Seventh heaven awaits at Beaver Creek, Vail

Looking to get your snow on? Vail, the largest resort in the U.S., and nearby Beaver Creek — both of which are part of the Vail Resorts conglomerate — are known for fluffy powder everywhere you turn. Here are seven can’t-miss things to see and do on a trip to the Colorado Rockies:

1

Just because you’re skiing doesn’t mean you can’t look good. Volunteers will hand out a Kleenex when you arrive in the mountaintop lodge for a break, and the slipper room and hair station at The 10th, the newest on-mountain restaurant at Vail, lets you get out of your boots into comfy slippers, fix that helmet hair and dine on contemporary cuisine at this gorgeous spot.

2

10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company has a new tasting room in Vail’s village, where you can try the bourbon, whisky and even moonshine. As sales rep Mark McDonnell says, “We’re ski bums who make liquor” — fine liquor, particularly the bourbon. “And we thank you. You will never hear that from Grey Goose,” McDonnell says. And you are in good hands: the owners went to Moonshine University in Louisville, Ky. Yes, it’s a real place.

3

Simply known as The 10th, 10th Mountain is referenced often in the area. It’s a nod to the infantry division of the same name whose members trained in the 1940s just south of what is now Vail. Several members of the 10th returned from the Second World War and were involved in the development of local skiing.

4

Speaking of which, try lunch at the 10th, where executive chef Vishwatej Nath says he spent two years to perfect bread-making at an elevation of over 2,400 metres. The focaccia and house-smoked trout sandwich with belly bacon and Boursin caper cream is unforgettable. Other spots to try: Lionshead Village’s Tavern on the Square, or Talons at Beaver Creek with its European-inspired menu.

5

For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Elway’s, Osprey Lounge, Matsuhisa Vail or Beano’s Cabin. These four spots offer such a contrast of styles, you’d be wise to try them all. Elway’s, named for former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway, is the place for steak. The Osprey Lounge serves its brilliant take on ravioli — a huge, single pocket filled with butternut squash and pesto. Matsuhisa’s high-end Japanesefusion is an adventure of tastes and textures. In Beaver Creek, hop on a snowcat for a quick trip up to Beano’s Cabin, where a five-course dinner awaits.

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At Beaver Creek, when you finish for the day, there are freshbaked chocolate-chip cookies waiting for you at the base.

7

Skiing, boarding or cruising, Vail is sublime, with incredible powder back bowls and glade skiing. You can easily do 20,000 vertical the first day. Be sure to ski Beaver Creek, where the perfectly groomed cruisers are a little slice of heaven.