Pizza and a movie? Not here! When you have options like these for a night that will leave a serious impression, how can you resist? Excellent dining options abound in the Vail/Beaver Creek area, and people fight over their favorites in numerous “best of” restaurant lists, but that’s not what this compilation is about...this is the list for the enthusiastic eater with a sense of adventure!
10. Game Creek Club, Top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola - Lionshead (Vail)
From the ride up the gondola at dusk, you’ll see colorful alpenglow stretch across the Gore Range. This “reverse sunset” will complete with a sherbet sunset at the top. Ride comfortably in a passenger enclosed snow cat from the top of the mountain to a secluded restaurant perched over Vail’s first infamous “back bowl”. See if your servers know the stories behind the names of the ski runs and other local lore; the impeccable service is only a small part of your experience. This is a true 5 star dinner extravaganza with menu items that focus on the fresh and local (whenever possible) to present you with unique nightly menus.
*Reservations only, Prix fixe around $79 per person (not including alcohol)
*Chef’s Tasting, 5 courses $99 per person (highly recommended)
*Chef’s Tasting with wine pairings, add $45 per person
*Children 12 and under, $40, family seatings before 7pm
9. Tennessee Pass Cookhouse - Leadville/Camp Hale Historic area
A quiet backcountry escape that you’ll earn with a one mile snowshoe or cross country ski excursion through the woods to the rustic and comfortable structure, this trip is for those who really want a getaway. The short drive south of Vail first cruises through the old west town of Minturn, still known for terrific antique shopping, then follows the road steeply up to Camp Hale, the training location for the 10th Mountain Division soldiers, some of whom came back home after the war to create Vail. Your evening then turns into a human-powered adventure as you gather equipment from the on-site Nordic center and start on your trail. Upon arrival, the small and attentive staff take over with warm drinks and a gourmet meal that will surprise you with its quality and innovation. This is the place for story-telling, and star-gazing on your trip back to the modern age.
*Reservations only, Prix fixe around $89 per person (not including alcohol)
8. Street Beat Free Concert/Carriage Ride/Chef’sTable at Larkspur - Vail (VVF.org for concert schedule)
Each Wednesday night at 6pm the town of Vail provides a street party featuring big-name national musical acts that will have you dancing along with the locals. Following the festivity, board one of the waiting Carriages, drawn by Clydesdale horses for a picture perfect winter tour though Vail (expect to pay around $50 for the unforgettable experience). Warm up with the exclusive Chef’s Table at Larkspur (top photo) under the care of master chef (and storyteller) Thomas Salomunovich, whose culinary talents are frequently nationally showcased. As you begin to wrap up the evening, sit back and watch the fireworks over the Golden Peak portion of Vail, or look for shooting stars. *Chef's Table requires minimum 2 day advance reservation - $145 per person
7. Adventure Ridge, Top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola - Lionshead (Vail)
(vail.snow.com)
Bundle up your family or fun loving buddies and jump on the Gondola for a ride up to the high altitude playground that has a myriad of giggle-inducers! Skating, ski-biking, kid’s snowmobiles, bungee trampoline, “nature by night” and so much more will help you work up your appetite. The most popular activity, a gigantic tubing hill, saves your energy for multiple rides by towing the tube (and you!) back up the hill. Insider’s know that there are “kid’s only” groups available (like daytime ski-school) that can free up adults for other pursuits that aren’t nearly as fun, of course. Bistro Fourteen is ready for you with casual, hearty meals, but beware, this area gets really busy during holidays, map out your activity and dining strategy ahead of time.
*Activity prices range, plan on about $20/hour per person
*Dining is casual at around $15 per person, or you can eat in Lionshead
6. Glenwood Cavern Cave Tour/Historic Hotel Colorado/Glenwood Hot Springs - Glenwood Springs (45 minutes outside of Vail)
(glenwoodcaverns.com & hotspringspool.com)
If you need an escape to warm up chilled bodies, drive through stunning Glenwood canyon 35 miles west of Vail. Ride the Iron Mountain tram, enjoy a guided tour of the “fairy caves” and play at the on-site adventure park (“Swingshot” 1,500 feet over the river below, anyone?). There is so much to do in this hot springs centered resort town, that this is a great choice for a full day off of the slopes, too. Later, visit the historic and beautiful Hotel Colorado and enjoy a self guided tour with great stories of past visitors like President Roosevelt and Doc Holiday. After a meal at the hotel’s restaurant (currently in renovation, to re-open Thanksgiving, 2009) or any of the other varied dining options in town, heal your body in the world famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool.
*Tour/Tram Ride/Activities, plan on $25 per person
*Restaurant in Hotel Colorado, around $20 pp, or visit one of the many restaurants in town
*Hot spring admission prices average $18 per person
5. The Golden Eagle/The Vilar Center for the Performing Arts - Beaver Creek
(The Vilar Center Info is available at vvf.org)
Golden Eagle owner and manager Don Bird promises that you’ll get to your show after dinner without feeling rushed, simply enjoying your casually elegant meal that features numerous game choices. Consistently chosen as one of the best in the area, the excellence in the food is matched by the superior service. After dinner, pass by the ice skaters on the plaza then descend to another world of luxury in the intimate (530 seat) natural wood and stone formal Vilar Center Theatre to see world class music, dance and shows as varied as Savion Glover or Michael Bolton.
*Make sure you make any babysitting arrangements early! See additional information at the end of this article.
*Allow $35 per entrée, per person before alcohol
*Performance ticket prices vary with artist, range of $80 and up
4. 4 Eagle Ranch - Wolcott (Pick up from lodging in Vail/Beaver Creek)
(4eagleranch.com)
As authentic a western experience as you’ll find, when the shuttle from your lodge delivers you to this 125 year-old working ranch, you’ll be treated to warm drinks and warmer hospitality. The open air sleigh ride drawn by Belgian Draft horses through the ranchland includes numerous wildlife sightings, and the hearty, authentic smoked brisket bar-b-que, live music and massive open-hearth fireplace makes feel like you are part of this family owned and operated slice of history.
*All inclusive experience (but don’t forget the gratuity!)
*Approx. $110 per person, dependent upon alcohol
3. Vail Personal Chef - Tracey Coe (any lodging location in Vail/Beaver Creek)
(vailpersonalchef.com)
Your own Le Cordon Blue and Ritz Escoffier Paris trained private chef brings her long time local knowledge to your door—with any gourmet treat you can imagine. Available to drop off prepared meals or provide full service, Tracey magically transforms your lodging into a 5 star experience; you can wear what you like, invite friends, and enjoy the best leftovers you’ll ever have with this exclusive service. Challenge her to bring a “theme night”, or allow her to create an intimate evening from behind-the-scenes, this is the evening for ultimate convenience and luxury.
2. Beano’s Cabin - Beaver Creek
(beavercreek.snow.com)
Take a motorized open air sleigh ride from a private club in Beaver Creek to a 125 year-old restored homestead alongside a frozen creek and high country meadow. The log structure glows with up-scale yet rustic ambience, including a central rock fireplace, floor to ceiling windows, live music and impeccable service. Holidays are magical here, but it can get very busy, and food quality can suffer, so plan ahead to visit during a quieter time. The family of docile porcupines that lives in the area makes regular appearances to be fed from the deck, creating priceless memories 
(and pictures)! Insiders know to take the earliest seating available; it allows for better viewing of scenery and wildlife during dusk on the ride up.
*Reservations only! Families at early seating
*Expect $110 per person before alcohol and gratuities
1. Trapper’s Cabin - Beaver Creek
This is as exclusive and special as it gets, hands down! A custom designed escape to an entirely private cabin in Beaver Creek with your own “cabin keeper” and chef, snow cat transportation if you don’t care to ski in/out, access to private clubs and more. Every possible need is anticipated by your private staff from start to finish. The unobtrusive service provides warm robes when you step out of the hot tub on the deck (you can see everywhere, but no-one can see you), dried boots and ski clothing when you’re ready to play and other luxury touches at any given moment. The cabin manager is even there to help you put your ski boots on in the morning, or to set up your outdoor fire-ring in the evening for marshmallows. The entire experience is built upon your needs and almost any desire can be met with grace and polish. This is the most full service luxury escape you can find—your own cabin in the woods, access to private clubs throughout Beaver Creek an entire staff dedicated to just your needs.
*Prices vary, but plan on a minimum of $3,000/night
*4 Bed/4 bath complete private home cabin with stone fireplace, luxury kitchen, hot tub, game room and much more
*Multi-million dollar location with your own private staff and the best of everything (food, wine, more)
*Speak with Jamie Fisher, Director of Leisure Sales, Beaver Creek Resort at 970-754-5778 for special pricing with the mention of this article.
Photos courtesy of (from top to bottom): Ron Chapple Studios; Tennessee Pass Cookhouse; Larkspur; Glenwood Hot Springs; Beano's Cabin
Related Articles:
5-Star Massages at Local Prices in Vail/ Beaver Creek
Great list! Live web links?
This is a really enticing list of adventures. Some of us aren't skiers, but love to accompany friends and family.
Perhaps the web links accompanying the articles should be live. It would probably be a good way to let those sites know that they're receiving traffic from your article.
Post new comment