|  Terraces at Eagle Ridge |  Beaver Creek's "Operation Cookie" |  Helitrax skiing |
FOR: | Steamboat | Beaver Creek | Telluride |
WHY: | Unlike Aspen or Vail, there are fewer school groups and coeds at Steamboat—and more chances to hit the slopes. Runs are mostly intermediate, so those who aren’t experts can also enjoy the mountain. | It’s known as Vail’s upscale sister resort. And Vail is known as being very upscale. So plan to spend, but get plenty in return. Plus, the mountain is not nearly as crowded as Vail—which means more bang for your lift-ticket–buck. | Telluride is one of the most beautiful ski destinations in Colorado. The town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has managed to maintain its Victorian roots. |
STAY: | Terraces at Eagle Ridge (888-686-8075) offers ski condos complete with full kitchens, fireplaces, and in-room laundry. Plus, a private shuttle takes you right to the foot of the mountain for a day of skiing. | Anywhere in Beaver Creek Village (888-830-7669). The village offers ski and snowboard schools, an ice rink, shops and restaurants, access to the main chairlift leading to all levels of terrain, plus hotel, B & B, or condo accommodations, some offering personal shoppers who stock them with food and wine. | Franz Klammer Lodge (970-728-3318) is the epitome of luxurious ski accommodations, featuring two- and three-bedroom residences, complete with full kitchens, whirlpool baths, and balconies. Nestled into a mountain overlooking the rest of Telluride, the lodge is reached via a free gondola, the only one of its kind in the United States. |
EAT: | Experience Ragnar’s (970-871-5150) for a Sleighride Dinner. Diners take a gondola to the mountain top and a snowcat-drawn sleigh to Ragnar’s, where a five-course Scandinavian–inspired meal and live acoustic music await. | James Beard award-winning Mirabelle Restaurant (970-949-7728) serves seasonally inspired Belgian–French cuisine prepared by chef/owner Daniel Joly, a Culinary Institute of Brussels alum. Most meals are served in four courses, so make sure you have the time. | Outside, it looks like any old house. Inside, Blue Point Grill & Noir Bar (970-728-8862) features a stylish interior and tasty menu of regional treats. Or try 9545 Restaurant & Bar (970-728-6293), which serves “rustic American cuisine” and organic specialties. |
DO: | Steamboat is known for being family friendly so expect to find plenty of family-friendly stores and restaurants. In January, celebrate at Family Snow Festival activities, races, and concerts. Or simply watch and learn. Steamboat has produced more Olympic talent than any other Colorado ski community—sixty-nine Olympians and counting. | Ski—or don’t. Shop, eat, or hang out in your condo. Snowshoe. Ride the chairlift to the mountain in the afternoon just for the free freshly baked cookies served by the resort’s chefs. Whatever. This is the lap of luxury. Enjoy. | Ski. A lot. The mountain is huge and usually not crowded, so you can get plenty of runs in while you’re there. Take advantage of Helitrax, the only helicopter-skiing service in Colorado. When you’re not on the hill, take advantage of unique restaurants and shops—there are no chain businesses allowed on the mountain. |
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