Akin to that elusive “nineteenth hole” in golf, après-ski scenes are more about socializing than sporting. Groups gather after the last run of the day to drink, dance, and relive any hairpin turns they might have experienced on the slopes. We’ve traveled to North America’s premier ski locales and every time, after a blustery day on the mountains, nothing has warmed us up faster than a hot toddy by the fire in some of our favorite hotel bars. Featuring cozy ambiances, stunning views, and custom drinks, these hot spots are just the ticket for a solid après-ski social hour.
The Granary offers phenomenal views and cuisine in Jackson Hole.
This après-ski gem in Jackson Hole offers delicious, locally-sourced cuisine. Cocktails are tasty and the views…well, the views pretty much speak for themselves. With The Granary set in a wildlife refuge more than 700 feet above the Jackson Valley, it’s no wonder that the views are the most stunning of the Tetons in the area. Read More »
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Apres Ski,
Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Foodie,
Hotel Bars,
Jackson Hole,
Lake Placid,
Lake Tahoe,
Park City,
Ski Travel,
Telluride,
Vail,
Whistler
For many of us, family ski trips are some of the fondest memories from our childhoods; they often involved fire pits, heated pools, hearty meals, and, well, maybe a few kamikaze-style downhill runs as well. We know from experience that kids always have a great time in the snow, and they’re usually so tired after an entire day of skiing that parents can even snatch some time alone after the little ones are in bed. But there are so many hotels that cater to families and groups that picking the right one can be tricky. No need to fret — we’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of our favorite family-friendly hotels in the top ski destinations, so that all you need to do is have some fun!
The resort offers multi-room suites with kitchens and sitting areas.
Located at the top of Carriage Way, a winding road in Snowmass Village, the mid-range Top of the Village offers great ski-in/ski-out access, an outdoor year-round pool, two whirlpools, and a small fitness center. Because the 88 units range from two to five bedrooms, Top of the Village tends to draw large parties and families. The fact that it’s the only hotel in Snowmass where you can ski or walk down to the Village Mall, and then take the free shuttle back up, is an added bonus.
- Our favorite family-friendly feature: Some units offer sleeper sofas that can accommodate up to two other guests, so families on a tighter budget can book a one-bedroom suite instead of a more expensive two-bedroom condo, and still have separate rooms for the parents and the kids.
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Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Jackson Hole,
Kid-Friendly Hotels,
Lake Tahoe,
Park City,
Ski Travel,
Telluride,
Vail
by Jane on January 18, 2013
Skiing is one of our favorite winter pastimes: There’s just something about getting out in the fresh air (and fresh powder) that does a body good. And whether you’re doing the “pizza” down the bunny slopes or have mastered the double black diamond, you’ll be sure to have a great time, especially considering all the other offerings ski destinations and hotels have: gorgeous spas, fabulous shopping, heated pools, you name it. So without further adieu, here’s a roundup of our favorite ski hotels that go above and beyond with amenities such as ski-in/ski-out locations, elegant rooms, and activity-packed itineraries.
Viceroy Snowmass
Viceroy Snowmass is easily the most luxurious resort in Snowmass Village, and is packed with top-notch amenities, including a 7,000-square-foot spa with a stunning relaxation room, a solid fitness center, and a lovely pool area with heated saline pool, cabanas, and fire pit. It also offers phenomenal ski valet service (valets will take care of everything from scheduling lessons to putting your boots on for you) and a prime ski-in, ski-out location. There’s a daily resort fee, and you’ll have to pay for valet, but that’s to be expected at a resort of this caliber.
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Tagged as:
Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Deer Valley,
Jackson Hole,
Kid-Friendly Hotels,
Lake Tahoe,
Luxury Hotels,
Park City,
Romantic Hotels,
Ski Travel,
Snowmass,
Vail,
Whistler
by Devon on December 7, 2012
We’re gearing up for our annual ski trip, and Breckenridge is one our favorite places to hit the slopes. While checking out the rates (and not to mention the views!) for our winter outing, we came across a two-bedroom residence at the One Ski Hill Place, which includes a private kitchen, fireplace, and balcony with spectacular views. Not too far down the road we found a three-bedroom condo at the Village at Breckenridge Resort, which also boasts a private kitchen, fireplace, and balcony with equally amazing views. But one of these units books for $830 per night, while the other books for only $340 a night. Which is which? Check out the views each hotel offers, then find the answer after the jump!
One Skill Hill, a Rockresort
Village at Breckenridge Resort
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Breckenridge,
Foto Friday
by Devon on July 10, 2012
The West has some of the best scenic hiking in the entire country.
One of our favorite summer pastimes is hitting the dirt road and taking to the hills for a nice, long hike. And because of its clear skies, open pastures, and low humidity, there’s no better place in the U.S. to hit the trail than out West. Boasting countless National Parks and some of the most spectacular wildlife in the nation, the West is an adventurer’s paradise. Whether you’re in search of New Age stimulation or a adrenaline-filled adventure, grab your walking stick because we’ve found some of the best hiking spots the West has to offer.
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Boutique Hotels,
Breckenridge,
Luxury Hotels,
Park City,
Santa Fe,
Sedona,
Yosemite
Can you figure out where this picture was taken?
Although the snow is melting, ski destinations can be just as pleasurable when the weather heats up — and they’ve got the serious scenery to back it. And even if you’re not into a rugged vacay, there are still plenty of spots for you to chill out with incredible mountain views. Check out our ten favorite now!
Tagged as:
Breckenridge,
Costa Rica,
Jackson Hole,
Lake Tahoe,
Luxury Hotels,
Napa County,
Oahu,
Palm Springs,
Park City,
Resort Hotels,
Sedona,
St. Lucia
by Jane on January 16, 2012
The snow has finally started to fall which means that it’s time to take a ski vacation with the family! Whether your kids are future Olympians or have yet to perfect the “pizza,” they probably won’t want to do just that — and hey, you might need a break from the kiddies yourself — so we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly hotels in our favorite cold weather destinations. After (or in lieu of) a day on the slopes, tots can enjoy numerous kid-friendly amenities — everything from swimming in the year-round pool to bowling to participating in activities at the kids club — at these luxurious resorts.
SKI SPOT: Vail
WHERE TO STAY: Four Seasons Resort Vail
The Outdoor Pool at the Four Seasons Resort Vail; Vail, CO
WHY: The Four Seasons Vail opened in 2011 and has been one of the area’s top hotels since then: All the rooms have stone fireplaces, balconies, and huge marble bathrooms with standalone soaking tubs. (How cozy does that sound?) Not only do families enjoy the beautiful, heated outdoor pool (open year-round), but the Teen Club, with an air hockey table, video games, foosball table, and iMac computers, is also a popular hangout for the young ones as well. Plus, there’s on-site daycare in the kids’ club and young children receive a welcome gift upon arrival.
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Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Kid-Friendly,
Skiing,
Vail,
Whistler,
Winter
by Jane on November 30, 2011
Everyone promised that you would have skiing down in no time, right? Instead, you got stuck on the “Magic Carpet” and could barely manage the “pizza” while ski-clad tots were gracefully whizzing past you. Trust us, we’ve been there. But after many failed attempts at tricky ski maneuvers like getting off the ski-lift without face planting, we’ve learned a new trick: how to find the coolest non-skiing activities in ski towns. In fact, ski towns have a lot more to offer than just the slopes — we promise! So for those of you who got roped into a ski-centric vacation, check out our favorite non-skier activities in nine ski destinations below.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort
Ice-skate: If you’d rather not hit the slopes, ice-skating is a great way to still get outdoors and get your heart rate pumping. There is an ice-skating rink right out the front door of The Arrabelle in Vail Square, with views of the slopes, the village, and the massive Christmas tree.
The Sebastian - Vail
Go on a Dogsled Tour: While your friends are out enjoying the fresh powder on the slopes, you can be too — but in the comfort of a horse, er, dog-drawn sleigh. Winterhawk Dogsled Adventures runs daily tours in Alaskan husky-drawn sleds; the basic tour explores the expansive grounds of the historic 4 Eagle Ranch, while adventure tours run across more remote terrain at a higher altitude. The concierge at The Sebastian can arrange a tour for you, even ahead of your stay.
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Tagged as:
Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Ice Skating,
Jackson Hole,
Lake Placid,
Park City,
Salt Lake City,
Vail,
Vancouver,
Whistler
