Recently I snuck away with my husband and some friends for a mountain getaway in Colorado’s Vail Valley. It was rejuvenating. We found good skiing, great company, and spectacular scenery in a place where the cold weather makes sense. We blazed a trail you are welcome to follow. With this year’s above-average snow base, lifts are expected to run through the end of the month, but even if the spring ski conditions don’t suit you, the après ski or "after-skiing" social activities surely will.
Beaver Creek’s Arrowhead
Our crew of married couples loved the ski-in-ski-out condo we rented on the westernmost end of the Arrowhead Resort. Skiing both midweek and weekend, we found there to be no lift lines and a relaxed pace. Yet, from Arrowhead, it is still easy to reach all that Bachelor Gulch and Beaver Creek have to offer as well.
The advantage of a four-bedroom ski-in-ski-out condo like the one we booked is your group doesn’t always have to operate on the same schedule. Diehard skiers can ski, while those who get tired or cold can relax by the fire or in the hot tub without missing a beat.
If you tire of your own company, you can find plenty of fine dining and quaint village activities in Beaver Creek, which is only a complimentary shuttle ride away. However, you can start your after-ski adventures off right before you even leave the slopes. End your day on top of the Bachelor Express chair 16 for some après skiing at Mamie's Mountain Grill. The views are gorgeous, the bratwurst and chili are tasty, and their bloody marys hit the spot after a long day at altitude. Be careful, though. You still have to make one final run down the mountain before you are done.
Vail
This World renowned favorite speaks for itself. For over 60 years, people have flocked here to check it off their bucket lists. Its back bowls are legendary. We made the quick 20-minute drive over from Beaver Creek and used our epic pass to broaden our exploration of the valley. Conditions weren't the best, and the visibility on the slopes was low, but if you want to see and be seen, it's still the place to be. When the skiing is done, you can eat, drink and shop your way back through the Village to your hotel or, in our case, car.
If you are feeling a little homesick for Conroe, start at the bottom of Gondola 1 at the Express Lift Inn. The proprietor of this Vail staple is Paul Pope. He used to work at Conroe's own April Sound resort. When asked how he came to work in Vail, he joked, "All my exes live in Texas, so…" He still loves to say hi and share a laugh with people from back home, so stop in. Its hillside patio and fireside bar can cover your needs no matter the weather.
Further into the village, the award-winning 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit company serves up some WWII history at its distillery. The 10th Mt division trained in the Vail Valley to fight in the European Alps. After World War II, many of the 10th Mountain's warriors came home to the US and continued to ski. These members of the greatest generation went on to found or manage at least 62 of the US ski areas we still love to visit today. If you've got whiskey drinkers in your group, it's well worth stopping. For tours, call 970-524-2580.
And if you are still feeling adventurous, right before the covered bridge, go left down the stairs, make another left, and look for the spilled drink sign. Slip in the door, and you'll arrive at the Naughty Kitty. Not knowing what I wanted, I told the cocktail crafter to give me something with vodka and maybe hibiscus or lavender, not super fruity. "I got you," Brandon said. And he did. I don't know what to call it, but it hit the mark.
Edwards
When traveling, I always like to get out of the resort scene and experience a real town, and Edwards did not disappoint. It was only a five-minute car ride from Arrowhead. The newly developed section of townhouses has a nice river walk and shops, but one of its oldest attractions offered us our best meal of the trip. The Gashouse is not defined as fine dining, but their Bison ravioli and quail were two of our group's favorites. The owner is from Massachusetts, so a nice selection of seafood can be found on their menu as well.
Before you leave home...
Buy an epic pass. Get these lift tickets online, never see a ticket booth, put the pass in your sleeve pocket, and reap the rewards at multiple resorts. Go to epicpass.com for all the info.
Book a direct flight into Eagle/Vail, Colorado. Start and end your journey with the luxury of a two-and-a-half-hour direct flight from Houston. The small airport is a breeze to navigate, and you'll save hours of drive time from Denver through the mountain pass with unpredictable weather delays and stressful traffic conditions.
Don't forget to pre-book your accommodations.
The proprietor of this Vail staple is Paul Pope, he used to work at Conroe's own April Sound resort.
