Vail and Breckenridge welcome a new era of luxury in the Rockies
By Lexi Marshall
WHEN THE FIRST SNOW blankets the Rockies and the chairlifts begin their steady hum, two of Colorado’s most familiar ski towns—Vail and Breckenridge—are readying something more than just another winter season. This year, they’re blending their storied skiing roots with a fresh surge of style, design and culinary ambition. Off the slopes, the experience is getting a new polish; on them, the spirit of camaraderie remains intact—as Vail Resorts leans into the social side of skiing with a new offer that lets Epic Pass holders invite a friend to ski for half price.
VAIL: ELEVATED TRADITION
Few mountain towns capture winter magic quite like Vail, and this year, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail is at the heart of the excitement. The highlight is Tavernetta Vail, a collaboration with the James Beard Award–winning Frasca Hospitality Group. The menu celebrates the spirit of Italy’s alpine regions, with dishes such as linguini with Maine lobster or New York strip with Marsala truffle sauce. During Après-Tivo (Tavernetta’s spirited take on après ski), guests can “buzz for spritz” at the restaurant’s playful Spritz Window—a nod to the wine windows of Tuscany and Northern Italy.
Elsewhere on property, the reimagined spa beckons weary skiers with a multisensory experience from start to finish: the seasonal Haute Chocolate Ceremony. The treatment combines exfoliation with cacao and spice, a rain shower rinse and an application of a nutrient-rich botanical elixir, followed by a cooling facial massage, scalp treatment and restorative massage—all concluding fireside with a cup of The Remedy’s viral hot chocolate.
Another accommodation worth exploring is the Grand Hyatt Vail, a luxury ski-in/ski-out resort located along Gore Creek in Vail’s Cascade Village, offering direct access to the mountain via Chair 20. The property features stylish, alpine-inspired rooms and suites with mountain or creek views, a heated infinity-edge pool, two hot tubs and a full-service spa. A complimentary shuttle connects the resort to Vail and Lionshead villages for easy access to shopping, dining and nightlife.
Once the skis are stowed and the mountain glow sets in, the best way to end the day is with an unforgettable meal—and in Vail, that means Sweet Basil. The Michelin-recommended fine-dining spot is tucked in the heart of Vail Village. Expect dishes that surprise and delight—perhaps tempura-fried mahi mahi tacos with a punchy peanut salsa or a rich miso black garlic-glazed halibut—all paired with balanced cocktails or a glass from their standout wine list.
BRECKENRIDGE: BOUTIQUE COMFORT WITH A TWIST
A little closer to Denver, Breckenridge continues its evolution from laid-back ski town to polished mountain escape. Its historic charm remains intact, but a wave of boutique properties and new dining experiences is adding depth and sophistication to Main Street.
At the center of it all is The Carlin, Breckenridge’s “restaurant-with-rooms.” The property blends old-world elegance with contemporary mountain style—bright bay windows, private balconies and thoughtful details like Topo daypacks, Pendleton dog beds and plush robes welcome guests in from the cold. Below the suites, Tavern Underground offers a hidden speakeasy-style refuge for craft cocktails and elevated tavern fare, perfect for après ski or a late-night gathering among friends.
Just down the street, the new Hotel Alpenrock—a Curio Collection by Hilton property—brings a fresh, family-friendly spin on alpine sophistication. Opened last spring and preparing for its first full winter season, the 205-room property is conveniently situated between Peak 9 and Main Street. Be sure to visit The Canary, a moody speakeasy tucked behind a secret door. The hotel’s family-focused amenities—like the whimsical “Magical Moose Hotline,” for children’s bedtime stories—add warmth to its modern design, proving that high-end hospitality doesn’t have to be stuffy.
Then there’s the Gravity Haus Breckenridge—a lifestyle stay that fuses minimalist design with holistic wellness: Japanese-style onsen baths, group fitness and curated local adventures. It’s aimed at the modern mountain traveler for whom sustainability and style go hand in hand. Best of all, there’s also a location in Vail for those who want Gravity Haus to be their homebase for both destinations.
Breckenridge’s dining scene will reach new heights with Forage, a fine-dining restaurant opening in December. Led by chef Ryan Cook, the concept offers a 12-course, story-driven tasting menu inspired by Colorado’s art, history and nature. Guests can expect inventive touches—like cracking open a hand-crafted ice sphere to reveal a historically inspired cocktail. With more than 17 years of global experience, Cook aims to bring Breckenridge its first Michelin star—and he’s saving wall space for it.
From the cosmopolitan sophistication of Vail to Breckenridge’s intimate mountain charm, Colorado’s ski towns are redefining luxury for a new generation. Whether you come for the slopes or the spritz, the message is clear: This winter, indulgence lives in the high country.
