Vail | Beaver Creek
Snow Round The Pool, Slim Aarons, 1964, © Getty Images
Founded by Tenth Mountain Division WWII veterans Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton in 1962, Vail, Colorado is a charming Bavarian-inspired alpine-style village at the base of Vail Mountain, home of the massive Vail Ski Resort, set within the White River National Forest. Popular during winter for skiing and snowboarding or summer for golfing, hiking, and fly fishing at Gore Creek.
STAY
SONNENALP VAIL The Sonnenalp Resorts in Ofterschwang, Germany and Vail, Colorado have been owned and operated for five generations by the Faessler Family. The Bavarian founders envisioned bringing their legacy of European hospitality and superior guest service to the United States, and in the 1960s, the burgeoning village at the base of the Vail Ski Resort became the ideal location. Today, The Sonnenalp is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and full of alpine charm. Don’t miss the breakfast buffet at Ludwig’s, fondue at Swiss Chalet Restaurant, or a burger at Bully Ranch on the property. The Sonnenalp also offers an indoor/outdoor jacuzzi and pool, the perfect place to relax after a spa treatment. 20 Vail Rd; sonnenalp.com
THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT VAIL Unlike many of the hotels in town resembling European-style chalets, the Four Seasons is modern, with rooms boasting warm beige tones and gas-burning stone fireplaces. The 14,000-square-foot spa, 25-foot outdoor heated saline pool, and full-time ski concierge and rental service right at the Gondola One chairlift make up for the fact that it's a trek to get to the slopes. Don’t miss the famous hot chocolate at Remedy Bar! 1 Vail Road; fourseasons.com/vail
ARRABELLE AT VAIL SQUARE Located steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola in the heart of Lionshead Village, this Swiss chalet-style hotel is all about location. After skiing, head straight from the gondola to Tavern on the Square for après-ski. You can also rent out the resort's Game Creek Chalet, a four-bedroom residence nestled in the glades of the Game Creek Bowl 2,000 feet above Vail Village, complete with a private chef. 675 Lionshead Place; vail.com/plan-your-trip/stay/the-arrabelle
THE LODGE AT VAIL The first hotel to open in Vail, in the heart of Vail Village, allowing one to ski right onto Vail's main lift, Gondola One. Complete with a 7,500 foot luxury spa, three restaurants, an outdoor pool with hot tubs, a gas fireplace, and your very own ski- and bike valet. 174 East Gore Creek Drive; vail.com/plan-your-trip/stay/lodge-at-vail
THE SEBASTIAN VAIL Located in Vail village, this upscale hotel has a cozy lobby and library with stone fireplaces and board games as well as Blooom Spa. 16 Vail Road; thesebastianvail.com
THE HYTHE Hythe is an Old English word that means “haven” or “resting place.” The hotel, which was the former Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, received a $41 million renovation, rebranded, and reopened as part of the Luxury Collection. 715 W Lionshead Cir; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/egelc-the-hythe
GRAVITY HAUS VAIL A new, boutique hotel concept (with other locations in Breckenridge and Lake Tahoe) located in Vail Village. 352 E Meadow Dr; gravityhaus.com
MANOR VAIL Ideally located at the base of Vail Mountain across the Golden Peak ski lifts, and perfect for families with its unique condo-style rooms, providing a luxurious home away from home experience. There is also a restaurant, spa, pools, hot tubs, and more. 595 Vail Valley Dr; manorvail.com
THE RITZ CARLTON, BACHELOR GULCH Perched on a mountainside, Bachelor Gulch is located within Beaver Creek, a short drive from Vail. Aptly named after its 7 original settlers—7 single pioneering men who came in search of a better life through the Homestead Act, after working as miners in Leadville. Today, Bachelor Gulch is home of the sprawling Ritz Carlton, a log-cabin style resort with roaring fireplaces, live music, bar, restaurants, and an abundance of activities, including fly fishing, a horseshoe pit, a pool, golf, and skiing. 0130 Daybreak Ridge Rd, Avon; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/colorado/bachelor-gulch
DINE | DRINK
THE 10TH
Named after the 10th Mountain Division, nodding to Vail’s history and founders, The 10th is a ski-in-ski-out lunch and après establishment located at the base of Look Ma run at Mid-Vail, halfway up the mountain, and also accessible by Gondola One. Offering spectacular views over the slopes, and a menu that blends European and Rocky Mountain alpine cooking, including Colorado lamb chili, Wagyu carpaccio, quail with au gratin potatoes and roasted vegetables, bratwurst braised in local beer, and potpie made with pheasant, and truffle fries. Top of Gondola One, Mid Vail; vail.com/the-mountain/more-options/the-10th.aspx
ROOT & FLOWER
A wine bar, perfect for après-ski in Vail Village, offering draft beer and craft cocktails, as well as seasonal small plates in a rustic modern atmosphere. Dishes include braised pork cheeks and duck fat potatoes. 288 Bridge St C4; rootandflowervail.com
MATSUHISA VAIL
Owned and operated by the famous chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, this Japanese restaurant offers incredible sushi and sashimi as well as sake in a high-ceilinged. 141 E Meadow Dr; matsuhisarestaurants.com/vail
ELWAY’S The place for steak in Vail. Order one of their signature hand-cut, aged USDA Prime steaks paired with mouthwatering bleu cheese butter or caramelized sweet butter sauces, Colorado rack of lamb, or their Wagyu Burger, which is topped with roasted green chile and asadero cheese. Pair entrées with their decadent mac and cheese. 174 East Gore Creek Drive; elways.com
LA BOTTEGA A northern Italian restaurant in the heart of Vail village with a patio and wine bar. 100 E Meadow Dr; labottegavail.com
THE SWISS RESTAURANT A cozy, cabin-style restaurant within the Sonnenalp Hotel serving fondue and raclette. 20 Vail Rd; sonnenalp.com
LUDWIG’S Hands down the best breakfast in Vail. Enjoy a bountiful European breakfast or brunch buffet served within a beautiful glass-enclosed veranda overlooking Gore Creek. 20 Vail Rd; sonnenalp.com
REMEDY BAR Warm up by the sleek contemporary fireplace or take the après party outside to the firepit-adorned patio at The Remedy Bar, nestled inside Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail. Indulge with an order of the bar’s famous haut chocolat, complete with house-made marshmallows, chocolate tuile, and Chantilly creme. 1 Vail Rd, Vail; fourseasons.com/vail
SWEET BASIL This modern American restaurant has been around for almost 40 years, but it's still one of the most popular eateries in Vail. All dishes are made with organic ingredients, and the menu changes monthly. Some signatures include ahi tuna paired with wild mushrooms and soba noodles, and Colorado Lamb T-Bone served seasonal corn and squash. Pair your entrées with a bottle from their extensive wine list, and overlook the spectacular Gore Creek. 193 East Gore Creek Drive; sweetbasilvail.com
GAME CREEK RESTAURANT This restaurant lends new meaning to the adage that "getting there is half the fun." During the winter, ride the gondola up, then take a snowcat to cross Game Creek Bowl. The trek is well worth it for a gourmet meal and breathtaking vies. The five course tasting menu includes sashimi, Gouda soufflé, lobster with gnocchi, elk, and a passionfruit cheesecake. It's members-only for lunch, but open to the public for dinner and Sunday brunch. Reservations required. 278 Hanson Ranch Road; gamecreekclub.com
MOUNTAIN STANDARD From the same owners as Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard feels more like a tavern, with a menu that includes shrimp and grits and rotisserie chicken, as well as a raw bar with Rocky Mountain Trout. Start with the coal-roasted olives! 193 Gore Creek Drive; mtnstandard.com
RED LION Vail’s longstanding traditional spot for a casual apres-ski. This dive bar often has live music and sports matches playing. Order the famous nachos and one of the local brews on tap. 304 Bridge St St.1; theredlion.com
PEPI’S RESTAURANT & BAR Named after the Austrian ski racer Pepi Gramshammer who became a pioneer of Vail Ski Resort, Pepi’s is a lively Austrian restaurant and bar featuring wild game with live entertainment, located in the Gastof Gramshammer hotel. Pepi’s Bar remains the home of the presiding Austrian Ski Team during the World Cup Races. 231 Gore Creek Dr; pepis.com
ALMRESI Where the Alps meet the Rockies. Employing a staff as international as the cuisine itself (and dressed by the same outfitter used for Munich’s famous Oktoberfest celebration), Almresi is an authentic European restaurant in Colorado. Menu staples include raclette, bratwurst and fondue. 298 Hanson Ranch Rd; almresi-vail.com
PAZZO’S PIZZERIA A local pizzeria serving pies, pasta, and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere. Perfect for a late-night snack or quick bite in between ski sessions. 122 E Meadow Dr #9; pazzospizza.com
THE SLOPE ROOM Head to The Slope Room at Gravity Haus Vail for elevated comfort food and steaks. 352 E Meadow Dr; sloperoom.com
WYLD Illuminated by strands of string lights and cozy fire pits, WYLD’s patio transforms into a magical, snowy slopeside retreat come nightfall. As the signature restaurant of the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, located at the base of Beaver Creek Resort, WYLD offers impeccable hospitality and perfectly prepared dishes ranging from oven-roasted cauliflower to duck carnitas. Sakaba, the hotel’s intimate sushi lounge, is another great option for dining. 0130 Daybreak Ridge Rd, Avon; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/colorado/bachelor-gulch
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDENS Vail was the vacation spot of choice for former President Gerald Ford and his wife Betty (she was known informally as the "First Lady of Vail Valley") so it should come as no surprise that the world's highest botanical gardens, located at 8,200 feet at the foot of Vail Mountain, are named after her. You can take a stroll through this five acre oasis, which includes more than 2,000 varieties of alpine plants as well as plenty of peaceful waterfalls and ponds, year round. 530 South Frontage Road; bettyfordalpinegardens.org
DECA + BOL A restaurant and bowling alley hybrid. Order elevated diner dishes like carpaccio, fried chicken or burgers. 141 East Meadow Drive; decabolvail.com
SKI BLUE SKY BASIN & THE “LEGENDARY BACK BOWLS” Discover why Vail’s Back Bowls are so “legendary.” Vail is arguably one of the most well-known ski areas in the world, and the main reason for that is its sheer size. Boasting 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, 7 back bowls (3,017 acres) and Blue Sky Basin (645 acres), Vail mountain offers something for every ability level. vail.com
SNOWMOBILE RIDES Try Nova Guides Top of the Rockies tour, which takes you through miles of open meadows and 360-degree panoramic views of four surrounding mountain ranges (including the Continental Divide) in the White River National Forest. novaguides.com
LUNCH WITH A LLAMA This half-day trip has you climbing up trails while a pair of llamas carry your gear on their backs. Once you've reached the top of the mountain, you can relax with a glass of champagne and a traditional red-checkered picnic lunch. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can do a five-day llama trek that allows you to explore all the wilderness between Vail and Aspen. paragonguides.com
RED SKY GOLF CLUB Nestled near the legendary Vail and Beaver Creek Mountain Resorts and only 20 minutes from the Vail/Eagle County Airport, Red Sky is a private membership club with a separate resort golf operation. Members and guests each enjoy their own clubhouse and alternate play daily between the Tom Fazio and Greg Norman courses. 376 Red Sky Rd, Wolcott; redskygolfclub.com
COLORADO SNOWSPORTS MUSEUM A modest spot featuring educational exhibits on the history of snow sports, the history of ski fashion, plus a gift shop. 231 S Frontage Rd E; snowsportsmuseum.org
SHOP
PEPI SPORTS Part boutique, part ski rental shop, this store offers designer ski wear from the likes of Descente, Fire + Ice, J. Lindeberg, and Toni Sailer as well as luxe fur ponchos and fox wraps to keep you toasty warm even in the most frigid days. If you don't feel like schlepping your skis on the plane, don't; you can pick up top-of-the-line equipment from Salomon, Atomic, Fischer, and more. 231 Bridge Street; pepisports.com
GORSUCH Founded by two former members of the 1960 U.S. Olympics ski team with locations in Beaver Creek, Aspen, and Park City. You'll find designer ski clothes, luxe cashmere sweaters, and an array of home and gift items. Gorsuch has been a mainstay in high-end ski gear and winter clothing for decades. You'll find a selection of jewelry, candles, sunglasses and more. 263 Gore Creek Drive; gorsuch.com
AXEL’S Axel’s should be one of your first stops in town. This luxury shop offers unique rustic-chic clothing and accessories, including cashmere sweaters, outerwear, boots, leather accessories. 201 Gore Creek Dr; axelsltd.com
KEMO SABE Originally opened in Aspen, Kemo Sabe offers high-end Western wear (cowboy boots, custom hats, leather belts, buckles, and more). They also have a location in Jackson and Park City. 227 Bridge St; kemosabe.com
SPA
THE SONNENALP SPA The Sonnenalp Spa offers massage treatments, facials, a gym, an oxygen bar, and indoor/outdoor pools and jacuzzis to relax post-treatment. 20 Vail Rd; sonnenalp.com/spa
THE ARRABELLE SPA The 10,000-square-foot spa features separate men’s and women’s lounges, each with a steam room, a sauna, and a whirlpool. Treatments are mountain-themed, including massages with pine-infused oils and body wraps incorporating wildflower essences. Try the Alpine Glow, a 50-minute body scrub with rosemary and sage essential oils. 675 Lionshead Place; vail.com/plan-your-trip/stay/the-arrabelle
THE FOUR SEASONS SPA Try the high-altitude adjustment massage before hitting the slopes at this luxurious spa. 1 Vail Road; fourseasons.com/vail
BLOOM SPA AT THE SEBASTIAN The Sebastian’s boutique spa is one of the best-kept secrets in Vail Village. 16 Vail Rd; thesebastianvail.com/experience/spa
DAY | WEEKEND TRIP
BRECKENRIDGE A scenic 45-minute drive or shuttle from Vail, set 9,600 feet below the Rocky Mountains’ Ten Mile Range, lies Breckenridge, an idyllic ski town with five peaks for skiers of all abilities. A former mining town, the main street is still lined with weathered saloons and colorful Victorian homes from its boomtown days. Breck—as regulars call it—may be best known for its almost 3,000 acres of lift-served terrain, but it has much to love beyond skiing, from an award-winning craft beer and distillery scene to a thriving arts district. Play a round of golf at Breck’s 27-hole Jack Nicklaus course or hire a fly-fishing guide via Breckenridge Outfitters to help you navigate the bends and pools of the Colorado River. Road and mountain bikers will love exploring the more than 200 miles of trails around town, while hikers will want to check out Summit Nature Hikes, a local non-profit that leads free guided nature treks. One of Colorado’s first breweries, Breckenridge Brewery has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. If you prefer whisky, head just outside town to Breckenridge Distillery, where the award-winning spirits are made with Rocky Mountain snow melt. Situated right on Main Street in an1889 Victorian, Rootstalk features elevated takes on comfort food, like pot pie with braised rabbit and celery root velouté. Another standout restaurant is Aurum, where you can sip cocktails at the stunning bar or book a heated yurt decked out in furs and Pendleton blankets. Dine on steak tartare with horseradish Hollandaise and homemade Parker House rolls. Stay at Gravity Haus Breckenridge, which features a Japanese-inspired onsen, private ski lockers, and an in-house team to help you explore outside. For a true ski-in, ski-out stay, turn to One Ski Hill Place, a luxury Rockresort property. The hotel has plush rooms right at the base of Peak 8, family-friendly amenities like an in-house bowling alley, a full-service spa, and lively apres-ski scene at TBar.