Boulderites and Denverites are no doubt spoiled; proximity to the flatirons to the west, the luxuries of world class food and culture in Denver to the east. But can you blame us for wanting to feel a little extra spoiled on a weekend mountain getaway to Vail? For those willing to brave I-70 ski traffic on the weekend, or whom no one will notice if WFH turns to WFM (work from mountains, an official term) this Vail round-up can be the perfect overnight turned weekend turned…do we actually ever have to go back?
The Hythe Resort
We can’t rave more about the Hythe. One of Vail’s newest mountain resorts dawns a modern, dare we say vaguely Scandi (short for Scandinavian, another official term) mountain vibe. The Hythe provides all the modern amenities for a luxe weekend getaway with none of the Swiss chalet kitsch that while yes, some locals hold close to their hearts, but thank you, next. This new modern getaway honors the history of Vail through design, restaurant concepts and artwork throughout the hotel.
Margie's Haas
A weekend in Vail undoubtedly means a weekend in the snow, and believe it or not there is more to the snow than the world-class slopes of Vail Resorts. But more on that later, because no matter your activity of choice, breakfast and a latte are a can’t miss, no brainier, necessity to fuel your day. Margie Haas is the Hythe’s on-site restaurant, named for a local hero known for serving the 10th Mountain Division from her home. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring a classic and elegant mountain menu with a to-die-for breakfast buffet. Yes, you read that right, buffet. The fresh-squeezed orange juice machine, lox and caperberry station, overnight berry n’ oats, chilaquiles and pain-au-chocolate sit alongside your everyday breakfast classics. Have fun in Vail; we’ll be spending the day at the buffet.
Snow-Day
If you do manage to swim away from the all-you-can-eat lox bar, your next step will be snow. But we are here to tell you that you have options. Vail Resorts is one of the largest terrains in the world with options for beginners to experts and those powdery back bowls just can't be beat. But if weekend traffic is a little much or you want to give your wallet a break, head over to the Vail Nordic Center to swap out your alpine boots for a pair of classic or skate skis. This variety of skiing is fun and easy to pick up for beginners, as the terrain is flatter and you’ll spend your day walk-gliding throughout the winter-wonderland.
But no peer-pressure if strapping yourself to skinny pieces of wood and zooming down any snow-packed path doesn’t sound like your brand of fun. A bundled-up afternoon wander around Vail Village and Lionshead is enough to satisfy any mountain get-away-day dream. Extra points if it’s snowing.
Hygge Life
Speaking of Scandinavian modern mountain style, Hygge Life is the resident virtuoso on this. Stop by to browse, dream, shop, and enjoy a macchiato and cake in their cafe while contemplating redesigning your home as if you never left the Hythe Scandinavian dream, with the guidance of Hygge experts and shop owners, Koen and Alexandra. Once you go Hygge, you can’t go back. Bring on the cozy.
Vail International Gallery
While you are redesigning your house (or just daydreaming), a stop at Vail International Gallery is a must as they celebrate the creativity and art of Colorado Native as well as artists from all around the world. Take in the work of local artists, including Boulder’s very own Topher Straus and Sandra Pratt, and keep the design dream going.
El Segundo
While ‘Swiss Chalet’ might be out-of-style for the Colorado local, there are two things that will forever endure, aprés and margaritas. Head to El Segundo, another new and soon-to-be staple spot for Vail. Murals by Denver artists Pedro Barrios and Jaime Molina of 'The Worst Crew' cast a hip and edgy vibe while tacos with global influence are served family style. We munched on the Poke, hot Korean and Greek tacos. The tacos are perfect for an afternoon snack, or stay longer and get your fill for dinner. If you end up with a marg in hand on a particularly springy day, you might even be treated to sit on the deck with the gurgling river on your left and views of the slopes on your right.
Squash Blossom
While you are wandering around Vail Village, a staple stop is always Squash Blossom, a jewelry shop nestled right in the heart of the village since 1973. It's filled with designer jewelry from local and international artisans, like Boulder’s Orly Marcel, and authentic Native American turquoise jewelry with pieces like the shop’s namesake—the squash blossom. Owners Kevin and Hilary Magner offer an incredible shopping experience and hospitality, and if you are feeling a little spunky after those margaritas, they even offer ear piercing services.
Aprés
The mountain world endorses aprés, there is no doubt about that, but only true locals have their pulse on the aprés aprés. Grab yourself a quick happy hour $5 you call it cocktail at The George (don’t tell anyone I told you about this basement locals' hangout) before you head back to the comfort of the Hythe and check out their two bars. The Revel Lounge is roomy and cozy with velvet couches and plenty of cafe-style seating conveniently equipped with outlets for our WFM friends. Down the stairs you’ll find the 10th Mountain Distillery, again a nod to the 10th Mountain Division history in Vail. With the original distillery located in Vail Village, the outpost has a menu of whiskey-forward cocktails, daily whiskey tastings and even s’mores.
While we feel pretty lucky to get to live on the Front Range– all the fun of mountain living with all the luxury of city life—there is no doubt that a long weekend or WFM Vail staycation can provide some much-needed RnR. Enjoy the art, enjoy the whiskey, and take it all in.