Ski Resort Hotels that “Elevate” your experience

Published by Marylyn on November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to spend time at some beautiful properties. There are many types of lodgings dotting the landscape around ski resorts…..from classic B and Bs, to AirBnBs, to slopeside condos, to iconic resort style hotels…This page pays homage to my favorite mountain retreats.

1. Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley Utah. This is a hotel that was inspired by the classic European ski lodges of the past. The moment you step into the front lobby of the main lodge, you are whisked across the pond to old world Norway. This space beckons you to sink into the overstuffed sofas and chairs, place your hot toddy on a nearby handcarved blondwood table, and enjoy the vibe of upscale but hearty patrons wandering through in their Gorsuch attire. It is another world, and it is the perfect place to end your day on the slopes. The fondue in Glitterand is an apres ski treat. The breakfast buffet, complete with gourmet eggs benedict of the day, housemade granola, and the most mouth watering bacon I’ve ever tasted, makes it hard to leave your table and get out on the slopes each morning. The wonderful valets helping you into and out of your ski boots, and then offering you a steamy hot chocolate aren’t too shabby either! This has been the standard for ski resort hotels, and although the St Regis and Montage have upped the game in Deer Valley, with regard to luxury…..I’d still prefer to stay in old world “Norway”.

2. Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek Beaver Creek is a classic self-contained village equipped with a world-class ski mountain, 5 star resort hotels, an ice skating rink, high end resort shopping, art galleries, and an award winning performing arts center. It is not as big as some of the other top resort towns, but it proves that quality means so much more than quantity! At the bottom of the Centennial Lift, perfectly positioned for ski in/out, sits my favorite 5 star in the region, The Park Hyatt.

This hotel was where our family “cut it’s teeth” in our skiing out west adventures. It was a good choice, as the location is perfect for families, and the amenities were fabulous. The rooms are not exceptional, yet they are spacious and comfortable. What distinguishes the hotel, is the beautiful Western inspired grand lobby, the outside firepit, nearby icebar and array of hot tubs and pool. Most importantly, it was the instant vibe of community that enveloped our family.

The Park Hyatt staff makes it a priority to know its customers. Our boys became pals with the ski valet, and marveled that the waiters around the hot tubs knew that they liked THREE cherries in their Roy Rogers. Each afternoon, there were families gathered around the fire pit toasting homemade marshmallows for S’mores, a complimentary provision by the hotel. The daily entertainment both in the lobby and near the firepit set a mood that spoke to the convivial crowd. If you want a 5 star experience, a mountain with a variety of challenge, and especially a family friendly setting……look no further than the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. You might just see me sipping a hot toddy at the firepit!

3. Hotel Jerome, Aspen Aspen, ski resort of the rich and famous…. I do love Aspen, but I would not promote it as a family friendly resort town. For families looking to dip in and out of this scene, I would suggest a stay in Snowmass, where there are well located condominiums and resorts….and a less aggressive Apre Ski scene. But, if you are looking to do an adult only Ski Getaway, then put Aspen on your bucket list, and stay at the Hotel Jerome.

The Hotel Jerome is not ski on/off, and it doesn’t lament that fact. It is a well heeled hotel dripping with historic Western personality. The lobby and the adjoining Living Room and J Bar are so enticing that it’s sometimes hard to venture out into town. You are not staying here to hit the slopes for first tracks. There is ski valet on premises, and a car service to take you the six blocks to the lifts, but the people that stay at the Jerome are enjoying a leisurely breakfast, taking in the slopes if the conditions are pristine, and then enjoying their fine location right in the heart of Aspen.

One other exceptional thing about the Jerome….the concierge and activities staff will plan and implement any adventure, culinary experience, or shopping excursion that you might request. They pride themselves on not just being a ski town hotel, but an extraordinary home base for those who want to experience the ski lives of the rich and famous!