Vail is a perennial favorite when it comes to winter travel—for good reason. This charming mountain town boasts the largest ski area in all of Colorado, offering 5,317 acres of terrain to explore (plus another 2,000 acres at nearby Beaver Creek Resort). Beyond the slopes, it’s brimming with world-class shops, restaurants, hotels and museums.
But Vail is constantly reinventing itself—which is good news if you’re craving a bit of novelty during your next trip up. From scrumptious new restaurants to beautifully renovated hotels, here’s what’s new in Vail this winter.
Enjoy a Chef-Prepared ‘Slopeside Supper’ at Antlers at Vail
Booking a condo is one of the coziest ways to spend a relaxing winter weekend in Vail. More room to spread out, a living room for kicking back after a day on the slopes and a kitchen for preparing yummy, soul-warming meals when you don’t feel like going out.
But, sometimes, it’s nice to have these creature comforts without worrying about lugging groceries along. Antlers at Vail has come up with a genius alternative. This winter, the spacious condominium complex is offering a new “Slopeside Special” stay-and-dine package that includes a free chef-prepared dinner.
Barry Robinson, an award-winning international chef who has cooked for Hollywood actors and rock stars, will prepare you a delicious, nutritious home-cooked meal. When you return from the slopes, all you have to do is kick back and enjoy your dinner.
Six family-style options are available: beef and vegetable stew; lasagna; roasted herb chicken and rice pilaf; spaghetti and meatballs; chicken pot pie ragout; and Hungarian beef goulash.
Beyond this hassle-free perk, a stay at Antlers at Vail includes locally roasted coffee beans, loaner snow sleds, soothing hot tubs with views of Vail Mountain, covered parking, daily housekeeping and high-speed Wi-Fi.
It’s conveniently located right next to the Eagle Bahn Gondola at the base of Lionshead Village, and many condos have balconies that overlook scenic Gore Greek.
Whether you’re traveling with a big group or planning a romantic couples getaway, Antlers at Vail has a fully equipped condominium for you—choose from studios, one, two, three and four bedrooms.
Relax in Style at The Chalet at Four Seasons Resort and Residence Vail
Schlepping your gear around is undoubtedly one of the worst parts of planning a ski trip. But when you stay at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, you don’t have to worry about that one bit. This winter, the property is unveiling The Chalet, a fully renovated guest-only ski lounge and concierge experience.
Nestled in the heart of Vail Village, the newly reimagined retreat features modern locker rooms, a retail shop offering the latest ski equipment and a private lounge with sweeping views of Vail Village and the surrounding mountains. Designed by Studio Collective, The Chalet offers direct access to Gondola One.
In the upper-level lounge, guests can make themselves right at home among the high ceilings, large windows, warm finishes and plush seating.
“The Chalet sets a new standard for your skiing experience and is also an invitation to pause and fully immerse yourself in our sophisticated lounge,” says Jerome Arribas, general manager at Four Seasons Vail.
If you’re in need of even more relaxation, make your way to the hotel’s recently redesigned spa. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities, the spa offers a range of rejuvenating rituals and has exclusive partnerships with brands like EviDenS, GROUND Wellbeing and Comfort Zone.
“We are incredibly excited about the launch of our newly redesigned spa and the introduction of our holistic wellness program,” says Lana Labrecque, director of leisure and wellness at Four Seasons Resort Vail. “This transformation allows us to offer our guests an unmatched spa experience here in the Vail Valley, combining bespoke treatments within a serene and inviting atmosphere.”
Savor Italian Cuisine and Wines at Tavernetta Vail
Frasca Hospitality Group—the talented team behind Frasca Food and Wine, Pizzeria Alberico, Osteria Alberico, Sunday Vinyl and Tavernetta—is expanding into the mountains. This winter, the group is debuting Tavernetta Vail, the new flagship restaurant at Four Seasons Vail.
“We are excited to bring the Tavernetta brand to Four Seasons Vail,” says Bobby Stuckey, co-founder of Frasca Hospitality Group. “Four Seasons shares our commitment to hospitality excellence, and we look forward to welcoming guests to this world-class destination.”
READ MORE: Michelin Unveils 2024 Guide for Colorado Restaurants
Tavernetta Vail’s menu features dishes inspired by the diverse regions of Italy—think: the rustic handmade pasta of Tuscany, the bold flavors of Sicily and the alpine-inspired fare of Alto Adige.
Menu items include Linguini with Maine Lobster, featuring Calabrian chile, preserved tomato, and celery; Vitello Tonnato, featuring roasted veal with tonnato sauce, caper and finger lime; and Manzo, featuring New York strip steak with cauliflower and marsala black truffle sauce.
You can also sip Italian wines and Italian-driven spirits and digestifs.
“At Tavernetta Vail, our menu draws inspiration from the diverse culinary traditions across Italy, with a special emphasis on the flavors of northern Italy, resonant with our mountain setting,” says Ethan Diamant, chef de cuisine at Tavernetta Vail. “Alpine-inspired Italian cuisine, while perhaps less familiar than other Italian regions, embodies a comforting warmth and genuine hospitality that we’re thrilled to bring to life. Partnering with local purveyors, I’m excited to work with our team to craft dishes that celebrate our regional ingredients, sharing our passion for Italian cuisine and world-class hospitality with the Vail community.”
READ MORE: Frasca Celebrates 20 Years in Boulder
Plan a Trip Around Beaver Creek’s Culinary Event Series
This season, Beaver Creek Resort is launching a new culinary event series called “The Alpine Table: A Cabin Chef Series.” Spread across three weekends in January, February and March, the intimate events will feature multi-course tasting menus created by chefs from Michelin-recognized Colorado restaurants and the resort’s renowned fine-dining cabins.
Beano’s Cabin x Blackbelly Market & Restaurant – January 26-27
The series kicks off at Beano’s Cabin, with executive chef Mackenzie Nicholson welcoming guest chef Hosea Rosenberg from Blackbelly Market & Restaurant in Boulder.
Zach’s Cabin x Beckon – February 23-24
Next up, Zach’s Cabin executive chef Jonathan Alonso will team up with guest chef Duncan Holmes from Denver’s Michelin-starred restaurant Beckon.
Allie’s Cabin x Tavernetta Vail – March 27-28
Finally, the series will conclude with a collaboration between Ethan Diamant, chef de cuisine at the newly opened Tavernetta Vail, and Jilian Shaw, executive chef at Allie’s Cabin.
READ MORE: Exploring Beaver Creek’s Culinary Scene
Check Into the Newly Refreshed Rooms at The Westin Riverfront
Just in time for ski season, The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley has unveiled newly refreshed guest rooms.
The extensive revamp includes mountain modern furniture—including Next Generation Heavenly Beds—as well as new Western artwork, lighting, flooring, bathroom vanities and mirrors, and more.
The property, which has 230 guest residents ranging from studios to spacious 3-bedroom condos, donated the former room furnishings to Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley and Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley to be sold at local ReStore locations.
While you’re there, be sure to grab an apres-ski drink at the Lookout Bar, which opened this summer on the fifth floor of the One Riverfront development.
Satisfy Everyone’s Cravings At Avanti Vail
You already know and love Avanti Food & Beverage in Boulder and Denver. Now, you can enjoy the same upscale food hall vibes in Vail, thanks to a joint $4 million investment in the Golden Peak base area made by Vail Mountain and Avanti Food & Beverage.
Located at the base of the Riva Bahn Express (No. 6), Avanti Vail features five different food concepts—so everyone in your crew can order whatever they’re craving in the moment. For sushi and ramen fans, there’s Glo. Want a hearty smash burger, chicken sandwich or Philly cheesesteak? Head to Backyard Burgers. Boychik offers up Mediterranean fare, Powder Crust Pizza makes handmade pies, and Detoor Day Cafe and Après Brasserie is an all-day eatery.
Try the Latest Ski and Snowboard Models With a My Epic Gear Membership
Want to try out the latest and greatest ski and snowboard models, without having to commit for the entire season? Consider a My Epic Gear membership, a brand new program created by Vail Resorts.
Available at 12 resorts, including Vail Ski Resort and Beaver Creek Resort, the membership unlocks access to more than 60 of the most popular and latest ski and snowboard models from 13 leading brands, including Atomic, Salomon, K2, Blizzard, Rossignol, Stöckli, Nordica, Völkl, Burton Snowboards, Lib Tech, Salomon, Jones Snowboards, Ride Snowboards and CAPiTA.
The program also includes free in-resort delivery or free daily slopeside pick-up and drop-off.
Members can try a different pair of skis on any day, get boots with personalized insoles and the latest BOA performance fit system, enjoy personalized gear recommendations and enjoy other perks. If you find a ski or snowboard you love at the beginning of a season, you can also get that model any day of the season, fully tuned, with a 7-day advanced reservation.
The whole experience is managed through the My Epic app. Memberships are $50 for the season, plus a $55 daily use fee for adults and a $45 daily use fee for children. You can save $5-$10 if you bring your own boots.
“Having the right gear is essential to the experience of every skier and rider, however, the traditional model of gear ownership and gear rental has not changed in decades,” says Kirsten Lynch, chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “My Epic Gear reimagines gear ownership and gear rental, providing more choice, lower cost and no hassle. Travelers no longer have to haul their equipment cross-country; frequent skiers and riders can try the latest gear and get different gear for different conditions; and for kids, their gear grows with them.”
