PERFECT DAY ITINERARY - VAIL, COLORADO

Colorado’s first-class terrain, luxurious hotels and exceptional dining scene, make Vail one of North America’s most coveted ski towns. Whether you’re an avid skier or newer to the sport, here’s how to spend a perfect winter day in this alpine mecca.

6:45am

Since the early bird gets the best powder, wake up before 7:00am at The Sebastian Vail, a gorgeous boutique hotel in the heart of the village. To fuel up for an active day, breakfast is a green smoothie with a delicious platter of smoked salmon, bagels, whipped cream cheese, capers, red onion and heirloom cherry tomatoes. (You’ll save The Sebastian’s bottomless mimosas for a morning when you’re not hitting the slopes first thing.)

8:00am

Check in with your ski valet at The Sebastian’s Base Camp. Located at the foot of Vail Mountain, the hotel’s ski-in/ski-out service is dedicated to making your outdoor adventures absolutely effortless. Sip fresh coffee while the Base Camp’s adventure concierge sets you up with just the right gear; all you have to do is slide into warm boots, clip into your skis and step onto the gondola. The rest of your morning is spent exploring 1,500 acres of immaculately groomed runs under blue skies, stopping only to grab lunch and some hot cocoa back at base camp.

2:00pm

After many invigorating hours on the mountain, it’s time for Vail’s favorite past-time: après-ski. Treat yourself with the pleasure of warming up at Alpenrose, a cozy European restaurant that’s been charming locals and visitors since 1974. Ravenous from skiing, you can tuck into some old-world classics like gooey raclette, zwiebelkuchen (caramelized onion pie) and big mugs of Bavarian beer.

4:15pm

For some downtime back at the hotel, check in at The Sebastian’s Bloom Spa for a “High Altitude Adjustment” treatment. At more than 8,000 feet above sea level, it’s easy to feel the effects of altitude in Vail, so recharge with a relaxing foot soak, oxygen therapy session and full-body massage.

7:45pm

Head out to dinner at Sweet Basil, a Vail fine-dining institution. Led by chef de cuisine Will Edwards, Sweet Basil’s kitchen has served acclaimed New American cuisine since 1977. Indulge in dishes like smoked short rib croquettes with gruyere fondue; Colorado lamb with pecan salsa verde; and sticky toffee pudding cake.