Ski season is upon us!
Alli Cole Travel Epic Pass Roundup
As I sit bundled up in my home office watching snow flurries fall, I am beginning to get the pre-ski season jitters: restlessness/excitement/the need to hop in my car right now and drive to the slopes combined with this bizarre, irrational fear that even after 25 years of skiing and 6 years of living in Colorado, I will forget how to ski! In the spirit of building on the excitement, I thought it would be fun to do a little roundup of some of our absolute favorite hotels, restaurants, bars in Epic Pass territory. During weekends when we only have time for a quick day trip, we typically head to Keystone or Breckenridge since they are closest to our home base in Evergreen. However, for long weekend getaways, there are endless options that make winter in the mountains so special.
TELLURIDEStay: The Madeline – the newly renovated Auberge resort is the ideal place to stay during summer or winter. The pool and hot tubs have the best view in Mountain Village.
Eat: Alpino Vino – Put your name down at Alpino Vino and then take another lap while you wait for your table. It is worth the wait! Order the lasagna and a glass of bubbly rosé. Chef’s kiss!
Drink: At the end of the day, ski down to Gorrono Ranch to enjoy a beer and live music in the adirondack chairs on the snow.
Drink: There – Head to the cozy bar in town and order the Grapefruit cocktail. You will not regret it.
CRESTED BUTTEStay: Eleven Experience – Scarp Ridge Lodge is ideal for those looking for a truly exclusive, luxury ski experience. If you are looking for something a little bit more low key, check out the Public House Lofts in town. The free CB shuttle will take you to and from the slopes each day!
Caffeinate: Grab a cup of coffee at Camp 4 Coffee- an adorable, quirky coffee shop in town.
Drink: Stop in to Uley’s cabin for a hot toddy by the fire. This cozy little cabin is the perfect place to warm up or grab a gourmet mid ski day lunch.
Eat: Secret Stash pizza- funky, casual pizza joint that is always brimming with good energy.
Drink: Ski over to Umbrella Bar on a sunny day! The views are fantastic!
VAILStay: There are so many good options in Vail and Lionshead Village… The Sebastian, The Arrabelle, Sonnenalp, The Four Seasons and The Grand Hyatt are some of the go-to options!
Drink: Grab a beer and people watch on the patio at Garfinkel’s!
Eat: Make a reservation at Sweet Basil and order the Saffron Lobster Linguini and a dirty vodka martini… the most indulgent combination.
Do: Head on over to Minturn to grab a drink on the deck at Minturn Saloon. Stroll the main street of the adorable town after.
Drink: Enjoy a night cap at Root & Flower, a cozy wine bar in the heart of Vail Village.
PARK CITYStay: Washington School House… This small hotel is an absolute gem. One of A.C.T.’s all-time, under the radar favorites. The service is incredible. It is so homey and cozy. The fireplace in the living room is the best place to enjoy your breakfast and coffee or a drink at the end of the day. You will leave so well-fed and happy.
Eat: Visit the High West Distillery after a long day on the slopes. Their cocktails are delicious… Special shoutout to the burger and fries! Go early- it fills up fast!
Do: Take a sleigh ride up to the Viking Yurt and enjoy a Nordic dining adventure!
BEAVER CREEKStay: Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is the best place to stay in Beaver Creek! The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch holds a special place in my heart as we spent our wedding weekend here.
Do: Sit by the Ritz fire pit and then take a well deserved post-skiing cat nap in the Spa’s grotto.
Eat: Enjoy the complimentary warm chocolate chip cookies at the base areas brought out daily at 3:00pm- a highlight for both the kiddos and adults!
