By Theresa DeMaria
This holiday season, I had the incredible opportunity to experience alpine opulence at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, nestled in Colorado’s breathtaking Vail Valley. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the seamless blend of luxury and adventure that defined every moment of my stay. As one of the last true ski-in, ski-out resorts, this stunning property made accessing Beaver Creek Mountain’s pristine slopes an effortless delight.
The Ski Concierge and Ski Valet services were a game-changer. I didn’t have to lift a finger when it came to my gear. Every morning, my skis were ready and waiting, and the team ensured everything was perfectly organized. This convenience allowed me to focus solely on the thrill of carving through the mountain’s diverse terrain, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black diamonds.
When I wasn’t skiing, the resort offered countless ways to enjoy the Rockies. One of my favorite activities was the sunset snowshoe hike. Walking through the snowy trails as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the mountains, was an experience I’ll never forget. On a separate truly magical evening, I also joined a full moon snowshoe tour, which revealed the silvery, moonlit beauty of the landscape. Both adventures ended perfectly with signature cocktails by the roaring fire in The Great Room.
For families, The Ritz-Carlton truly shines. I met several parents who couldn’t stop raving about the Ritz Kids and Ski Nanny programs. These services made the trip stress-free for them, as their children were cared for and entertained with creative, adventurous programs or escorted to their ski lessons. It’s clear the resort knows how to cater to every guest, no matter their age.
Dining at The Ritz-Carlton was an experience in itself. WYLD, honored with a second Michelin Guide Recommended distinction in Colorado’s Michelin Guide and Wine Spectator’s Best of Awards Excellence list, completely lived up to its reputation. Each dish, crafted with hyper-seasonal ingredients by Executive Chef Jasper Schneider, was a masterpiece. The bold flavors and impeccable presentation left me eagerly anticipating the next course. On another evening, I indulged at Sakaba, an intimate sushi lounge where fresh fish flown in from Japan 2 – 3 times a week is paired perfectly with artisanal sake. I even witnessed the traditional Kagami Biraki ceremony on New Year’s Eve, which felt like a special nod to the coming year’s good fortune.
For something more casual but equally satisfying, Buffalos offered hearty comfort food with a Rocky Mountain twist. Their Bison chili was a standout dish, and the family après-ski experience, complete with s’mores and gourmet hot chocolate, added a playful and cozy touch to the evening. The heated terrace was an ideal spot to unwind after a day on the slopes.
When it was time to relax, the spa became my sanctuary. The 21,000-square-foot oasis was everything I needed after an active day. I treated myself to the Alpenglow body wrap and soaked in the stone-lined grotto, letting my sore muscles recover while surrounded by serene mountain-inspired decor. It was pure bliss.
The holiday season added an extra layer of magic to the experience. During the 13 Days of Wonder, the resort came alive with festive programming. From cookie decorating and ornament-making workshops to encounters with Santa’s reindeer, there was something enchanting around every corner. I particularly enjoyed the tree lighting ceremony, which marked the official start of the season with live music and a warm, joyful atmosphere.
Every detail at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is meticulously curated, and it’s clear that the resort takes immense pride in delivering exceptional service. Whether it was helping me plan my day, ensuring my ski gear was perfectly managed, or simply greeting me with a warm smile, they made my stay unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a winter or early spring retreat that combines adventure, relaxation, and unparalleled luxury, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch should be at the top of your list. I left with memories to last a lifetime and can’t wait to return next season.
For more information, call +1 (970) 748-6200 or visit The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Follow on Instagram @theritzcarltonbachelorgulch and Facebook @theritzcarltonbachelorgulch.
