With autumn finally cooling the weather outside our New York offices, now is a perfect time to start looking ahead to the coming ski season. If you’re stuck for something new to do on (or off) the slopes, here is a list of updates within easy striking distance of the lower 48 to get you inspired for the winter.
The Lodge at Vail, A Rock Resort is getting a major update this winter. The property is set to debut new renovations to 56 of its hotel rooms, including interior finishes, furnishings, soft goods, lighting and the installation of air conditioning. Additionally, the property is upgrading its corridors, main stairways and lobby. The design for these renovations is said to be a combination of “modern comfort and chic décor.”
The latest updates build on several older improvements at the property. In 2008, the Lodge refurbished its International Wing of hotel rooms and ballroom and also added a new RockResorts Spa and fitness center. Last summer, the property’s pool area got a makeover, and this past winter the resort revamped the bar at Cucina.
At Aspen/Snowmass, the Limelight Hotel has updated the décor of all 126 of its guest rooms in warm colors and textures combined with patterns inspired by nature. The rooms now offer lounge-style seating with work-height coffee tables.
Pictured: Vail’s returning Décimo nightclub offers dancing at over 10,000 feet.
At The Little Nell, the property has redesigned its six Executive Suites under the direction of interior designer Holly Hunt. The new look is modeled on the theme of “Aspen modern,” with whites, grays, blues and natural colors complementing the views of Aspen Mountain. The rooms now also have Fila D’Oro linens and custom art hand-selected by Aspen Skiing Company owner Paula Crown.
Of course no ski vacation would be complete without an excellent place to après. And what better venue than the mountain itself?
This winter, Vail Mountain is bringing back the Décimo mid-mountain nightclub experience. The club, which debuted last March, sits 10,250 feet above sea level and will return for six nights only. Previous performers include three-time Grammy nominee, DJ, producer and artist Paul Oakenfold.
Guests access Décimo via Gondola One in Vail Village, which has heated cabins for the ride up the mountain. The club also offers VIP tables and bottle service.
Currently scheduled Décimo dates for the upcoming winter season include Wednesday, December 31, 2014; Saturday, January 24, 2015; Friday, January 30, 2015; Friday, February 13, 2015; Friday, March 6, 2015; and Thursday, April 2, 2015.
The Little Nell in Aspen recently remodeled its Executive Suites.
Speaking of après, Utah is continuing to add to its culinary scene. In Park City, the new Burgers & Bourbon draws on the area’s growing small-batch distillery scene to pair a massive whiskey selection with eight signature burgers. Diners can choose from more than 100 large- and small-batch whiskey purveyors, and the burgers can incorporate anything from Wagyu to Ahi Peppercorn, turkey or bison—all using cheeses and vegetables from local Utah farms and dairies. Additionally, the restaurant offers spiked hand-spun shakes that pair a select whiskey with each flavored malt. The restaurant is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Montage Deer Valley.
Also at Montage Deer Valley, the Vista Lounge and Terrace has undergone a complete reimagining. The lounge now offers billiard tables, a board game concierge, a shared-plate menu with items like cheese fondue and shellfish platters, and live music seven nights a week. New for 2015, an ice-skating rink with complimentary admission has been added outside the lounge.
At Deer Valley Resort, the new Brass Tag restaurant in the Lodges at Deer Valley serves dinner nightly year-round. The cuisine focuses on comfort food, especially the kind that requires a brick oven.