Elite Traveler January-February 2017

INSPIRE COLORADO

dispersed across four distinct mountains, Vail offers 5,289 acres in its single ski area, on top of which your lift pass gives access to an additional 1,832 acres of neighboring Beaver Creek. Vail fans love the convenience of its lively, car-free center and various village base stations while dedicated Aspenites point to their exceptional cultural and foodie scene. Both resorts guarantee manicured trails, superb backcountry terrain and attentive service on and off the mountain. Personally, I'm content to be testing out the slopes of both ski icons as part of the ultimate Colorado ski safari. I struck upon the idea for my airborne adventure while mapping out the 470-mile drive from Vail to Aspen and on to Crested Butte and Telluride. As it dawned on me I'd spend some 10 hours on the road, I realized I could cover the same distance in 45 minutes by jetting into each of those resorts' private airports. It was, in ski bum terms, a no brainer. My air trip started in Vail, and following in the footsteps of many a Vail aficionado, I transferred directly to the Sonnenalp. The hotel is owned and run by the Faessler family, who opened their first guesthouse in the Bavarian Alps in 1919. Inspired by Vail's energy and optimism, the

Top: Scarp Ridge Lodge A restored 19th century miner's hall in Crested Butte, the lodge has automated oxygen delivery in the bedrooms to counteract the altitude Left: Pioneer Canyon Ranch A stunning home from home in the

Snowmass ski area Top right: Crested

Butte boarder 85 percent of Crested Butte's marked ski trails are rated intermediate and above