Million Air November-December 2018

elite traveler NOV/DEC 2018 127

Sweet Basil's Palisade Peach Gazpacho with almonds, cucumber, crispy ginger and lime yogurt

We love… the Epic Pass This season marks the 10th anniversary of the Epic Pass, which has expanded each year. In addition to access to all of Vail, as well as many other top-notch Colorado ski towns, the Epic Pass can take you Tahoe, Whistler, Park City and even Europe. Epic, indeed. epicpass.com

MOUNTAIN MEALS

White Bison This cozy spot in the heart of Vail Village is family friendly, but still has the culinary chops Vail requires. Après with scrumptious fish and al pastor tacos or its famous bison hot wings and sip a cocktail with a name that’ll make those around you laugh when you order, such as Yes, We Have Tito’s, or if you’re a beer drinker, perhaps the Angry Dad, a shot of bourbon and a Budweiser. For dinner, head off the beaten path with the bison strip steak served with huckleberries and sauce Diane, or the local Rocky Mountain trout. whitebisonvail.com

Larkspur In summer, the idyllic location

Game Creek Restaurant After the sun sets, head back up in the gondola and hop into a snowcat for a slightly terrifying ride through the darkness to an unforgettable evening at Game Creek Restaurant. You’ll be rewarded for your bravery with superb service, an award-winning wine list and a fine-dining experience like no other. Indulge in the tasting menu and choose from dishes like butternut squash soup with vanilla, lobster and sage; quail with game sausage and sour-cherry emulsion; and a classic beef filet with Robuchon potatoes, truffle and foie gras. gamecreekvail.com

Sweet Basil A local institution for more than 40 years — it is so popular that its owners opened another restaurant, Mountain Standard, just around the corner — Sweet Basil is quite simply a must for anyone visiting Vail. The menu changes frequently and focuses on freshness and what’s in season. End your night with the hot sticky toffee pudding cake, which has held a spot on the menu since 1998. Make your reservations far in advance if you’re after a prime dinner spot; tables at lunch are easier to come by. sweetbasilvail.com

overlooking Gore Range is closed to the public and only hosts private events. But in winter, Larkspur offers one of the city’s most elegant dining experiences. It’s open daily for lunch and après; warm up with the velvety onion soup or grilled cheese and tomato soup, or share a pizza and a round of drinks with your group. On Friday and Saturday nights, those in the know head here for a sophisticated evening and dishes like strip steak with shaved foie gras and mushroom soubise, or yellowfin tuna persillade. larkspurvail.com

WHERE TO STAY

FIVE-BEDROOMPENTHOUSE The Ritz-Carlton Residences

ARRABELLE CHALET The Arrabelle Resort

SIX-BEDROOMDESIGNER RESIDENCE Four Seasons Resort and Residences This contemporary penthouse spans an incredible 7,743 sq ft. Each of the six bedrooms is decorated in an ultra-modern version of mountain-lodge chic, with a palette of greys and natural materials. The centerpiece is the expansive kitchen, dining and living room, which opens onto a beautiful terrace with an infinity-edge hot tub overlooking the mountain and Vail Village. While the property is not ski-in, ski-out, it has a ski concierge near Gondola One who will store your gear in high-tech lockers with air-drying features, and help you into warmed boots each morning. After a day on the slopes, head to the popular Remedy Bar for the bison flatbread pizza and the decadent Haute Chocolate. From$18,000 per night in winter. Contact Cristina Athey, travel industry sales manager, cristina.athey@fourseasons.com, +1 970 477 8823, fourseasons.com

This two-story, five-bedroom residence has double- height ceilings in the living room; its sliding doors lead you onto a terrace with unparalleled mountain views, thanks to its prime location in Lionshead Village. Inside, the lower level houses three bedrooms and the main living areas, while upstairs has a pool table, games area, two bedrooms and bunk beds in the loft. Enjoy a private après on your terrace as you watch the day’s last skiers wind their way down the slopes. The modern, high-tech kitchen is perfect for a fun evening cooking at home, but if you want to send the concierge to pick up pizzas from BlueMoose Pizza instead, we won’t judge. The ski shuttle will take you to the slopes each morning, and friendly staff will load and unload your skis. From$5,600 per night. Contact Derek Schmidt, property manager, dschmidt3@vailresorts.com, +1 970 754 3623, ritzcarlton.com

Just steps from Eagle Bahn Gondola, the Arrabelle Resort is one of Vail’s only true ski-in, ski-out hotels. While you’ll find Bavarian influences throughout the village, there isn’t a better example than the Arabelle Chalet. Its sumptuous decor is far from traditional Rocky Mountain–chic, and includes crystal chandeliers, a marble chef’s kitchen and dramatic furniture. There are two master suites, each with a stone fireplace, so it’s perfect for a group trip. The wraparound terrace has a grill, as well as stunning views of the ice-skating rink, village and the mountain. Its location in the heart of Lionshead Square invites you to stroll around after a day on the slopes, soaking in the atmosphere and the buzz of excited skiers as they finish the day’s final run. From$10,000 per night. Contact BlairWilson, client experience director, blair@cuvee.com, +1 720 708 2204, cuvee.com