Vail isn’t like any other Colorado ski town. Uniquely, it smacks of Italy’s Dolomites and those storybook Italian mountain villages that edge Austria’s border. There’s a reason for it. Vail was the brainchild of Pete Seibert, a super skier who served in World War II as part of the US Army’s skiing soldiers — the storied 10th Mountain Division. Working and s-turning through Italy’s mountain hamlets in war time, Seibert fell in love with the culture.
Smitten, he brought that passion home with him, determined to recreate it in Colorado. In 1962 his dream came to fruition: a fairytale ski village with sgrafitto chalets, cobbled streets, hearty bonhomie and gingerbread enchantment. As a new built village and nascent ski resort with a Tyrolean theme, Vail might have been a disaster — a Disneyland or Las Vegas version of the real thing. But, Seibert kept his eyes on the project for decades as it evolved into one of the world’s most sought-after winter destinations.
Today, Vail handily reflects European Alpine coziness, while still being slickly American. The glitzy town suggests the Tyrol — but tinged with new world chic. It’s glamorous but folksy; both Moncler puffers and lederhosen, if you will. Summoning both a touch of Europe and smattering of Colorado mountain man, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail stands tall as the tony town’s top hotel. Located at the gateway to Vail Village, it lies a short ski-skate away from the best restaurants and shops in town.
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Stay
Facing the mountains, the slightly high rise structure wraps around a glimmering pool, as fetching as an Alpine lake. Though modern in spirit, the hotel’s interiors harmonize with Vail’s Alpine theme subtly, while always conjuring contemporary splendor. Design influences draw from nature’s bounty, never competing with the outdoors but honoring it.
All 90 guest rooms feel spacious, with 20 suites and 23 residences summoning veritable penthouse vibes. Casually genteel service throughout matches guests’ expectations. Always polished Four Seasons Vail perpetually refurbishes. To whit, they’ve recently introduced re-imagined suites, a refreshed spa and a new flagship restaurant.
I luxuriated with my brood in the newly re-minted Crestone Suite, a 1,000-sq-ft dreamscape with a terrace and panoramic windows that overlook the pool and slopes. Residential, with urbane Italian underpinnings, the suite references the mountain landscape with felt, leather, wood and stone elements. An opulent bolthole, it features not just one gas burning stone fireplace, but two, plus an alluring white marble bathroom.
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Dine
Bursting onto Vail’s already heady culinary scene with a bang — and a decidedly Italian accent — Tavernetta Vail launched in time for ski season, offering a taste of northern Italy that fits into Vail’s Dolomite’s-obsessed undercurrent.
As the resort’s new flagship eatery, it pays homage to Italy’s Alpine region with classics, including pastas, risottos and Florentine-style steak. The small Speyside Cafe provides an elevated caffeine fix, while Remedy mixes unique cocktails and serves elevated bar food — with a view. Don’t miss hot chocolate or champagne at the pool bar.
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Relax
Some people snowboard just so they have an excuse to go to the spa afterward. Reopening last summer as the ultimate sanctuary of salubrity, Four Seasons Vail’s dynamic spa recharges spirits and repairs mogul-pounded bodies in 13 state-of-the-art treatment rooms. With a mission to support guests with ‘rest, recovery, sleep and slowing down,’ the spa kindles tranquility with a roster of new, effective treatments.
Try The Signature Extreme 360° Beauty Ceremony, in partnership with EviDenS, a facial therapy which made me look ten years younger for days. Or, seek forty winks with the Sleep Ritual, executed with Ground Wellbeing products. Its flowing massage technique and guided breath work effectively triggers the deepest slumber.
With a party spirit, the festive, huge, heated outdoor swimming pool serves as a hotel centerpiece for families and couples alike. A yoga room and well-equipped fitness center provide indoor workout options when staying inside appeals.
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Explore
Winter play rules in Vail, whether skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, dog sledding or snow shoeing. With ski valets poised to coordinate your boot fitting, lift tickets and organize in-residence custom fittings in your room, Four Seasons Vail long has simplified the pre-ski pandemonium process.
But with The Chalet, a new slope-side outpost at the base of Gondola One, luxuriously connected to the hotel by a heated path, Four Seasons Vail outperforms itself in its desire to support a stellar ski vacation. The guest-only, multi-level lounge features locker rooms, a ski rental nook and an upper story lounge with views for unwinding beside the fire after a day on the slopes.
Summer pastimes include hiking, biking, white water rafting and fly fishing — not to mention music and dance performances at the Gerald R Ford Amphitheater. Dozens of public artworks pepper the streets of Vail. Learn about them on a (seasonal) art walk with Art in Public Places coordinator, Molly Eppard, who curates the collection.
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