Beaver Creek Magazine 2013 by Vail Daily Magazine Group

LOOKING BACK, WE GAIN PERSPECTIVE.

BEAVER CREEK LUXURY G 2 013 A N N UA L

Five decades working in the Vail Valley have given us unique knowledge and perspective. We know this market like no one else as our roots date back to the early days of both Vail and Beaver Creek. We continue to lead today with 17 offices, over 100 brokers and nearly half of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total sales volume annually. Let us use our vision and pioneering spirit to help you discover the possibilities for your future in Beaver Creek and the Vail Valley.

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LOOKING FORWARD, WE SEE POSSIBILITIES. 2 013 A N N UA L G BEAVER CREEK LUXURY

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Glenna Goodacre Jump For Joy Bronze ED 25 13.75" H x 22" W x 6.75" D

2 013 A N N UA L G BEAVER CREEK LUXURY

Welcome

BEAVER CREEK: ONCE YOU DRIVE PAST THE GATES AND HEAD UP THE HILL, IT’S

a whole new world. This slice of Rocky Mountain gorgeous has a little bit of everything, from beautiful trails and vistas to a village center with fine shops and restaurants. It’s both a place and an experience. ¶ The resort revolves around a full calendar of events, from winter’s ski races and dining extravaganzas to summer’s many festivals and mountain adventures. The Vilar Center celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, and has found its rhythm thanks to its heart and soul, Kris Sabel (p. 38). The FOOD & WINE festival is back for a second year, and has become a signature event for the resort and its culinary community (p. 45). Cookies, beloved by adults and kids alike, continue to be a part of the Beav’s culture (p. 22). From ice-skating shows (p. 24) to spa delights (p. 17), there is plenty to please the family. ¶ But before any of the festivals and refinements, Beaver Creek is a mountain with pristine terrain. Experience it by hiking, biking or skiing the trails (p. 52). Cruise the famous Birds of Prey race course, and its new sister course, Kestrel (p. 29). Though smaller in size than Vail, the Beav’ is a very special place (p.32).

ON THE COV ER

Photo by Dominique Taylor Produced by Brenda Himelfarb Style by Gorsuch LTD. winter cover s t yle

Nisa Coat by Bogner. Hooded, Finn raccoon trim, detachable cuf f, Swarovski cr ystals, metal beading. Gold & beige. $9999, Gorsuch LTD. sum m er cover s t yle

Cheers,

Wren Wertin

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editor

For more details please visit the Gorsuch LTD. Beaver Creek store, call 970.949.7115 or visit Gorsuch.com.

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J AC K A F F L E C K

Peace, Back by popular demand

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LUCK Y SEV EN Special touches found at the Beav’. By Shauna Farnell 32

welcome letter

the vault

TANGERINE DREA M Shopping in the village. By Kim Fuller 11

CHEF’S TASTEFUL JOURNEY David Walford’s restaurant, Splendido at the Chateau. By Suzanne Hoffman 34

THE SW EET SPOT Finding a sugar buzz. By BC Luxury staff 14

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CH A IR The Vilar Performing Arts Center and Kris Sabel. By Brenda Himelfarb 38

cachet

HEA L W H AT A ILS YOU Three treatments from three spas. By Caramie Schnell 17 A CON V ERSATION W ITH FR ANK A Q&A with the man behind Avalon and Mistral. By Kimberly Nicoletti 20

daybook

CONTENTS

CHOCOLATE CHIP A FICIONA DOS The Cookie Time tradition. By Kim Fuller 22 M AGICA L SK ATING SHOWCASE Ice skating shows in the village center. By Kimberly Nicoletti 24 COURSE OF CH A MPIONS The new ladies’ downhill course joins the Birds of Prey family. By Shauna Farnell 28

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CA LENDAR Must see. Must hear. Must go. Must do. 41 features

BEST BITES The new FOOD & WINE festival. By Kim Fuller 47 THREE PERFECT TR A ILS Hike, ride and ski on Beaver Creek Mountain. By Shauna Farnell 52 K ID ST Y LE Beaver Creek’s kid-friendly winter programs. By Rosanna Turner 56 64 parting shot By Dominique Taylor

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What’s special about Beaver Creek?

Publisher

DON ROGERS drogers@vaildaily.com

Red Buffalo.

Associate Publisher

CATHY ETHINGTON cethington@vaildaily.com

Snowboard friendly with less catwalking than Vail.

Editor

WREN WERTIN wren@vaildaily.com Creative & Design Direction

Cookies, free parking and Bloody Marys at the Chophouse.

ALI & AARON CREATIVE aliandaaron.com

The Vilar Center underneath the ice rink.

Photo Editor

DOMINIQUE TAYLOR dtaylor@vaildaily.com Marketing Director

MARK BRICKLIN mbricklin@vaildaily.com Contributing Writers

SHAUNA FARNELL KIM FULLER

The beauty and solitude of McCoy Park.

BRENDA HIMELFARB SUZANNE HOFFMAN KIMBERLY NICOLETTI

CARAMIE SCHNELL ROSANNA TURNER

Contributing Photographers

JACK AFFLECK KRISTIN ANDERSON DANN COFFEY CODY DOWNARD JUSTIN MCCARTY JENNY NELSON

Escalator to the slopes.

Copy Editors

KRISTA DRISCOLL ROSS LEONHART CATHERINE SUM

Early in the morning when everything is quiet, I always see bears — even a mom with her cubs once.

Advertising Production & Design

LOUIE ATENCIO CARRIE CALVIN AFTON GROEPPER CARLY HOOVER MALISA SAMSEL Account Managers

CAROLE BUKOVICH

CHRIS JACOBSON

HEIDI SCHMITT

cbukovich@vaildaily.com

cjacobson@vaildaily.com

hschmitt@vaildaily.com

PATRICK CONNOLLY

BETH MCKENZIE

TINA SCHWAB

pconnolly@vaildaily.com

bmckenzie@vaildaily.com

tschwab@vaildaily.com

Cat Herder

KIP TINGLE

Thursday night fireworks & Beaver Creek Ski Patrol twitter.

ktingle@vaildaily.com Circulation Manager

JARED STABER jstaber@vaildaily.com Printing & Prepress American Web, INC. Denver, Colorado USA 303.321.2422

Colorado Mountain News Media sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. Printed in Denver, Colorado by American Web on recycled fibers containing 10% post consumer waste, with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together. The Vail Daily is a wholly owned subsidiary of Colorado Mountain News Media 200 Lindbergh Drive | P.O. Box 1500 Gypsum, Colorado 81637 p. 970.328.6333 f. 970.328.6409 Copyright ©2013 Colorado Mountain News Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

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S PA + WAT ER S ANCTUARY = PURE HA PPI N ESS Enjoy our 5-step water sanctuary, complimentary with any spa treatment.

100 East Thomas Place, Beaver Creek 970-748-7500 | www.allegriaspa.com

2 013 A N N UA L G BEAVER CREEK LUXURY

2012 – 2013

WORLD-CL AS S E VENT S

beaver creek winter schedule of events 12/22-1/5

WinterFest–Beaver Creek Loves Kids

2/3

Beaver Creek Snowshoe Series

3/18, 19, 21

Beaver Creek Loves Teens Too

12/22

Ski, Ride & Slide Rail Jam Series

2/9

Ski, Ride & Slide Rail Jam Series

3/25, 26, 28

Beaver Creek Loves Teens Too

12/26, 27, 28 Beaver Creek Loves Teens Too

2/15-2/18

PrezFest—Beaver Creek Loves Kids

3/30

Easter Egg Hunt

12/31

New Year’s Eve Family Carnival

2/18, 19, 21

Beaver Creek Loves Teens Too

4/1- 4/6

SpringFest—Beaver Creek Loves Kids

1/2, 3, 4

Beaver Creek Loves Teens Too

3/2

Talons Challenge

4/1, 2, 4

Beaver Creek Loves Teens Too

1/6

Beaver Creek Snowshoe Series

3/3

Beaver Creek Snowshoe Series

4/6

Ski, Ride & Slide Rail Jam Series

1/12

EpicMix Racing Cup

3/16 -3/31

SpringFest—Beaver Creek Loves Kids

4/14

Beaver Creek Mountain Closing Day

1/24 -1/27

Beaver Creek Food & Wine Weekend

3/16

Ski, Ride & Slide Rail Jam Series

Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week NOV 30 – DEC 2: Catch the U.S. Ski Team and top

one-time event that lets you compete against Lindsey

racers from around the globe. See Ted Ligety and

Vonn and guess your own time to win prizes. Plus,

Bode Miller defend their 2011 victories. Men’s events

share successes, stats, and photos with family and

include Downhill, Super G and Giant Slalom.

friends at this revolutionary racing experience.

Beaver Creek Loves Kids: 2nd Annual WinterFest DEC 22 – JAN 5 / PrezFest FEB 15 – 18 / SpringFest MAR 16 – APR 6: Enjoy all the magical themes, unique village décor and interactive activities during this special time for families.

EpicMix Racing Cup JAN 12: Don’t miss this epic

Beaver Creek Food & Wine Weekend JAN 24 – 27: Don’t miss this four-day winter culinary celebration on the slopes featuring chefs Gail Simmons, John Besh, Tim Love, Alex Seidel, Spike Mendelsohn and Sam Talbot, along with wine expert Anthony Giglio.

Beaver Creek Snowshoe Series JAN 6, FEB 3, MAR 3: This popular event returns with 5K and

The Talons Challenge MAR 2: The 10th annual

10K races held in scenic Creekside or McCoy Park.

trail (called Kestrel) and more vertical to boost the

Open to all ability levels with a special Kids 1K for

already leg-burning challenge. Finish and earn your

children. All races begin at 11am.

spot on Red Tail Camp’s electronic wall of fame.

version of this favorite for ski fanatics adds a new

be av ercr eek.com /ev en t s

SIX MORE TANTALIZINGLY TANGERINE LOOKS 12 // FIVE LOCAL DESSERTS TO DIE FOR 14

T H I N G S

O F

V A L U E

O B J E C T S

O F

D E S I R E

RACY ROCK GOLD & GARNET RING J. COTTER GALLERY, BEAVER CREEK

This 14-karat yellow gold ring is stunning with its center feature—a square-cut hessonite garnet stone. The brilliance of Jim Cotter’s piece is in its wide band, waved and textured to hold a hand with elegance and grace.

TANGERINE DREAMS rom fiery sunsets to forests with changing leaves, nature mimics one of fashion’s most recent crushes: orange. Beaver Creek’s exclusive shops carry a thoughtful collection of the citrus hue, be it a down jacket or a pair of shades. Orange prevails.

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY D O M I N I Q U E TAY LO R

2 013 A N N UA L G BEAVER CREEK LUXURY

by K IM FULLER

STYLE

TANGERINE DREAMS R. BELL SMITH A RTWORK

THE VICKERS COLLECTION

Colorado craft is at its best with “Golden 5 Stem,” a vibrant metal wall sculpture from artist R. Bell Smith. Celebrate Rocky Mountain autumn year-round with an abundance of golden glimmer. SUBTLE LUXURY SCA RF ALLEGRIA SPA

Accent your outfit with Spun Scarves by Subtle Luxury. This orange piece is set off with soft purple — a study of feathers and flowers for sweet and subtle style.

MELLOW WORLD WRISTLET ALLEGRIA SPA

Clutch a flower and brighten your day with this Mellow World wristlet. The leather pouch has fine stitching and a black-trimmed raised flower on the front — perfect for stylish shopping and strolling. M Y K I TA SU NGL A SSES EYE PIECES

Put on a pair of Mykita sunglasses and you are wearing a piece of German engineering. The orange “Franz” aviators are stainless steel with unique folding metal hinges, but the focus of their style will easily shift to a set of Carl Zeiss mirror lenses.

06 04 05

NEVE SHIRT BEAVER CREEK SPORTS

Local brand Neve pairs mountain comfort and class with its “Switzerland” zip-neck longsleeved shirt. This vintage top is made with merino wool, silk and spandex — a base layer of functionality and sophistication. N A PA PI J R I JA C K E T VALBRUNA, BEAVER CREEK

Valbruna knows Italian fashion, and has an extensive selection of Napapijri fashion and outerwear. The “Abras” feather down jacket isn’t exactly meant for expeditions, but the paprika-colored coat should certainly be a staple for this season’s leisurely living. Vintage patches and a thick front zipper give the piece an authentic utility look, yet it’s the European quality of material and design that really sets the Abras apart.

BEAVER CREEK LUXURY G 2 013 A N N UA L

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY D O M I N I Q U E TAY LO R

Like the look on his face when he re-

VailValleyGetaway.com | 888-617-3687 | info@vailvalleygetaway.com

b y B E AV E R C R E E K L U X U R Y S TA F F

T R E AT S

THE SWEET SPOT Pastry chefs and their creations usually have to wait until the end of the meal to shine. But these finds in Beaver Creek offer good reasons to eat dessert first L

IFE IS SWEET IN THE

mountains. From decadent chocolate to fruity, bready goodness, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge again and again. As we like to say, “Give me some sugar, baby.” Here’s a roundup of Beaver Creek Luxury staffers’ favorite desserts.

Peruvian Chocolate Ganache from Splendido at the Chateau

WARM APPLE BREAD PUDDING G R O U S E M O U N TA I N G R I LL

Sometimes, a restaurant keeps a signature dessert long after the chef who created it has left the restaurant. And sometimes, a new pastry chef gets to reinterpret said dessert and make it out-of-thepark better. Such is the case at Grouse Mountain Grill. Allison Helfer has recreated the warm

apple bread pudding, making it less sweet but more inviting. Topped with a bourbon caramel sauce and made seasonal with cranberry ice cream, it’s a delicious way to spend the end of a meal.

PERUVIAN CHOCOLATE GANACHE S PL E N D I D O AT TH E C H ATE A U

Past the hubbub of roasting lobsters and racks of lamb, off to the side of the kitchen and usually contemplating variations on sugar, is Alex Daley, one of Splendido’s secret weapons. A pastry chef who employs a deft hand, he knows how to complete a meal without overwhelming anyone at the table. The Peruvian chocolate ganache cake is a slice of rich creaminess. Hazelnut crumble adds texture, and the toasted marshmallow ice cream references a campfire under the winter sky.

PEAR TART M I RA B E LL E R E S TA U RA N T

Housed in an antique farmhouse that is equal parts charm and romance, Mirabelle Restaurant is owned by Daniel Joly, a master Belgian chef, and

BEAVER CREEK LUXURY G 2 013 A N N UA L

his wife, Nathalie. Chef Joly’s menu changes seasonally, offering variations on rack of lamb, Dover sole and more. But desserts are very important to him, too, as he’s also a pastry chef. The pear tart is delicately made, with plenty of fruit that offers a toothsome texture. Served with strawberry sorbet, it’s the kind of sweet treat that is good to share.

KAISERSCHMARREN S PA G O

Housed in the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Spago’s extensive menu changes often — but there are a few signature Wolfgang Puck items that are always on the menu. The ahi tuna in miso cones, an appetizer, is one. Jump to the end of the meal and you’ll find another: kaiserschmarren. An Austrian classic, kaisershmarren is ultimately a pancake. Puck’s version imbues it with a soufflé sensibility, folding in meringue-like egg whites to achieve a light, fluffy dish, served with strawberry sauce.

BLOOD ORANGE MOUSSE TH E G O L D E N E A G L E I N N

One of the best places to peoplewatch in Beaver Creek is at the Golden Eagle Inn, right on the Beaver Creek plaza. Owner and host Don Bird offers warmth and hospitality, but his executive chef, Emily Meyer, offers tasty morsels. For dessert, try the blood orange frozen mousse. The creamy sweetness is tempered by the fruit’s natural bitterness, and delivers a flirtatious pinch. The Creamsicle hues are set off by vanilla whipped cream and a pistachio tuille. Served in a soufflé ramekin, pair it with a glass of Robert Mondavi Moscato d’Oro dessert wine.

P H OTO BY J U S T I N M C C A R T Y

by CA R A MIE SCHNELL

2 013 A N N UA L G BEAVER CREEK LUXURY

MARKET SQUARE No. 102 | $1,099,000 2 BEDROOM | 2 BATH | 1,269 SQ. FT.

3219 DAYBREAK RIDGE | $7,000,000 7 BEDROOM | 7 BATH | 9,993 SQ. FT.

The Beaver Creek Resort Market. Every property for sale. The background stories. The statistics and trends. For a complete picture of the market, contact our offices or visit our web site. EXCEPTIONAL ADVICE LEADS TO EXCEPTIONALLY HAPPY CLIENTS.

349 BORDERS ROAD | $5,875,000 5 BEDROOM | 6 BATH | 7,641 SQ. FT.

BEAVER CREEK LODGE RESIDENCE 604 | $3,995,000 5 BEDROOM | 6 BATH | 4,295 SQ. FT.

21 BACHELOR GULCH ROAD | $1,695,000 4 BEDROOM | 4 BATH | 3,052 SQ. FT.

298 BACHELOR RIDGE - BUCKHORN TOWNHOME | $2,495,000 3 BEDROOM | 4 BATH | 2,928 SQ. FT.

BEAVER CREEK LODGE 970-845-8440 | BEAVER CREEK VILLA MONTANE 970-845-8700 PrudentialColoradoProperties.com | ResortTeam@vail.net

BEAVER CREEK LUXURY G 2 013 A N N UA L

THE SIMPLE PLEASURE OF COOKIES 22 // BEAUTY ON THE ICE 24 // RACECOURSE OF CHAMPIONS 28 // A CHEF AND HIS CREW 34

I N S I D E R ACC E S S TO T H E P EO P L E, P L AC E S & P E R K S T H AT M A K E B E AV E R C R E E K E X T R AO R D I N A RY

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Spa is as serene as it is beautiful.

JUST BECAUSE GOING TO THE SPA IS ENJOYABLE DOESN’T MEAN IT’S ALL ABOUT SELF-INDULGENCE — IT CAN HAVE SOME REAL HEALTH BENEFITS FOR THE BUSY PERSON WHO’S USUALLY ON THE GO

P H OTO C O U R T E S Y O F T H E R I T Z- C A R LTO N , B AC H E LO R G U LC H

SPA & THER APY

HEAL WHAT AILS YOU

EAUTIFUL SPAS ABOUND in

Eagle County, but tucked in Beaver Creek are three gems that offer muscle manipulation techniques sure to leave you blissfully unaware of the world around you. Here, we detail three typical laments and a relaxing remedy for each.

1 The Situation // Getting everyone packed and out the door for the family vacation took a toll, and you’re still so wired you’re having trouble sleeping. ➻ Solution // Slumber Massage from Allegria Spa in the Park Hyatt, allegriaspa.com. The best spa experiences

2 013 A N N UA L G BEAVER CREEK LUXURY

PEOPLE & PL ACES

THE SOUNDTRACK WAS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO FOSTER DEEP SLEEP WAVE PATTERNS.”

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P H OTO C O U R T E S Y O F A L L E G R I A S PA

by CA R A MIE SCHNELL

Allegria Spa at the Park Hyatt excels at offering a relaxing atmosphere. Opposite: At Spa Struck, heated stones are tools that help create supple, malleable muscles.

transport you to that warm, floating place where you’re definitely not awake, but not fully asleep, either. Allegria Spa’s newest treatment is a fast track to that divine place. The sound of gently falling rain plays in the background — the soundtrack was specially designed to foster deep sleep wave patterns — while the therapist gives you a Swedish massage with lavender aromatherapy oil using deep, rhythmic strokes. Next come the hot stones, which warm the muscles and allow for a deeper massage that gets out the knots, but without any pain. For the last 20 minutes of the treatment, a cloth is placed over your eyes and a warm buckwheat pillow under your neck while the therapist gives you a gentle scalp or foot massage while you at last surrender to a nap — that is if you weren’t asleep already. This treatment strikes the perfect balance between being relaxing and therapeutic. ➻ Bonus // Be sure and come an hour before your treatment starts so you can experience Allegria’s Aqua Sanitas, a peaceful, self-guided “water sanctuary” where you soak in alternating hot and cold pools to promote wholebody wellness. If you want to use the coed pool, make sure to bring a swimsuit. 2 The Situation // You overindulged a bit at the buffet and/or the bar and are in desperate need of a detox. ➻ Solution // Hot Herbal Poultice from The Ritz-Carlton,

P H OTO BY J U S T I N M C C A R T Y

Bachelor Gulch, ritzcarlton.com. The scent of lemongrass spices up the air as your massage therapist rhythmically kneads your body with a warm muslin poultice filled with Thailandgrown herbs such as turmeric, dried ginger, camphor, tamarind and peppermint. Next she massages your muscles with body oil heady with sweet orange and rosemary. In all, this treatment incorporates three massage modalities, including Royal Thai massage, which feels very similar to acupressure. Along with those who have overindulged or who are uber-stressed, this treatment is recommended for weekend warriors, as it reduces swelling, soothes the body and alleviates joint and muscle pain. Unlike most massages that have left me wanting to snooze the afternoon away, this one leaves you feeling light, refreshed and surprisingly energetic. ➻ Bonus // You get to take the poultice home with you, which means you can relive that lovely scent for a midweek pick-you-up when you add it to a steaming hot bath. 3 The Situation // After your first ski day of the season, your legs are aching, but you want to do it again tomorrow. ➻ Solution // Skier’s Performance Massage from Spa Struck in the Charter in Beaver Creek, spastruck.com. A long day or two on the slopes tends to leave your quads, calves and other muscles aching. Sinking into a comfy couch would look mighty tempting, but resist that urge said Spa Struck Spa director Scott Kilbourne. Instead,

book a Skier’s Performance Massage, which incorporates active stretching into an effective sports massage. “It helps lengthen the muscles, reduces injury, and helps people recover quicker,” Kilbourne says. The therapist rubs BioFreeze, a cooling menthol topical analgesic, on your aching muscles, rather than just oil or lotion. “After the massage is over, (the BioFreeze) keeps working in the muscles; it helps to reduce swelling and aid in recovery. “We’re decreasing the healing time for the muscles so the

person can get more days in on the mountain — that’s what it’s all about,” Kilbourne says. At Spa Struck, therapists are recruited from around the country and each one is personally trained by Kilbourne, who certainly knows his way around the massage table; he was one of only 120 people chosen to attend the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia as a member of the National Sports Massage team. ➻ Bonus // If you don’t feel like leaving your hotel room or condo, don’t worry — Spa Struck also has a mobile service.

2 013 A N N UA L G BEAVER CREEK LUXURY

by K IM BER LY N ICOLET TI

PEOPLE & PL ACES

Q // WHAT INSPIRED

FOR WHEN PURCHASING ITEMS FOR YOUR STORES?

A CONVERSATION WITH FRANK THE OWNER OF MISTRAL AND AVALON TALKS ABOUT THE SHOPS’ EVOLUTION, TREND SPOTTING AND HIS PERSONAL FASHION VALUES

RANK HALL IS SO

committed to providing well-fitting, quality fashion that he’s been known to try on pants right in the middle of showrooms in New York City. And though he and his wife, Tonia, have been in the retail business for 15 years, their boutiques, Mistral and Avalon, have evolved from primarily providing outer-

ST YLE & FASHION

wear to offering men’s and women’s designer clothing, as well as men’s timepieces.

in resort retail, our first store in Beaver Creek was really good from the start. When we first opened, we predominately sold outerwear, particularly shearling and leather coats. We were the first retailer to offer a large selection of top Italian shearling and leather brands to the Vail Valley. Because of our success at Avalon, we were asked to expand our retail footprint in Beaver Creek, so we opened Mistral in 2003. Q // WHAT DO YOU LOOK

YOU TO OPEN MISTRAL AND AVALON?

In 1997, when Market Square and the ice rink were being built, the developers recruited us to open Avalon. After 10 years of trial and error

Every purchase we make begins with quality, which has been our standard from day one. Our clients have come to expect that we have chosen superior quality, not only in materials, but also in construction. Currently, I am on a mission — particularly in men’s fashion — to buy only great-fitting items. Men do not want to wear jackets, sweaters, shirts or pants that do not have a contemporary silhouette. If I don’t know how a new style fits, I refuse to buy it until I can try it on. I have been known to try on pants in the middle of the Zegna showroom on Fifth Avenue. Q // HOW HAVE YOUR STORES EVOLVED?

above Frank and Tonia Hall, pictured with their daughter, own the fashionable Mistral and Avalon shops.

BEAVER CREEK LUXURY G 2 013 A N N UA L

We still have amazing outerwear, but our business has developed into so much more. We feature extensive collections of men’s designer shirts, sweaters, premium denim and timepieces. For women, we offer everything from affordable everyday dresses to luxury cashmere sweaters and hard-to-find, exclusive

European apparel designers. What makes Avalon and Mistral unique is the way we hand-curate our collections each and every season. Fashion is a moving target, and our clients demand newness every time they come in, so we are always in men’s and women’s markets spotting relevant trends that our sophisticated clientele can relate to. Our staff is exceptional. When it involves going the extra mile, they always step up, whether it’s perfectly wrapping a special gift, taking alterations to our tailor in a snowstorm for a rush job, or staying late to accommodate a special request. Q // HOW DOES YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH DESIGNERS AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS?

When you are in this business for 25 years, you make plenty of lasting and loyal relationships. This opens a lot of doors that simply would not be available to anyone just starting out. Q // WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BESTSELLERS?

We are known for designer outerwear, apparel, accessories, jewelry and watches. Our leather, shearling coats and fur collections are among the finest anywhere. Q // WHAT DO YOU STRIVE FOR IN MISTRAL & AVALON? We want to offer old and new clients alike a modern shopping experience by providing a mix of established companies and upcoming designers. Each season, a section of Mistral and Avalon act as a laboratory for new looks and categories.

P H OTO BY D O M I N I Q U E TAY LO R

2 013 A N N UA L G BEAVER CREEK LUXURY

CHOCOLATE CHIP AFICIONADOS COOKIE TIME IS A VERITABLE INSTITUTION FOR BEAVER CREEK VISITORS. EVERY YEAR A PANEL OF JUDGES EVALUATES A SLEW OF ENTRIES, WHICH ARE THEN PUT TO A PUBLIC VOTE. THE WINNING RECIPE BECOMES THE RESORT’S OFFICIAL COOKIE OF THE YEAR

WELVE-YEAR-OLD

Ethan Hirsh stands at the base of Beaver Creek mountain, rocking front-toback on the soles of his ski boots and grasping a chocolate chip cookie with both hands. “They’re really good,” says Hirsh. “When you ski and you get to the top, it’s very, very cold, and then like hot cocoa, you can get a cookie and get warm.” Beaver Creek’s cookie tradition began in 1985 as a way

BEAVER CREEK LUXURY G 2 013 A N N UA L

BE AVER CREEK TR ADITIONS

PEOPLE & PL ACES

to welcome guests. “Cookie Time” is still in full force today, with volunteers serving up sweetness when the lifts open and when they shut down. “It’s a signature thing for Beaver Creek, and the guests love it,” says Pat Martin, a Beaver Creek Guest Services manager. “It’s a way of thanking them for coming and skiing or riding with us. It’s been going on for years and years, and it’s just a fun thing.”

Beaver Creek senior public relations manager, Jen Brown, says that the cookies were originally meant to be an extended form of hospitality. Now, not only do they welcome guests back to a place they know and love, but the cookies have become a ski-day staple for kids and adults alike. Almost a decade ago, an annual cookie competition began as a collaborative effort to provide a fun, family event,

where the official cookie recipe is selected by resort guests. Local schools have even gotten involved with cookie judging, since it seems that kids really do know what’s best when it comes to cookies. Kari Corbin and her Nurturing with Nature preschool students were special judges this season, and spent a couple hours tasting cookies. Their favorites went on to become finalists for the public tasting and contest.

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by K IM FULLER

Nurturing with Nature preschoolers helped narrow down the field of cookie submissions that went on to become finalists. In an average ski season, nearly half a million cookies are baked and delivered fresh to the resort’s guests.

“They’re really good after skiing,” exclaims 12-yearold Melissa Butcher about the cookies. “The chocolate is really good—it’s like melted and everything.” Melissa’s mom, Deanna Butcher, appreciates the resort’s unique generosity. “I think it’s a nice touch when you come out here and get fresh cookies when you’re done skiing,” says Deanna.

Brown says that during the winter, an average of 1,950 cookies are served each day and nearly 500,000 are served annually. Guest services volunteer Charlie Hauser enjoys serving the guests, especially because they are always appreciative. “It brings a lot of smiles,” Hauser explains. “Almost everyone says thank you, and it really makes it worth while.”

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MAGICAL SKATING SHOWCASE PROFESSIONAL FIGURE SKATERS JOIN VISITING CHILDREN TO PERFORM BEAUTIFUL, ARTISTIC SHOWS THAT ARE UNIQUE TO THE LOCAL SCENE

OUTDOOR SOIREE

The Black Family Ice Rink is a focal point in the village, with shops and restaurants clustered around it.

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AIL RESIDENT JENNA

Deairsto began skating at age 9 — a little late, compared to some of the tiny gliders who look up to professional figure skaters, as they perform group numbers together in Beaver Creek’s winter skating shows. But, like the young skaters, Deairsto grasped the magic of skating and has performed on Beaver Creek’s outdoor rink for the past 10 years. There, she met choreographer Kelly Smith, who skated in the Ice Capades and for the Royal Caribbean cruise line, in addition to performing in the international tour of Broadway on Ice. Perhaps every little girl who dons sparkly skating dresses and learns how to skate backwards, then spins, then lands her first jump, dreams of someday winning an Olympic medal or performing with Disney on Ice or another tour company. For Deairsto, the dream came true — specifically in the form of Disney on Ice — and she credits the Beaver Creek shows for much of her success. “The shows I did in Beaver Creek and Vail helped me get the professional jobs,” Deairsto explains, “because I was able to perform for audiences on a regular basis.” THERE’S NO BUSINESS. LIKE SHOW BUSINESS. Most skaters perform in one or two shows a year; the rest of the time, they focus on training for competitions, where judges scrutinize their technical moves, such as jumps and spins, for perfection. Shows allow skaters to loosen up a

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HIGHER LE ARNING This is the Beaver Creek “Ivy League” Ski and Snowboard School, where you’ll learn from the best on a World Cup mountain. Individualized feedback, more one-on-one instruction, and an attention to detail that will stay with you a lifetime. That’s exactly what you’ll get with our special small-group ski school programs for children and adults.

Ultimate 4 Children’s Lessons Our semi-private class for kids features the “ultimate” student to instructor ratio. Small groups of no more than 4 will provide more individualized feedback and more one-on-one time with our Pros. $325 Lift/Lesson/Lunch, $305 Lesson/Lunch Only. Class meets at 8:30am. Children’s Ski & Snowboard School (970) 754 5464.

Max-3 Adult Custom Coaching Designed specifically for strong intermediate to advanced skiers in small groups (Max-3). Get the personalized instruction you need to build a strong foundation for future skills and deepen your understanding of advanced skiing tactics. The push you need to make a giant leap in ability. Price $160, 12:45–3:45pm. Adult Ski & Snowboard School (970) 754 5300.

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bit and place more emphasis on the artistry of the sport. “It’s a whole different feel,” Deairsto says. “For performances, you really have to be bigger than life and connect with the audience … (it’s all about) getting into your character and committing fully to it.” And that’s where Smith and coach Amy Schneider come in. Schneider skated professionally with Disney on Ice and Smith has performed in — and choreographed — the Beaver Creek shows since 1998. Now, they work together to deliver dazzling shows. “I wanted to have highlevel skating and have it feel like there’s a little bit of the Ice Capades in this beautiful mountain setting,” Smith says. The coaches have orchestrated Beaver Creek shows that run the gamut, from love songs for Valentine’s Day and holiday music for Christmas, to rock ’n’ roll, outer space and pop music themes. For the past 10 years, Schneider has carried on the tradition of blending professional-level skaters with beginners in a group number choreographed to “Angel Time of Year,” from Disney’s Family Christmas Collection. “When the little kids skate in front of an audience, it’s just kind of magical,” Schneider describes the show. “They just turn on.” ANIMATING THE ICE. Smith and Schneider help skaters understand their music and the character it suggests. Then, they teach kids how to use facial expres-

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above The skating shows at Beaver Creek aren’t just about moves on the ice. Theatrical lighting, costumes and an overall theme are all aspects of the performances.

I WANTED TO HAVE HIGH-LEVEL SKATING AND HAVE IT FEEL LIKE THERE’S A LITTLE BIT OF THE ICE CAPADES IN THIS BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN SETTING.” sions, body language and the crescendos in music to bring characters to life. “Kelly has a good sense of what’s going to look good to the audience,” says Chelsea Christopher, an 18-year-old who aims to compete at Nationals this year, “and Amy is more detail-oriented, so (the skating and shows) look clean.” They mix fun, lighthearted tunes with more lyrical songs to create variety for the skaters, ages 5 to 20-plus. Though Christopher is

busy training for high-level competitions, she still plans to skate in Beaver Creek’s three or four winter shows, which help her “get my mind off training and competing every day,” she explains. “Some skaters are so focused on competitions that they don’t take enough time to step away from that and show the beauty of skating.” ART ON ICE. By co-producing and performing in the shows, Smith reminds his students that skating is a beautiful art form. He wants them to “skate for the love of it — not just for competition (but rather) for the thrill of just gliding over the ice,” he says. Smith worked with Deairsto for 10 years and helped her land the Disney on Ice job. “She’s definitely the prime example of a local mountain skater that took it and made a career out of it,” Smith says, adding that performing eight or nine times a year, as opposed to once or twice,

helps every skater learn to deal with nerves, excite audiences and act professionally under any circumstance — be it rain, snow, sunshine or just feeling under the weather. “One of the things that Beaver Creek offers is this magical, beautiful setting,” describes Schneider. “Skaters are usually practicing in a kind of cold rink environment. One of the nicest things is that they get to feel a whole different side of skating.” And though the shows offer so much to the skaters, they, of course, give even more to audiences — especially kids, who just about race onto the ice to skate after the 30-minute show. “They get to see such a wide variety of skating,” says Brian Hall, of Blue Creek Productions. “It’s all theatrically lit; it’s a beautiful showcase in the middle of the resort. It’s a very close and intimate location and, even though you’re outdoors, you feel cozy with the mountain lit up and fire pits around the ice rink.”

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COURSE OF CHAMPIONS DON’T ATTEMPT IT AT RACE SPEED, BUT FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT WHAT KIND OF TERRAIN AWAITS LINDSEY VONN AND THE WORLD’S OTHER TOP SKI LADIES

HY WOULD A NEW

ladies’ downhill course built for the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships be of interest to you, even if you’re not a professional racer? Well, because you’ll get a chance to ski it long before the best ladies in the world do. Although it will be a little while before Lindsey Vonn and the world’s other top female skiers sample the new goods at Beaver Creek, the newly constructed ladies 2015 downhill

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SPORTING ICON

Both Birds of Prey and Kestrel allow ski racers to demonstrate the athleticism of modern downhill skiing.

course is open to the public for the first time this season and with it, some new, steep terrain. “I hope the new women’s hill includes all the aspects of modern downhill — high speed, big jumps, difficult turns — and helps us illustrate the exhilaration and athleticism of alpine skiing,” Vonn says. And she’s in luck, because the course was designed with all of those things in mind. “It’s a combination of new and existing trails,” says Beaver

Creek’s Greg Johnson, who serves as race chief for the men’s World Cup events and was instrumental in building the ladies’ course. “It’s got great variety. Technically, it’s going to be very difficult. It starts with the gliding section up top, once you reach the break-over on Ptarmigan. Like the men’s trail right next door, it’s going to be very much the same. It’s going to require a lot of endurance.” The world ski championships — viewed among those in the industry as a mini Olympics — only happens every two years and takes place all over the world. Beaver Creek

BOTH MEN’S AND WOMEN’S COURSES CONVERGE NEAR THE FINISH AREA, FIRING RACERS OVER THE RED TAIL JUMP, OVER WHICH ATHLETES HAVE BEEN RECORDED TO SOAR — ARMS OFTEN PEDALING WILDLY — MORE THAN 100 FEET.

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Above: The stands are usually full of cowbellringing racing fans. Racers prefer hard, icy conditions to powder.

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has twice hosted the event — in Red Tail jump,” Johnson says. The steepest section of the 1989 and 1999. And although men’s course is ominously the men’s World Cup has made dubbed The Brink and consists Beaver Creek its one and only of a 45-degree pitch that drops stop in the United States every racers down into a rollercoaster season since 1997, last season of off-camber turns, jumps marked the first time that the and plunges. The Birds of ladies’ World Cup landed in Prey moniker stems from the Beaver Creek when the super fact that all of Beaver Creek’s G race originally slated for Val steepest — black and double d’Isere, France, was moved at black-rated — trails in that area the last minute due to lack of of the resort are named after snow. The women got the opbirds of prey: Golden Eagle, portunity to race on a modified Screech Owl, Ptarmigan, etc. version of the men’s Birds of The 2015 ladies’ course Prey super G course, which is accounts for a brand new trail perceived by several racers to be which, of the No. 1 most course, bears difficult on the the name entire World of another Cup tour. IT’S GOT carnivorous Not surprisGREAT VARIETY. feathered ingly, it was TECHNICALLY, creature. Vonn who IT’S GOING Introducing found vicTO BE VERY … Kestrel, tory, a feat that, DIFFICULT. a title not among all of IT’S GOING easily found her countless TO REQUIRE considering achievements, A LOT OF that nearly will forever ENDURANCE.” every other rank as one species of of her most prey-seeking cherished. “Bebird is already accounted for ing able to compete on it last in Beaver Creek’s trail names. season was a highlight of my “We really narrowed it career and winning was just down and we didn’t have a bonus,” she says. “If the that many options,” Johnnew women’s downhill is son says. “We thought of anything like Birds of Prey — Condor … Turkey Vulture … and I’m hearing that it will things that just weren’t a fit. be — I have no doubt it will Kestrel is a neat name. It’s a be just as much fun to ski.” small falcon. A total fit.” Lying right next to the All in all, the ladies’ course men’s course and sharing the adds 15 acres of new skiable same slope, the layout of the terrain to Beaver Creek, and ladies course is very similar. while the men’s Birds of Prey “Because it ended up being downhill course starts at almost so close to the BOP course, it feels very much the same, it gets the highest point of the ski area — at the top of Cinch Express steep, just like the men’s course lift — the women’s start is and comes together to hit the

just slightly lower, in what is now Park 101 off of Cinch lift. The top part of the ladies’ course is ominously titled “The Chute.” After a jutting left-hand turn, the course continues down two steep faces, including the double-black Peregrine run. Both men’s and women’s courses converge near the finish area, firing racers over the Red Tail jump, over which athletes have been recorded to

soar — arms often pedaling wildly — more than 100 feet. Naturally, it’s ill advised that weekend warriors attempt to haul down the new downhill course at race speed (70 mph) and attempt to fly off the Red Tail jump. Leave that up to the pros. In the meantime, you can appreciate the sort of thing they put themselves through for their sport, gingerly picking your way down.

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LUCKY SEVEN IN A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON, THE BEAV’ HOLDS ITS OWN (AND EVEN EXCELS) AGAINST LARGER RESORTS WITH THESE SEVEN DETAILS

HEN COMPARING

Beaver Creek to Vail, as far as size is concerned, there is no question that the Beav’ is the little sister. But in terms of character, charm and amenities, in many ways Beaver Creek measures up to — and even exceeds — its larger, more widely recognized counterpart. Vail is hands down one of the best ski areas in the world. But here are some things that the Beav’ does even better. Such as …

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fresh cookies: Not many ski areas in the country can boast this treat: steaming plates of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies every afternoon. The cookies are hand-delivered by a team of Beaver Creek bakers to skiers and visitors milling around the base area at 3 p.m. every day. escalators: A few steps in ski boots and it begins.

Can’t somebody carry me? Where is my chariot? We’ve all been there. Naturally, the Beav’ doesn’t have the arms to carry every single guest up to its lifts like a muscular romance hero, but it does have some escalators. They help, don’t they? steep terrain: Terrainwise, Beaver Creek is the smallest of the seven Vail Resorts ski areas. Its 1,832 skiable acres include a steeper continuous vertical drop on most of its runs (Centennial checks in at almost 3.5 miles with 3,360 feet of continuous drop) and

above Though Vail is the larger in terms of skiable acres, Beaver Creek resort has a lot

of steep, skiable terrain that doesn’t require a lot of traversing to access.

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doesn’t require all the traversing that is a large part of the day at a huge area like Vail. At the Beav’, no skating and hopping are needed. It’s pretty much just get off the lift and bomb down the mountain. world-class ski races: Beaver Creek has hosted two world alpine ski championships — in 1989 and in 1999 — and is slated to host another in 2015. performing arts/concerts: Sure, there are many great winter concerts outdoors at Vail Village’s Checkpoint Charlie and Ford Amphitheater, but Beaver Creek has its own state-of-theart theater. There aren’t many places (outside of London and New York City) where you can take off your ice skates and walk into the next building to see a famed international ballet, Broadway production, orchestra or concert. ski –in, ski-out accommodation: Former President Gerald R. Ford didn’t buy a home on Beaver Creek Mountain for just any reason. Although most are spoken for, there are a slew of mini castles to reside in on the mountain at the Beav’s Strawberry Park and several hotels that you may ski in and out of. fewer lines on weekends: Vail is 10 miles closer to Denver, and it ends up being the stop where nearly all the Front Range traffic makes its exit. This means that even on a busy Saturday at Beaver Creek — which has nearly as many lifts as Vail — you never really feel like you’re jockeying for elbow room.

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Davis Turner, left, and Quintin Wicks get ready for another night on the line. Below: David Walford, the chef-owner of Splendido at the Chateau, has been cooking professionally for decades.

DAVID WALFORD HAS BEEN ON A CRUSADE AGAINST INFERIOR CUISINE AND SERVICE FOR 20-PLUS YEARS

PLENDID IS A WORD

that evokes superlatives. To diners in Beaver Creek, its Italian translation, splendido, conjures memories of superb views, wonderful aromas and sumptuous food. Such are the words to describe a transcendent dining experience at Splendido at the Chateau. Since opening in 1994, Splendido quickly evolved into a premier Beaver Creek dining venue with its own unique, consistently refined style. Executive chef and owner David Walford describes his menu

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theme as one that “feels right for the Rocky Mountains.” After a day enjoying the recreational delights this mountain resort offers, nothing feels better than a hearty Mediterraneaninfluenced — but very much Colorado Rocky Mountain — dinner at Splendido. Walford loves aviation and is a pilot. But a high school dishwashing job planted the culinary seeds. He tried college, but soon discovered his future was in a kitchen, not a classroom, thereby grounding an aviation career. New

aspirations of a culinary vocation launched Walford on an ascent into the stratosphere of his profession through years of hard work. He believes his success today is the result of on-the-job training, honing his skills under the guidance of a variety of talented chefs. The Colorado native experienced fine dining in Vail, then San Francisco and Napa where he worked first as an apprentice, then a cook,

with renowned chefs such as Masa Kobayashi at Auberge du Soleil and Udo Neschutneys at Miramonte in St. Helena. It was this latter stint that inspired chef Walford to head to France, where he spent a year working in several provinces, including Paris, under a number of noted chefs. Upon his return to Vail, Walford served as Sweet Basil’s executive chef for nine years before experiencing a “career-defining moment.” In 1994, the builder of the Chateau approached Walford to create a “defining” restaurant in Beaver Creek. All the years of hard work, training under other chefs in Europe and America, brought Walford to the moment when he became Splendido’s executive chef and co-owner. After a milliondollar renovation of Splendido’s kitchen in 2007, Walford took over as the iconic restaurant’s sole owner. Now, 30 years into his culinary career, Walford has never looked back, although his passion for aviation still burns. The famed chefs Walford worked under and admired inspired the work ethic he lives by today and is passing along to the next generation of chefs. That ethic is in full view in Splendido’s spotless, state-of-the art kitchen, easily seen through a wall of glass that divides it from prized seats in the dining room. As such, Splendido’s kitchen has become a valued learning

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venue and Walford the teacher of choice for many aspiring chefs. At Splendido, cooks and chefs engage in a dying culinary art — scratch cooking. There are cheaper ways to cook, but none as good as when fresh ingredients are transformed into tantalizing, creative dishes. Although Walford spends his long days cooking in Splendido’s kitchen and overseeing the entire operation, it’s his chef de cuisine, Brian Ackerman, who runs the kitchen top down. Except for a short time at Restaurant Kelly Liken in 2003, Ackerman has been a mainstay at Splendido since 2001. In 2004, when he was promoted to chef de cuisine, Ackerman assumed the responsibility of running the kitchen day and night. Whether it’s hiring, training and scheduling staff, creating menus with Walford and sous chef Quintin Wicks, or simply cooking, Ackerman the general has become commander-in-chief Walford’s right hand in the kitchen. They are waging a war against processed food and mediocre dining experiences. And they are winning. Under Walford’s

Chef Walford has an excellent team in the restaurant, but he still preps items such as toasted almonds (pictured) and gnocchi.

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Sous chef Quintin Wicks and chef de cuisine Brian Ackerman begin their day in the kitchen long before diners fill the dining room.

direction, which is one that encourages creativity but demands excellence in all things, Ackerman, Wicks and pastry chef Alex Daley are a formidable team of culinary professionals. The chefs’ creative cuisine, the warm, elegant ambiance, stunning views, and the brand’s cache draw visiting celebrities to Splendido, particularly world-famous chefs who participate in winter and summer culinary festivals. One of Walford’s fondest celebrity visits was a guest appearance of

AT SPLENDIDO, COOKS AND CHEFS ENGAGE IN A DYING CULINARY ART — SCRATCH COOKING. legendary chefs Andre Soltner, former owner and chef of Lutece, and Alain Sailhac, original executive chef at Le Cirque. As if cooking with two French culinary masters wasn’t enough of a grand experience, the evening was topped off when a third culinary legend, Jacques Pepin, strolled in after service. Pepin joined his two close friends, Soltner and Sailhac, in the bar, where they serenaded staff and guests with old French songs late into the night. Walford’s list of loyal clients continues to grow and he’s now serving the third generation of Beaver Creek regulars.

His first loyal customers who became close friends through the years are Harry and Sandy Lederman. Splendido’s second night in business was Thanksgiving 1994. On a whim, the Ledermans chose Splendido’s offering of a traditional Thanksgiving feast for their holiday evening. The next night, the Ledermans returned. Although night three of Splendido’s life was the premiere of Walford’s prized new menu, his new devotees were in search of more of the delicious turkey and trimmings from the night before. Ever the professional who delights in pleasing clients, Walford had the leftovers reheated and plated for his first repeat clients. Though Splendido has evolved since that first week, the same spirit of hospitality remains. Now, nearly 20 years later, the name forced on Walford for his culinary baby has become the single most recognizable word for fine dining in Beaver Creek: simply, Splendido.

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FROM THE DIRECTOR’S SEAT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VILAR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, KRIS SABEL ALWAYS HAS HIS CREATIVE SENSORS ON ALERT

RIS SABEL IS ALWAYS

on the prowl. He speaks with contacts. Checks out YouTube. Searches websites. Combs the newspapers. He walks the streets of New York, always looking and listening. He’s done this for more than a decade and he’s not willing to give up. Each year, he has to answer to thousands of people — people from all walks of life: his audience. As executive director of the Vilar Performing Arts Center, Sabel does just that. Making every audience member happy is his primary goal. And that can sometimes be a challenge. These days, with so many music genres, entertainers and formats, the choices are endless. Yet Sabel has a handle on it all. Much like a researcher, he’s looking for the next big thing. It’s been quite a ride for Sabel, who arrived at the Vilar 13 years ago. His initial goal: to figure out how to make the theater the best performing arts center around and to bring diverse programs to meet the needs of the community. “When I first arrived here,” recalls Sabel, “the Vilar hadn’t been open long and no one was quite sure what to do with this beautiful facility.” And trying to figure that

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out is what Sabel does on a daily basis. What works? What doesn’t work? What should he be doing? It’s all of those things. Every day, every season. “I’m always thinking about where we were and where we are now,” Sabel says. “It’s been a progression. And that’s the exciting part. We find out new things and we always have the opportunity to make it better. We are not

WE HAVE GENRES WITHIN GENRES.” – KRIS SABEL

a concert venue, we’re not a club, we’re not a Las Vegas showroom. We truly want to be a performing arts center.” Indeed, Sabel works endless hours to bring diversity to the theater’s programs. “Say, we bring dance, “ Sabel explains. “Within ‘dance,’ we have modern dance, classical ballet, contemporary ballet, jazz — all those things. We want to bring classical

music. Do we bring orchestras or chamber ensembles? Do we want to do jazz? We have genres within genres. “We’re all over the board with popular music. But it really starts with that big picture. What kind of mix do we want to do? Yet, we want to do some of everything. Then how much of everything? And, over the past 15 years, that is what we’re fine-tuning. “For instance, within a winter season, we’ll have three or four dance concerts, six to eight, classical concerts, eight to ten family-type performances, three to four comedy programs and probably 18 to 22 music concerts, our biggest program. So, if you think about 50 shows, we break down that way. And once you have that mix, you break it up within each genre. ” Finding the perfect mix is Sabel’s first task. His “altruistic” place, he says. Then begins the search. If Sabel brings in an Alison Krauss or a Diana Krall, the ticket price will have to be between $150 and $200 just to cover the artist’s fee. None of the other costs including travel or the cost of running the theater is included. And these shows have sold out twice. “Would we love to bring the Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons here? Absolutely,” says Sabel, enthusiastically. “But when I had the opportunity to bring them and, also, Brandi Carlile, here four or five years ago when I could have afforded it, nobody knew who they were. This year all three artists sold out Red Rocks.

Over the years, Sabel has also presented theater, Broadway shows and opera. Yes, opera. Full operas. This year, he achieved a significant coup by booking two of the opera world’s hottest properties — Jonas Kaufmann and Anna Netrebko. How and why Sabel makes

b y B R E N DA H I M E L FA R B

above Searching for a balance between the tried and true and the next big thing, Kris Sabel

has been at the helm of the Vilar Center’s performance calendar for 13 years.

the choices he makes is probably something none of us have really thought about. We simply find out about a show, watch it, love it, applaud and leave. It’s just that simple… for us. For Sabel, it’s another matter. It’s always a challenge. And he wants the center to

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be a part of everyone’s life, not just a select few. And that’s how the Underground Sound series came about. “We should be able to bring great artists in while they’re still affordable,” Sabel points out. “I’ll book someone who I really believe is good. I’m not going to book someone

just because they’re affordable.’ When the Underground Sound series, which is priced at $99 for seven shows, began, Sabel only brought in a couple of artists. “I felt there should be something more to do in the fall after the ski swap and the pub crawl, he says with a laugh. “There was this dearth, so we

decided to put together a series and get a couple of people who lots of people wanted to see. “These were performers who embodied the series. Artists who were driving around in their car and hitting the bars. Singer-songwriters who did the college circuit, caught on and became very successful — like Shawn Colvin and Paula Cole who have both won Grammys. We like to mix it up. Last year we had Luke Nelson, Willie’s son. This year we had The Motet Plays Parliament Funkadelic and an incredible singer, Jaimee Paul, who is a Diana Krall-type.” Sabel asks, “If you came to the Vilar the first couple of years and you look at where it is now, how do you feel about it? How has it changed your experience as being a part of this community? “My inner desire is for people to have a great experience at this center and to take a chance,” Sabel continues. To that end, Sabel uses himself as an example. “When I moved here, I didn’t think of myself as an athlete,” he admits. “Now I ski and I hike and I push myself — but it wasn’t in my comfort zone. “Sometimes people coming to see a dance concert or jazz performance find it’s out of their comfort zone. But rarely does anyone come up to me and say, ‘Man, I hated that.’ People usually say, ‘I had no idea what to expect. What a great surprise.’ “Whatever area you love, hopefully, your life is richer because of those opportunities.”

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Elevate Your Mountain Vacation. End Your Day on a High Note. enjoy world-class music at 8,150 feet

BraVo!

VAIL VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL season 26 | june 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; august ugust 3, 2013 dallas symphony orchestra the philadelphia orchestra new york philharmonic national repertory orchestra Big music for little Bands summertime classics, pops & Broadway

summer 2013

buy tickets in april | 970.827.5700 | Vailmusic.org

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january

20, 2013 –

september

22, 2013 MUST SEE // MUST HEAR // MUST GO // MUST DO

FEB

20 CYRILLE AIMEE French vocalist Cyrille Aimee fell in love with jazz when the gypsies came to her hometown every year to celebrate legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. Since then, she’s expanded her musical horizons, and delivers a show packed with uncommon beats, styles and jazz improvisation. More info at vilarpac.org.

I M AG E C O U R T E S Y O F C Y R I L L E M U S I C .C O M

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Aspen Sante Fe Ballet is in town February 19 at the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

JANUARY JAN 20 LEWIS BLACK Get ready for a night of laughs with this critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, author and actor. $88. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org JAN 24 SHOOK TWINS Identical twins deliver quirky folk music from Portland, Ore. $20. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org JAN 24-27 BEAVER CREEK FOOD & WINE WEEKEND Last year, this event debuted big, and it’s back again with celebrity chefs John Besh, Anthony Giglio, Tim Love, Alex Seidel, Gail Simmons and Sam Talbot. Various restaurants in Beaver Creek, 970.754.4636, beavercreek.com JAN 29 RIVER NORTH DANCE CHICAGO This dance company features jazz-based contemporary choreography for kids at 12:30 p.m. ($14/adults; $11/kids) and for adults at 7:30 p.m. ($58), Vilar Performing Arts Center.

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888.920.2787, vilarpac.org JAN 31 DELTA RAE & ZZ WARD A full-throated Alt-Pop-Americana band with four lead singers, Delta Ward delivers contemporary harmonies and an electrifying live experience. $32. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org

FEBRUARY FEB 3 SNOWSHOE SERIES Anyone from first-time snowshoers to world-class athletes on snowshoes can compete in the 10K, the Fun 5K or the Kids’ 1K runs throughout the season. Beaver Creek Resort, 970.754.4636, beavercreek.com FEB 6 GREAT MOMENTS IN OPERA The acclaimed European opera company Teatro Lirico D-Europa performs classic operatic arias, duets and ensembles. $50/ adults; $25/students. 6:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. The company also performs a special kids’ show at 12:30 p.m. ($14/adults; $11/kids).

888.920.2787, vilarpac.org FEB 7 PUCCINI’S “MADAMA BUTTERFLY” Teatro Lirico D-Europa performs a traditionally staged rendition of “Madama Butterfly.” $75. 6:30 p.m., Vilar Performing Arts Center. The company also performs a special kids’ show at 12:30 p.m. ($14/adults; $11/ kids). 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org FEB 8-10 WINTER TEVA MOUNTAIN GAMES The popularity of the Summer Teva Games led to the winter games’ debut last year. This year, events include ice climbing, on-snow biking, telemark skiing, Nordic competitions, running races and special activities for dogs. The event also features fine art, ice sculpture contests, live music, films and parties. On-site venues: Golden Peak, Vail Ski Resort, Vail Nordic Center, Lionshead Village, Town of Vail and Eagles Nest. 970.777.2015, tevamountaingames.com FEB 13 THE 5 BROWNS Five Juilliard School pianists combine their talents as 10 hands play five pianos. They present a kids’ show

at 12:30 p.m. ($14/adults; $11/ kids) and an evening show at 6:30 p.m. at the Vilar Performing Arts Center. $68/adults; $35/students. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org FEB 15-18 PREZFEST American characters, parades, ice sculptures and performances lend a hand to celebrate the nation’s history. Kids under 15 can go to the “Beaver Creek Loves Kids PrezFest” Facebook competition; the winner receives a day of “presidential perks” on Feb. 18 with his or her chosen “vice president.” Beaver Creek Village Plaza, 970.754.4636, beavercreek.com FEB 19 ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET This dance company is based both in Aspen and Santa Fe, N.M. It showcases its most recent, cutting-edge dances. $58. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org FEB 20 CYRILLE AIMEE This winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition delivers a jazzy voice to Vail. $32. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org

Though confirmed for publication, listed events, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the presenting organizations to confirm details.

FEB 21 DOGS GONE WILD Todd Oliver, a comedian and ventriloquist, enlivens the stage with his “pet dogs.” $26-$38. 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org FEB 23 LASER SPECTACULAR: PINK FLOYD This psychedelic laser show features the music of Pink Floyd. $34. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Center for the Performing Arts, 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org FEB 23 RAIL JAM PLAYGROUND Beaver Creek’s ski and snowboard instructors supervise this rail session for intermediates, level 5 and up. 4 p.m., on the snow in front of McCoy’s, Beaver Creek Resort, 970.754.4636, beavercreek.com FEB 24 BRAHMS’ “A GERMAN REQUIEM” The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and Boulder Chorale join together to perform “A German Requiem.” $55. 6:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org FEB 25 – MAR 2 BURTON US OPEN The Burton U.S. Snowboarding Championships debut in Vail, after years of being in Vermont. Golden Peak. 970.754.8245, vail. com or opensnowboarding.com FEB 27 MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT British humor comes alive as Monty Python shares his spoofy-take on “Camelot.” $78-$98. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org

MARCH MAR 1-3 VAIL GLOBAL ENERGY FORUM The Vail Valley Foundation, along with Stanford University’s Precourt Institute for Energy, partner with other foundations to discuss the world’s energy challenges and solutions with leading experts. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 2 TALON’S CHALLENGE Competitors ski or ride nearly 24,000 vertical feet in Beaver Creek’s Talon’s Challenge. Red Tail Camp hosts an après party. Beaver Creek Resort, 970.754.4636, beavercreek.com MAR 3 SNOWSHOE SERIES Anyone from first-time snowshoers to world-class athletes on snowshoes can compete in the 10K, the Fun 5K or the Kids’ 1K runs throughout the season. Beaver Creek Resort, 970.754.4636, beavercreek.com MAR 5 HAYDN C MAJOR CELLO Concerto & Mozart No. 40, “The Great” The Colorado Symphony

Orchestra performs Haydn and Mozart classics. $55. 6:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 7 CIRQUE MECHANICS This uniquely American circus company brings its storytelling to the symphony, with a new spectacle inspired by the world’s most popular classics. $45/student; $65/adult. 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 8 STEEP CANYON RANGERS These musicians put the art of pickin’ banjo back into country music. $28. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 11 “THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD” Watty Piper’s enchanting tale about an engine that chugs along for determination and friendship comes to life through the ArtsPower National Touring Theatre. $14/adults; $11/ kids. 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 12 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY Performers belt out the most popular tunes from the last century of Broadway productions. $65. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Center for the Performing Arts. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 15 “PLAY AND PLAY: AN EVENING OF MOVEMENT AND MUSIC” The Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company presents a night of modern dance choreographed to classic music. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. $65. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 16 RAIL JAM PLAYGROUND Beaver Creek’s ski and snowboard instructors supervise this rail session for intermediates, level 5 and up. 4 p.m., on the snow in front of McCoy’s, Beaver Creek Resort, 970.754.4636, beavercreek.com MAR 16 – APR 6 SPRINGFEST This family-friendly festival celebrates the arrival of spring with themed characters, kids’ events, an Easter egg hunt and more. Beaver Creek Resort, 970.754.4636, beavercreek.com MAR 18 GLADYS KNIGHT The Empress of Soul is a seven-time Grammy winner and has enjoyed #1 hits in pop, R&B and adult contemporary music. $155. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 19 JASON BISHOP SHOW As “America’s Hottest Illusionist,” Jason Bishop might have a person passing through his body one moment or make goldfish appear from nowhere the next.

$32-$42. 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 20 ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: FINE, SCHUMANN AND MENDELSSOHN This Grammy Award winning classical music chamber orchestra performs some of the best pieces from Fine, Schumann and Mendelssohn. 6:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 21 THE DUNWELLS English rock and Americana roots music come together in an original, eclectic mix. Vilar Center for the Performing Arts. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 22 “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” Tevye, a Russian with a Jewish background, tries to arrange marriages for his three oldest daughters, but when one of his daughters refuses and Russians begin to revolt against Jewish people, the family leaves and starts a new life. $78-$98. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Center for the Performing Arts. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 24 SAN FRANCISCO JAZZ COLLECTIVE This eclectic collective showcases musicians from Puerto Rico, New York, Venezuela, New Zealand and Israel in a multicultural jazzfusion. $58. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Center for the Performing Arts. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 25 ANNA NETREBKO This Russian soprano captivates audiences with her charismatic stage presence and distinct voice. 6:30 p.m. Vilar

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY LO I S G R E E N F I E L D, LO I S G R E E N F I E L D.C O M; P H OTO G R A P H Y BY K E N R E D D I N G, C O U R T E S Y O F VA I L R E S O R T S

Performing Arts Center. $150. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 27 MICHAEL FLATLEY’S LORD OF THE DANCE This international dance lifts spirits with its precision steps, lighting and music. $85. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Center for the Performing Arts. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org MAR 28 DARK STAR ORCHESTRA This tribute band has been recreating Grateful Dead shows for decades. $46. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org

APRIL APR 3 LOS LONELY BOYS The Grammy Award-winning rock trio performs what they call Texican rock ’n’ roll. $53. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Center for the Performing Arts. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org APR 5 MUSIC OF ABBA The ’70s shine with this Swedish pop group, known for hits like “Dancing Queen” and “VoulezVous.” $58. 7:30 p.m. Vilar Center for the Performing Arts. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org APR 10 THE MAYHEM POETS These theatrical poets entertain kids at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with hip-hop, improv and stand-up comedy. Vilar Performing Arts Center. $14/adults; $11/kids. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org APR 11 “THE JOURNAL OF ABBY MUNSON” Imagination Makers Theatre Company captivates kids

Thursdays during the ski season mean Thursday Night Lights — a glow stick ski down followed by fireworks. More info at beavercreek.com or 970.754.4636.

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with the story of fourth-grader Abby Munson. $14/adults; $11/ kids. 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center. 888.920.2787, vilarpac.org APR 14 BEAVER CREEK mountain closing day 970.754.4636, beavercreek.com

MAY MAY 15 MTB SHORT TRACK SERIES The Vail Recreation District’s mountain bike race series includes race venues throughout the county. Meet at the Beaver Creek base area. 970.479.2280, vailrec.com MAY 25&26 BLUES, BREWS AND BBQ FESTIVAL Barbecue, music and suds galore can be found at what has become the first event of Beaver Creek’s summer festival season. beavercreek.com MAY 27 CUT & SLICE GOLF EVENT A golf fundraiser benefiting Can Do Multiple Sclerosis. 10 a.m. Beaver Creek Golf Club. 970.754.6212, beavercreek.com

JUNE JUN 15 TOUGH MUDDER Beaver Creek’s hardcore mountain obstacle course designed by British Special Forces tests all-around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie while providing lots of spectator entertainment. toughmudder.com JUN 15- 29 SUZUKI MUSIC CAMP Young student musicians study with a variety of teachers in various classes at the resort. coloradosuzuki.org JUN 21&22 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com JUN 22 SUMMER SOLSTICE TRAIL RUN A trail run that takes you down some of Beaver Creek’s lush singletrack. Starts and finishes at Creekside Park. 970.479.2280, vailrec.com JUN 28&29 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com JUN 27 BEAVER CREEK RODEO SERIES AT TRAER CREEK Bronc riding, calf scramble, team roping, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, bull riding and burro racing.

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Celebrity and local chefs join forces to present a four-day extravaganza for the Beaver Creek FOOD & WINE Weekend. More info at beavercreek.com

Though confirmed for publication, listed events, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the presenting organizations to confirm details.

Gates at 5 p.m., rodeo from 6-8 p.m. beavercreek.com JUN 29 BEAVER CREEK MUSIC EXPERIENCE Outdoor concerts are back in Beaver Creek’s Strawberry Park bowl. The amphitheater-style concert venue showcases both the mountain setting and a variety of music genres. beavercreek.com

JULY JUL 2 BEAVER CREEK RODEO SERIES AT TRAER CREEK Bronc riding, calf scramble, team roping, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, bull riding and burro racing. Gates at 5 p.m., rodeo from 6-8 p.m. beavercreek.com JUL 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Head to a clambake at Beano’s, or stay to cruise the mountain on your bike or on foot. Music, games and plenty of food can be found in the plaza. Festivities include a firework display. beavercreek.com JUL 5&6 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com JUL 6 BEAVER CREEK MUSIC EXPERIENCE Outdoor concerts are back in Beaver Creek’s Strawberry Park bowl. The amphitheater-style concert venue showcases both the mountain setting and a variety of music genres. beavercreek.com JUL 11 BEAVER CREEK RODEO SERIES AT TRAER CREEK Bronc riding, calf scramble, team roping, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, bull riding and burro racing. Gates at 5 p.m., rodeo from 6-8 p.m. beavercreek.com JUL 12&13 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com JUL 18 BEAVER CREEK RODEO SERIES AT TRAER CREEK Bronc riding, calf scramble, team roping, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, bull riding and burro racing. Gates at 5 p.m., rodeo from 6-8 p.m. beavercreek.com JUL 19&20 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com JUL 20&21 BEAVER CREEK XTERRA AND XTERRA TRAIL RUN Open

to all ability levels with both individual and team categories, swim, mountain bike and run, starting in Avon’s Nottingham Lake and finishing in Beaver Creek. xterraplanet.com JUL 26&27 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com

Russian Soprano Anna Netrebko performs March 25 in Beaver Creek.

AUGUST AUG 1 BEAVER CREEK RODEO SERIES AT TRAER CREEK Bronc riding, calf scramble, team roping, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, bull riding and burro racing. Gates at 5 p.m., rodeo from 6-8 p.m. beavercreek.com AUG 2-4 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. Friday, noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. beavercreek.com AUG 3&4 BEAVER CREEK ART FESTIVAL For 26 years, artists have been converging in Beaver Creek for the art festival. Festival patrons and art collectors alike can visit with artists showcasing life-size sculptures, paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and more. beavercreek.com AUG 8 BEAVER CREEK RODEO SERIES AT TRAER CREEK Bronc riding, calf scramble, team roping, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, bull riding and burro racing. Gates at 5 p.m., rodeo from 6-8 p.m. beavercreek.com AUG 8-10 BEAVER CREEK WINE & SPIRITS FESTIVAL Wine Spectator Magazine partners with the resort for three days of vino and spirits education and enjoyment. From seminars to tasting events, the festival celebrates magical elixirs and the food that goes so well with them. beavercreek.com AUG 10 BEAVER CREEK HALF MARATHON Thirteen miles of steep mountain terrain. beavercreek.com AUG 15 BEAVER CREEK RODEO SERIES AT TRAER CREEK Bronc riding, calf scramble, team roping, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, bull riding and burro racing. Gates at 5 p.m., rodeo from 6-8 p.m. beavercreek.com AUG 16&17 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza

in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com AUG 17 BEAVER CREEK MUSIC EXPERIENCE Outdoor concerts are back in Beaver Creek’s Strawberry Park bowl. The amphitheater-style concert venue showcases both the mountain setting and a variety of music genres. beavercreek.com AUG 18 TRANS ROCKIES TRAIL RUN One of the United States’ most storied trail races concludes in Beaver Creek after six days, 120 miles and 20,000 feet of climbing. transrockies-run.com AUG 21 BEAVER CREEK BLAST BIKE RACE A traditionally challenging course in the summer-long bike series. Multiple categories for adults and kids, and a post-race party for all. vailrec.com AUG 30&31 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com AUG 31 OKTOBERFEST SHUFFLE Walk, hike, or run over a 5K or 10K scenic trail on Beaver Creek Mountain. beavercreek.com AUG 31 & SEP 1 BEAVER CREEK OKTOBERFEST The annual event returns with oom-pahpah music, beer and brats. The festivities include a costume contest and a family-friendly atmosphere. beavercreek.com

SEPTEMBER SEP 6 RAGNAR RELAY The overnight running relay race has teams (6

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY K R I S T I N A N D E R S O N; P H OTO G R A P H Y BY K A S S K A R A , C O U R T E S Y O F D E U T S C H E G R A M M O P H O N

to 12 people apiece) running the 200 miles of scenic terrain for two days and one night. ragnarrelay.com/race/colorado SEP 7 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com SEP 7 BEAVER CREEK MUSIC EXPERIENCE GRAND FINALE CONCERT Outdoor concerts are back in Beaver Creek’s Strawberry Park bowl. The amphitheater-style concert venue showcases both the mountain setting and a variety of music genres. beavercreek.com SEP 13-15 BEAVER CREEK LUXURY LIFESTYLE FESTIVAL Celebrate the finer things in life with this luxury festival that showcases automobiles, fashion, luxury home design, fine cuisine and more. beavercreek.com SEP 13 & 14 CULINARY DEMONSTRATION SERIES Beaver Creek chefs give live demonstrations on the plaza in the Culinary Experience tent that end with a tasting. 5 p.m. beavercreek.com SEP 22 HIKE, WINE & DINE A popular fundraiser for Shaw Cancer Center’s Jack’s Place, Hike, Wine & Dine crisscrosses the mountain on a variety of trails. Occasional tables along the way are staffed by Beaver Creek chefs, who offer tasty samples to hikers. shawcancercenter.com ALL EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.PLEASE CONTACT THE PRESENTING ORGANIZATIONS FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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h2IGHT THIS WAY to your table...â&#x20AC;?

INTERIOR BY * 0OWELL !SSOCIATES

lNE CONTEMPORARY DINING SINCE EXCITING NEW LOOK SINCE

The Golden Eagle Inn R E S TA U R A N T Lunch ~ Dinner Centrally located on the Beaver Creek plaza WWW THEGOLDENEAGLEINN COM s RESERVATIONS

BEAVER CREEK’S FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL PAIRS EPICUREANS WITH CELEBRITY CHEFS

BY KIM FULLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIQUE TAYLOR 2 013 A N N UA L G BEAVER CREEK LUXURY

BEAVER CREEK KNOWS HOW TO MAKE A PERFECT PAIRING. WITH EVERY MEMORABLE MOUNTAIN EXCURSION, THIS MAJESTIC SETTING OFFERS A WAY TO SINK INTO ELEGANCE — A BALANCED WORLD OF SENSATIONAL FEELING AND FLAVOR.

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FESTIVALS FOR ALL “Beaver Creek designs its festivals to give people an experience of a lifetime,” explains special events manager Cat Coughran. In the last two years, Coughran and company have amped up their family-friendly festivals — and they continue to do so throughout 2013. For exact dates see Daybook (p. 41) or beavercreek.com.

Yet, amidst the spirit of adventure and peace in paradise, it is culinary mastery that stands out during the annual Beaver Creek Food & Wine Weekend every January. The craft of cuisine is one to be shared, and even more intricately, paired. Cat Coughran, director of events and sponsorship at Beaver Creek Resort Company, says this venue stands out among the rest. “We are really looking forward to the second year with FOOD & WINE,” Coughran says. “They are raising the bar with chef talent, and are showcasing the mountain and village environment because it’s truly unique.” Local chefs are thoroughly engaged in planning for and participating in the weekend’s events, while the visiting chefs add some spice. “Most of the visiting chefs are from an emerging generation,” says Splendido at the Chateau executive chef David Walford. “It’s fun to have them here to see what they do.”

All of Beaver Creek’s festivals celebrate the resort’s special lifestyle. Therefore, it’s natural to combine an invigorating snowshoe with a decadent lunch.

GOURMET GETAWAYS

Beaver Creek is a lifestyle destination, so even the food festivals focus on that aspect. One signature event during the festival is a secluded snowshoe tour, followed by a multi-course lunch. The lunch is traditionally held at Grouse Mountain Grill with executive chef David Gutowski, who has seen the likes of Girl and the Goat’s Stephanie Izard from Chicago, and in 2013, FOOD & WINE Best New Chef Alex Seidel of Denver’s Fruition in his kitchen. “It’s always nice to have a guest chef,” Gutowski says. “And someone from Colorado is the icing on the cake.” Gutowski says the Beaver Creek FOOD & WINE Weekend is his favorite event of the year. He says it’s great for the area to get national attention, especially from such a great magazine. “The whole weekend is really well done, a lot of fun, and a lot of effort is put into it,” Gutowski says. “We all start thinking about it pretty far in advance.” Christian Apetz, executive chef at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill, says the festivals get better every year. “In the inaugural year we were just getting our feet wet,” Apetz says. “We are trying to take each of the events and dial them in even further.”

DECEMBER, FEBRUARY & MARCH: WINTERFEST, PREZFEST AND SPRING FEST This trio of festivals, held during the winter holidays, Presidents Weekend and spring break, respectively, shows just how much Beaver Creek loves kids. The themed festivals use theatrical characters, parades, shows, activities and more to “create these wonderful, magical events geared just toward kids,” Coughran says. Winterfest revolves around underground snow characters, who emerge to play with kids and tell stories, ice skating shows, parades and other events. PrezFest begins with a Facebook competition, in which one lucky kiddo becomes President of Beaver Creek for a day. The winner chooses a vice president and cabinet to share the spotlight, as he or she is sworn into office on TV 8, then whisked away in a black Escalade for first chair and a mountain tour with secret servicemen. SpringFest focuses on themed characters like Mother Nature. After a long winter, Beaver Creek takes three weeks to revel in this festival, with contests, parades, great music and larger-thanlife flowers, bugs and other springy features coloring the stage. It culminates with an Easter Egg Hunt — with 3,000 eggs — at Creekside Park. MARCH: TALONS CHALLENGE WEEKEND This year marks the 10th season of the Talons Challenge, which showcases Beaver Creek’s more than 24,000 vertical

feet of expert terrain — namely, the legendary World Cup Birds of Prey course, Grouse Mountain and Larkspur Bowl. They’ve added a 14th run to the mix and made the event feel much more like a festival, with more vendors, prizes and après ski activities.

Wine and food tastings, educational seminars and cooking classes are all part of the fun during Beaver Creek’s culinary festivals.

DECEMBER, FEBRUARY, MARCH & APRIL: BEAVER CREEK SKI, RIDE AND SLIDE SERIES This new event caters to teens, young adults, and adults who are young-at-heart. It’s Beaver Creek’s version of a rail jam, with both beginner and open divisions. After just a couple of days in the park, beginners can show off their skills to mom and dad, while the open division, filled with advanced jammers and a couple pros, show the newbies what to aspire to. MAY: BLUES, BREWS & BARBECUE FESTIVAL Last year, Beaver Creek elevated this Memorial Day weekend celebration by including a barbecue competition and adding national bands to the lineup, and this year, they’ll follow suit. There also is a microbrew festival. JUNE: TOUGH MUDDER Some people think of this merely as an event, but with 20,000 participants over two days, Tough Mudder puts Beaver Creek on the map of endurance events. It’s one of the largest in the state, and is a spectacle by any standard. JUNE, JULY & AUGUST: BEAVER CREEK RODEO A seven-week lineup of classic rodeo events like bronco riding, calf scramble, team roping, barrel racing and mutton bustin’ pairs authentic cowboy fun with vendors and events for kids. This year, they’re adding new entertainment to the mix, just to ensure that even people who don’t love the rodeo will fall for this fest.

The Après-Ski Burgers & Beers event at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill is another key event. For the cookout, Apetz and Beaver Creek Chophouse chef Jay McCarthy team up with guest chefs Tim Love, a true Texas grill master, as well as with Spike Mendelsohn from BRAVO’s “Top Chef.” “This is one of the most fun events by far,” Apetz says. “Stella gets to host it with a giant ice bar, and there’s a tent that almost completely fills the 8100 deck. It all takes place right across from the Centennial lift, so people ski right off the mountain and come party with us at après.”

THE FINEST DINING

Part of the Beaver Creek experience includes dining in one of the handful of on-mountain “log cabins” — comfortable semi-private lodges accessible by skiers and snowcats. Outfitted with cozy dining rooms and large kitchens, they offer delicious decadence to diners. Allie’s Cabin is one such spot, and it’s the location of a true greatest-hits compilation of local and visiting chefs. In 2013 John Besh (a straight-shooting darling of the New Orleans culinary scene), Allie’s Cabin executive chef Kirk Weems, Splendido at the Chateau executive chef David Walford and Sam Talbot of “Top Chef” share the kitchen. Walford says he enjoys working with the visiting chefs and sharing new creations with the guests. “It’s fun to get different people in our kitchen, and it’s fun for our guests because they get to see these visiting chefs in their own backyard,” Walford says. “The weekend is good for us, it’s good for the community, and our guests simply love it.”

JUNE, JULY & AUGUST: BEAVER CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL As of print time, Beaver Creek hadn’t secured the bands that’ll rev up the four free outdoor summer shows, but Coughran says early plans indicate a mix of high-quality regional bands, with a build-up toward one big national band. JULY: XTERRA This competition draws about 500 elite athletes. The Trail Run, scheduled the following day, is open to a variety of abilities. Overall, Beaver Creek’s Trail Running Series features three winter snowshoe races and four summer races (a 10K and half-marathon). The series allows Beaver Creek to “get back to its athletic and racing heritage,” Coughran says.

IT’S FUN TO GET DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN OUR KITCHEN, AND IT’S FUN FOR OUR GUESTS TO SEE (CELEBRITY) CHEFS IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD.

AUGUST: WINE AND SPIRITS FESTIVAL Attention turns to wine and spirits with this festival. While the winter culinary festival centers more on food, this one’s all about the spirits — though it “still celebrates the chefs of Beaver Creek,” Coughran says. Seminars focus on winemaking and various spirits; last year, seminars like the bootleg history of spirits were popular picks.

— DAVID WALFORD, SPLENDIDO

BEST FOR LAST

The event always includes the Grand Tasting, a showcase of all the chefs as they come together to host an evening of food, wine, spirits, music and mingling. “The Beaver Creek FOOD & WINE Weekend is for locals and guests alike,” Coughran says, “whether you make a whole weekend of it, or just choose to attend a few highlighted events, especially the Grand Tasting.” The festival culminates with the Celebrity Chef Ski Race & Brunch, with local and celebrity chef teams racing to raise money for their favorite charities. A brunch completes the festivities. “It’s a chance to get out and have a good time with these guys, and with everybody involved it will be a lot of fun,” Weems says.

The chefs will have plenty of time for prerace preparation, but there’s no doubt that they will be prepping plates instead of waxing skies. “This is just a really great weekend,” Weems says. “I’ve been doing this for many years, and it’s always a fun event and a wonderful time to be in Beaver Creek and to try some of the best food in the nation.” Walford says this is something that he and his team at Splendido look forward to every year. “I’m a big supporter of this event, and I thank Beaver Creek Resort Company and FOOD & WINE for putting it on — without them, we couldn’t do it,” says the chef. “It’s a great weekend that we all look forward to.” Gutowski echoes the sentiment. “It’s a totally unique expereince, in the greatest ski town in Colorado,” Gutowski says. “Everyone puts 110 percent into this and it really shows. It’s just a really great time and you can see it on the faces of everyone there.”

SEPTEMBER: OKTOBERFEST This Labor Day weekend celebration is one of the most authentic, as Beaver Creek partners with its sister city, Lech, Austria. This year, Who’s Bad headlines the festival, with full Michael Jackson flair. SEPTEMBER: BEAVER CREEK LUXURY LIFESTYLE FESTIVAL In early fall, Beaver Creek celebrates the best of culture and design in this unique festival. While last year’s car show featured the new 2012 Audi line and a 1959 Mercedes, worth $5 million, Coughran promises even bigger and better this year. The fashion show, sponsored by Frank Hall of Mistral and Avalon, features local merchants’ fall collections.

Perfect Three

Trails

Hike, bike and ski your way to a fantastic mountain experience. Whether it’s the graded Village to Village trail that loops from Beaver Creek to Bachelor Gulch or the adrenaline pipeline that is Osprey, the Beav’ has an embarrassment of riches. BY SHAUNA FARNELL PHOTOGR APHY BY JACK AFFLECK

“PERFECT” IS NOT AN EASY WORD TO DEFINE, BUT WHEN IT comes to outdoor activities and, more specifically, trails, perfection comes in a simple, three-part recipe. What are the ingredients? Really, a perfect trail brings thrill, challenge and joy in one fell swoop. ¶ Because thrill, challenge and joy are experienced differently to everyone depending on their skill and fitness levels, the Beav’ is ideal, with options to accommodate all. There are hiking trails that are both long and arduous as well as short and educational, bike trails full of drops and roots for those into that sort of thing but also flat, comfortably wide and lined with benches for the more leisurely pedaler and the ski terrain … well, it comes in every pitch from just a couple degrees steeper than flat to sheer, actual cliffs. »

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Supreme Hiking BEAVER LAKE TRAIL

hen it comes to hiking perfection, in addition to the three base ingredients of thrill, challenge and joy, there should also be some sort of water feature involved. Not only does the modest, 3-mile Beaver Lake trail deliver you to the shores of a gorgeous, pine forest-enclosed alpine lake, but it also travels along Beaver Creek itself the whole way, from the babbling narrow crossings to the rather wild whitewater plunges. The energy of the creek heading down serves as an extra boost on the trip up. It’s not really one to bathe in, though. Even on a hot day, it’s freezing. Snowmelt, you know. Starting in Beaver Creek Village, begin on the Five Senses trail — where you will get a crash course in local flora and wildlife if not an actual encounter at some point — and meet Beaver Lake trail after the fishing ponds. Here the route is wide and runs parallel and just west of the creek, passing through aspen groves and ascending only gradually to where it crosses under Larkspur chairlift, at which point you start heading up the gully on an incline that is not heart attacksteep but will absolutely get your pulse jumping. You will totally forget that you started at a resort. Covering about 1,700 vertical feet, it is one of the few hikes on any ski mountain devoid of switchbacks and leads you directly to the lake which, though small, is marvelously serene and is occasionally a popular sipping spot for elk. It’s also a good picnic area, so don’t forget your snacks and your own water.

Topnotch Bike Ride ALLIE’S WAY TO VILLAGE TO VILLAGE TO ELKHORN

nique to Beaver Creek, even the easiest mountain bike trails still provide a thrill — especially in the fall, when you are constantly crunching over a carpet of leaves and surrounded by every tone on the warm side of the color wheel. Starting at Beaver Creek Village, the only less-than-perfect part of the journey is the short jaunt up the service road to Allie’s Way, but after this little warm-up the refreshingly mild uphill pitch of the singletrack feels more like a traverse, cutting across some of Beaver Creek’s most popular ski runs and providing a couple of technical challenges in brief but steep inclines that are best executed with a running (furious pedaling) start. Before the trail tops out near the base of Birds of Prey lift, you will find yourself in a rich aspen grove that gets so green in July it resembles a rainforest. Village to Village — while wider than a single track and marked with benches for anyone wanting to rest (not us) — is an exhilarating cruise in this section. It’s a true traverse that can easily be done in the middle chain ring until you reach a couple of short uphill switchbacks that then plunge you down into Elkhorn, one of the smoothest, most consistently buffed out trails around. The need for challenge is fulfilled by navigating the sharp switchbacks at the top before winding through a dark pine forest and then down a wider, rockier set of switchbacks into more aspens. By the time you reach the bottom, your hands will either be burning from braking or you’ll be going mach 300. It’s the perfect end to a marvelous ride.

Ultimate Ski Run OSPREY

rom the silky corduroy of a rolling, fast slope like Arrowhead’s Cresta to the extremely challenging deep and narrow lines through the trees in Royal Elk Glade, there are several trails that easily fall into the realm of “perfect” … especially on a powder day. But the most consistent of these is Grouse Mountain’s Osprey. Keep in mind this is perfection for experienced skiers and boarders with a predilection for bumps (and really just when there is a thick layer of fresh snow involved). The joy is evident immediately with the absence of crowds and minimal wait time — even on a busy weekend — at Grouse Mountain Express lift. Then, as you disembark at the top

and take in panoramas of the valley and all of its miraculous peaks and crags in the distance, you will crest over the only mild slope of the trail at the top of Bald Eagle, across the service road, which is fun to catch air off of if one of your friends scopes out a decent landing (as in, nobody is loitering under it and there are no steep moguls to meet the base of your board or skis). From then on, the entire run is one of the longest and most continually steep that you will find anywhere. The thrill and challenge is discovering the best zipper line between bumps, which can be legitimately Volkswagen-sized. Even the fittest skiers and riders will be hearing from their quadriceps at the bottom of this run. But four or five of these in a row and you’ve basically done your workout for the day. The perfection will have you panting.

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FROM TYKES TO TEENS, BEAVER CREEK IS GEARED FOR FAMILY TRAVEL

T H I N K S TO C K

by Rosanna Turner

NE MIGHT THINK HEAVY LUGGAGE IS THE BIGGEST BURDEN WHEN IT COMES to a vacation, but parents know there’s one thing that can weigh you down even more: bored children. A fun family vacation can quickly become sour if one’s offspring aren’t entertained or enjoying themselves as much as the adults. Luckily the folks at Beaver Creek have kept this in mind and designed a plethora of events and activities for everyone from the tiniest of toddlers to those who are merely young at heart. ¶ “We make a huge effort to reach every age of child,” says Anna Robinson, events manager at Beaver Creek Resort Company. “We like to think that we specialize in kids of all ages, even the big kids — moms and dads. There’s plenty to do without feeling like you have to put your kid with a babysitter.” ¶ Boulder, Colorado resident Jodie Squirrell has three children ages 15, 11, and 5. Squirrell and her family visit Beaver Creek three to four times each winter season because it now feels like home. ¶ “We feel like we fit in,” Squirrell says. “There’s not the pretentiousness that other ski resorts have. It’s very laid back and family-friendly.” ¶ Unsure of what to do if you have children in different age groups? Here’s a handy guide to the best family activities the Beav’ has to offer. »

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On-Mountain Attractions

Marmot Maze & Tubing Hill Most tubing hills require that riders be at least 42 inches tall, but Beaver Creek has smaller tubes for those as short as 36 inches. For young children who haven’t reached that height, Marmot Maze is a winter playground complete with fun tunnels and slippery slides located next to the tubing hill. “Marmot Maze is geared toward those kids who aren't big enough to go on the tubing hill,” Robinson says. “It’s something young kids can enjoy while their big brother or sister is going down the tubing hill.” Marmot Maze is free for children under 36 inches and $32 an hour for anyone taller than that. Tubing is $32 per person for one hour.

Most ski resorts have green runs or beginner hills for the youngsters, but Beaver Creek does one better with its full-scale themed mountain attractions. Ride through Jackrabbit Alley along the Western trail to pass Conestoga wagons and teepees, or visit the ghost town to see the tombstones and abandoned saloon. Ski through the bear cave to spot the hibernating animal, then stop by the doghouse to say hello to Ripperoo, Beaver Creek’s canine mascot. Assuage sibling rivalry with some friendly competition at the Buckaroo racecourse, located next to the Buckaroo Express gondola. Look out for weekly themed days, like “Bump n’ Bash” where kids can try their best Johnny Moseley on the green run mogul jump.

A visit to the Beaver Creek Nordic Sports Center can give your children an opportunity to try a new winter activity such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or telemark skiing. Free family guided snowshoe tours (complete with cookies and hot cocoa) are offered every Tuesday during the winter season from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Nate Goldberg, director of the Nordic Sports Center, said during the tour kids learn about the flora and fauna native to the area and experience nature’s wonders. “Snowshoeing is a great family activity because you’re going at a speed you can talk and play and make snow angels,” Goldberg says. “You really get a chance to spend time with (one another) and share in the feeling of being in the back country.”

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P H OTO S BY J AC K A F F L E C K & DA N DAV I S

Nordic Sports Center

Spending the Weekend If your family is only here for the weekend, be sure to check out either Family Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) or Saturday’s Family Funfest. During Family FAC, kids can meet a ski patroller, tour a snow cat, meet Ripperroo, and even launch an avalanche “grenade.” Family Funfest is a weekly winter carnival, with games, prizes, a bounce house, and caricature artists. Family FAC is held every Friday afternoon from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. behind McCoy’s and left of Centennial Express Chairlift 6. Family Funfest is every Saturday from 4 to 5:50 p.m. in Beaver Creek Village for the winter season.

Children’s Theater

Après Alternatives Après for adults means conversation and cocktails, but there are a few ways for those underage to get in on the fun. Whether or not you’re a guest, the Park Hyatt offers a s’mores kit where kids can roast their own marshmallows by the outdoor fireplace. Marshmallows and other treats can be toasted over the fire at Mamie’s Mountain Grill, a do-it-yourself-style retreat that you can snowshoe to. In addition to their homemade hot chocolate, Rimini Gelato is now serving up “butterbeer” which will satisfy the Harry Potter fans in the family.

Parades on Snow What kid doesn’t love a parade? Beaver Creek has not one, but two each week. Thursday Night Lights is an evening parade for parents and kids (who are at least level 5) where they can light up the snow wearing glow sticks and ski down to music. Fireworks follow the parade. On Mondays at 2:30 p.m. Ripperoo leads his own parade down beginner run Hay Meadow. “We do a big long ski line from the top of the gondola all the way down to the bottom,” says Koby Kenny, children's mountain attractions supervisor. “We encourage dancing along and singing while (the kids) are skiing.”

The Beaver Creek Children’s Theater Company has been entertaining everyone from babies to grandparents since 1987. The company’s cast of characters animates story time every Sunday and Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. at the top of Buckaroo Gondola. Company founder Brian Hall said the Children’s Theater is yet another way Beaver Creek “creates opportunities for special moments.” “We help with those memories,” Hall says. “Our shows are written to be entertaining for toddlers up to (age) 85. The families come back and they know us. They don’t want to be a tourist; they want to be a guest. It’s more than just going to a resort. It’s about some place you feel comfortable with.” It’s this feeling of comfort that brings families back to Beaver Creek year after year. It may be known as a ski resort, but after a few days it becomes familiar enough to feel more like a neighborhood. The fact that this neighborhood is nestled in the mountains and surrounded by beauty doesn’t hurt either, especially when it comes time to take those group family photos. clockwise from top left: Outdoor fire pits offer warmth, ambience and a great spot to people watch; the Park Hyatt has a great fire pit on the slope-side patio where kids and adults can make s’mores. Cookie Time is a beloved Beaver Creek tradition: Every day at 3 p.m. free cookies are served to those at the base area. The Buckaroo Express totes beginners up the hill in fully enclosed comfort. Anyone who skis or boards at level 5 or greater is welcome to participate in the Thursday Night Lights parade on Hay Meadow; everyone wears glow sticks while skiing down to music at night. Beaver Creek’s tubing hill is full service — people get towed up the hill and then set off down one of the lanes. A blazing fireworks show caps off the evening every Thursday during Thursday Night Lights.

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casual, western-style atmosphere with a Southwestern and American menu this is the ideal place to meet friends for lunch or dinner. The Bully is famous for its hamburgers and mudslides.

(970) 477-5353 || balatarestaurant.com 1265 berry creek road, edwards

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ged, USDA Prime Beef is the star at Elway’s. Chef Shawn Cubberley shops for seasonal ingredients then plans ever-changing menus, allowing options with limited seasonal availability — from the familiar to ethnic and contemporary. (970) 754-7818 || elways.com inside the lodge at Vail, Vail Village

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sing local ingredients such as elk, lamb and fish, the Golden Eagle’s upscale comfort food is delicious. From our hazelnut-encrusted trout to grilled elk loin, it’s mountain cuisine at its finest.

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la tour ‘where cheFs eat’

sophisticated atmosphere with live music and a menu ranging from burgers to caviar. Take off your boots after a day on the mountain and enjoy Vail’s best après ski and après dinner gathering spot.

a Tour is the heart work of Chef Paul and Lourdes Ferzacca. The simplicity of the French-inspired cuisine masks a deep richness of flavors and textures which delights the palette. Reservations are suggested.

(970) 479-5429 || kingsclubVail.com 20 Vail road, Vail

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kelly liken

or 43 years, The Left Bank has been the place to wine and dine for discerning locals and visitors around the world. We have cultivated relationships in France and California to obtain the rarest sophisticated atmosphere with live music winestoavailable, and a menu ranging from burgers caviar. Take off your boots after a day on impeccably the mountain and enjoy Vail’s best après ski andstored après and aged. dinner gathering spot.

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elly Liken is passionate about creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience for guests. Serving seasonal American cuisine heavy on locally produced and cultivated products, the extensive wine list is 250 labels strong. (970) 479-0175 || kellyliken.com gateway building, Vail Village

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minturn country club

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elly up to the butcher shop and choose from a variety of dry-aged steaks, chicken and seafood. You’ll season it yourself and grill it to perfection on our special lava rock grill. Enjoy our salad bar and fire up some garlicky Texas Toast.

(970) 479-5429 || sonnenalp.com 20 Vail road, Vail

(970) 827-4114 || minturncountryclub.com main street, minturn

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red mountain grill

ince 1987, Montauk Seafood Grill has been bringing high quality seafood and meats to the mountains. It is flown in fresh, never frozen, from all corners of the globe. We combine a fine dining experience with a casual and fun atmosphere. (970) 476-2601 || montaukseaFoodgrill.com 48 east beaVer creek bouleVard, aVon

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ith 15 TVs, 28 beers on tap and a great happy hour, Red Mountain Grill is a casual, comfortable locals’ joint. The menu revolves around salads, pizzas, pastas, steaks and “South of the Border” classics. (970) 748-1010 || redmountaingrill.com 240 chapel place, aVon

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ondue, Raclette and authentic alpine cuisine reflecting the various regions of the Alps positions the Swiss Chalet as a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Vail. Delicious fondues make the Swiss Chalet a delectable dining experience. (970) 479-5429 || sonnenalp.com 20 Vail road, Vail

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oasting views of Beaver Creek from Avon’s iconic Boat Building, Vin48 offers creative cuisine for discriminating palates and over 40 wines by the glass. Nightly happy hour with $8 small plates, $5 glasses of wine and $3 premium drafts. (970) 748-9463 || Vin48.com 48 east beaVer creek bouleVard, aVon

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erched on Arrowhead’s mountain side, Vista is open to the public with a grand fireplace and Vail’s Piano Man, Micky, 6-9 p.m. Try Chef’s favorite Lamb Osso Buco or Rocky Mtn Trout. Don’t hesitate because of Arrowhead’s gate!

(970) 926-2111 || Vista-arrowhead.com 676 sawatch driVe, edwards

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CLOUD RIDE Surrounded by low-lying clouds and Gore Range mountain peaks, a lone skier rises out of Rose Bowl on an otherwise bluebird day. Photography by Dominique Taylor

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The Beaver Creek Resort Market. Every property for sale. The background stories. The statistics and trends. For a complete picture of the market, contact our offices or visit our website. E X C E P T I O N A L A D V I C E L E A D S T O E X C E P T I O N A L LY H A P P Y C L I E N T S .

240 BORDERS ROAD SOLD - $4,300,000

BEAR PAW LODGE B303 UNDER CONTRACT - $1,190,000

THE BEAVER CREEK LODGE NO. 604 AVAILABLE - $3,995,000

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