LUXURY ON THE SLOPES
U.S. ski resorts now offering ski-in, ski-out for bars and spas
Ski resorts are upping the ante, finding new ways this season to pamper guests who barely want to leave the slopes.
Ski-in, ski-out used to just refer to prime lodgings that didn’t require a shuttle — or even a walk — to get to the trails. Today that coveted designation has been expanded to bars and even spa treatments. It’s the ultimate in luxury — or laziness.
“Resorts want to differentiate themselves from one another,” says Jennifer Rudolph, spokeswoman for Colorado Ski Country USA. “It’s a standout perk that guests both want to try — and appreciate — at the same time.”
Helping this movement is the changing geography of resorts. Base areas have been reshaped in the past decade, with trails and lifts realigned to better suit real estate developers and expand the number of ski-in, ski-out properties.
Here is a look at some of the skiin, ski-out options available this season.
SPA TREATMENTS, VICEROY SNOWMASS, COLO.
Most spas offer a place to unwind, linger and escape the rush of modern life. At the Viceroy Snowmass, skiers now have another option: two quick treatments designed as a mid-day break from the rigours of skiing.
One treatment focuses on rejuvenating skiers’ feet, with a warm bath, exfoliating scrub, cuticle grooming, hot stone massage and ending with a moisturizing cream. The other focuses on warning up hands and feet with coconut oil. Each treatment costs US$95 and is 30 minutes long.
They were designed “to give guests an opportunity to warm up, relax and give their feet some relief after being in ski boots,” says the Viceroy’s general manager Hugh Templeman. “The treatments are perfect for anyone who wants to ski for the entire ski day, but seeks a restorative respite from the elements mid-day.”
ICE LOUNGE, WALDORF ASTORIA PARK CITY, UTAH
Forget ending your day on the mountain with a cold beer. This season, apres ski is going upscale at the Waldorf Astoria Park City. The hotel is partnering with Champagne maker Moet to build a $20,000 ski-in, ski-out Arctic Ice Lounge that includes ice sculptures of penguins (Moet’s mascot), igloos and ice seating for guests.
The bar will feature Champagne flights, bottle service and handcrafted Champagne-based cocktails, as well as menu items themed around a raw bar concept such as oysters, caviar and sashimi.
Glasses of Moet Ice will be $19, $40 for a flight and $95 for a bottle. Cocktails will be $12. It’s scheduled to open Jan. 15, a few days before the Sundance Film Festival, which starts Jan. 21 this year.
BOURBON PEDICURES, PARK HYATT BEAVER CREEK, COLO.
This slopeside resort is pairing booze with pedicures, an end-ofthe-day relaxation routine that can be enjoyed moments after popping out of your skis and leaving them with the valet.
The two different pedicure options (both 55 minutes, $90) include a bourbon drink for the hotel’s newly expanded bar menu.
And, when guests are ready to get back on the mountain, their heated boots are ready for them.
GOURMET HOTDOG CART, FOUR SEASONS RESORT & RESIDENCES, JACKSON HOLE, WYO.
When it snows at Jackson Hole, skiers are hesitant to step off the mountain, even for a minute. But racing down the mountain all day burns a lot of calories.
So the Four Seasons Resort & Residences found a solution: a gourmet hotdog cart, steps from the ski area’s lifts and gondola. This season’s menu includes elk chili, smoked buffalo bratwurst, warm chocolate chip cookies and — since you are on vacation — local beers on tap and hot chocolate with or without peppermint schnapps.