, have separate POAs that set their own services and dues.
Neighborhoods at a glance
Valley Club
- Elevation and seasonality: Lowest elevation in Cordillera, with a milder microclimate and a longer golf season compared with the higher neighborhoods. The layout tends to be golf‑cart friendly and walkable.
- Homes: Smaller single‑family homes and club residences, and the area is largely built out. The Valley Club operates with its own homeowners association, which can differ from the main CPOA in services and dues.
- Best fit: You want easy, low‑maintenance living, quick access to club amenities, and more winter‑friendly conditions.
The Ranch
- Elevation and seasonality: Mid‑elevation next to the Mountain Course. The setting reflects a West‑Ranch character and offers trails and outdoor access.
- Amenities: The Trailhead clubhouse provides family pools and a playground, and TimberHearth sits near the Mountain Course for convenient dining.
- Best fit: You prefer family‑oriented amenities, summer pools, and proximity to the Mountain Course and neighborhood programs.
The Divide
- Elevation and seasonality: Mid to upper elevation, with several enclaves that lean toward a refined, European‑inspired look.
- Homes: A mix of single‑family properties and lower‑maintenance cottage enclaves. The Dave Pelz short course is nearby for casual, quick rounds.
- Best fit: You want convenient access to central services, more compact lots, and the option to play the short course.
The Summit
- Elevation and seasonality: Highest elevation with significant winter conditions and a shorter golf season. Expect expansive, high‑alpine views.
- Homes: Larger homesites and privacy parcels, plus direct access to the Summit clubhouse and athletic center.
- Best fit: You seek maximum privacy, sweeping views, and a true mountaintop setting, and you accept more winter driving and home‑care planning.
Golf and membership essentials
Courses and seasonality
Cordillera’s three 18‑hole courses were designed by Tom Fazio (Valley Course), Hale Irwin (Mountain Course), and Jack Nicklaus (Summit Course), with elevations near 7,200 feet, 8,250 feet, and 9,000 feet. Elevation is a good proxy for season length. Lower‑elevation courses typically open earlier and close later. Course information and updates are available on The Club at Cordillera.
Membership structure
The Club at Cordillera is a private club managed by Troon Privé. Membership is optional for homeowners and not automatic with property ownership. Application, initiation, dues, and waitlist status change over time, so contact the membership office for current details. You can start with the Club’s membership overview and check current availability and inclusions via Join Cordillera.
Vail Gondola Club
Cordillera homeowners often ask about ski access. The Cordillera Vail Gondola Club is a separate, seasonal club in Vail Village owned and operated by the CPOA. Membership slots are limited, and policies are published by the association. If village access matters, review availability and guidelines on the Cordillera Vail Gondola Club.
Winter access and daily life
Higher elevations bring more snow and shorter golf windows. The Summit and some Ranch areas will feel more like a true alpine environment, with added attention to winter driving, snow storage, and mechanical systems. The Cordillera Metro District owns and maintains district roads, manages gate access, and handles snowplowing, which is key for your commute and driveway design. For roles and public documents, visit the Cordillera Metro District.
HOA, POAs, and rules to review
CPOA responsibilities
The CPOA operates many owner amenities such as the Athletic Center, Trailhead clubhouse, the Dave Pelz short course, private fly‑fishing beats, dog park, and community services like trash and recycling. The CPOA also enforces covenants and manages the Design Review Board (DRB) for architecture and exterior changes. Learn more on the CPOA governance page.
CMD taxes and access
CMD is a special district that funds roads, gates, snow removal, and open space through property taxes and mill levies. Meeting agendas and financials are public. Include CMD materials in your due diligence so you understand annual costs and services. See the Cordillera Metro District.
Enclave POAs
Some enclaves, such as Cordillera Valley Club, have separate POAs with their own dues and services. This can affect landscaping, snow removal, and maintenance inclusions. Always request the specific enclave’s resale disclosure to confirm exact rules and fees.
Rental policy
Cordillera permits long‑term rentals only. Short‑term rentals under 30 days are prohibited community‑wide. The CPOA’s rental policy requires owner registration, licensing, and an annual fee. If you plan to rent, review the Homeowner Rental Information and confirm current procedures before you buy.
Design review and wildfire
The DRB reviews new builds, major renovations, and exterior work. Neighborhood guidelines exist and inspections for wildfire mitigation occur on a cycle. If you are considering construction or a remodel, study the DRB rules early to avoid delays. Details live on the CPOA governance page.
Closing documents and disclosures
RealManage, the CPOA’s management vendor, provides resale certificates, CC&Rs, estoppels, and related forms. Title and closing agents typically request these during escrow. You can find the process and contact points under Buying & Selling in Cordillera.
Match your lifestyle to the right neighborhood
Use these quick filters to focus your search:
- Easy, low‑maintenance and walkable: Start with the Valley Club. Confirm whether a property is under the Valley Club’s separate POA and what services it includes.
- Family amenities and summer pools: Look at the Ranch near the Trailhead clubhouse and TimberHearth.
- Maximum views and privacy: Evaluate Summit homesites and larger parcels, and plan for more robust winter access and systems.
- Lower‑maintenance lots and central access: Consider Divide enclaves and cottage neighborhoods near the short course.
Membership questions to ask the Club before you buy:
- Does the specific property offer any membership considerations or special eligibility, and what documentation confirms that?
- What are the current initiation fees, dues, waitlist status, guest policies, and Troon Privé reciprocal benefits?
- What is the current status, rules, and any waitlist for the Vail Gondola Club?
For current information, start with the Club’s membership overview and confirm details directly with the membership office.
How we help you buy in Cordillera
Choosing the right Cordillera neighborhood is about lifestyle fit, seasonality, and ownership logistics. You want a home that feels effortless, with the right balance of privacy, access, and services. As local, concierge advisors, we guide you through neighborhood selection, DRB and resale materials, membership due diligence, and the closing process, so you can move with confidence.
If you are ready to explore Cordillera, we are here to help you match your goals with the right property and make every step feel simple. Schedule a private, concierge consultation with the Vail Valley Team.
FAQs
What are the main differences among Cordillera’s four neighborhoods?
- Elevation drives seasonality and winter conditions; the Valley Club is lowest and more winter‑friendly, the Summit is highest with bigger views and more snow, and the Ranch and Divide sit in between with different home styles and amenities.
Is club membership required to live in Cordillera?
- No. Membership at The Club at Cordillera is optional and not automatic with ownership; you apply through the Club and confirm current fees and availability with the membership office.
How do golf season lengths differ by course?
- Lower‑elevation courses like the Valley Course often open earlier and close later than higher‑elevation courses such as the Summit; always confirm timing with the Club.
Are short‑term rentals allowed in Cordillera?
- No. Community rules require a minimum 30‑day rental term and owner registration with the CPOA under the current rental policy.
Who maintains roads and snow removal in Cordillera?
- The Cordillera Metro District owns and maintains district roads, manages gate access, and handles snowplowing, which affects winter driving and daily logistics.
What documents should I review before closing on a Cordillera home?
- Request CPOA and enclave resale disclosures, CC&Rs, DRB guidelines, CMD financials and mill‑levy notices, and any Club membership materials relevant to your plans.
What is the Cordillera Vail Gondola Club?
- It is a separate, seasonal club in Vail Village operated by the CPOA, with limited memberships and published rules; ask about current availability and waitlists.
