The 2017 Ultimate Resort Guide

We polled insiders at resorts across the West, for what’s new, hip and happening this winter. Here, 65 of the latest and greatest boutiques, hotels, restaurants, breweries and activities in our beloved Rocky Mountain ski towns.

Aspen Skiing Company

Snowmass Ski Area 
970-923-1227
snowmass.com^​

Snowmass celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and on December 15, Snowmass Ski Area will offer a single-day lift ticket pricing of $6.50, the price that was charged on opening day in 1967. Retro-themed parties, entertainment and fireworks are planned for the kick-off weekend and include $19.67 (commemorating 1967) and $50 (50 years ago) set price menus at participating bars and restaurants.

 

Courtesy Dancing Bear

Dancing Bear Aspen
411 S. Monarch St., Aspen
970-920-2500
dancingbearaspen.com

The Dancing Bear Aspen private residence club opened the new Mountainside Building featuring 10 three-bedroom residences and a stunning 3,200-square-foot penthouse. Fractional ownership is available.

 

Aviator Nation
308 Mill St., Aspen
970-429-8016
aviatornation.com

Visitors to Aspen will find a new shopping experience at Aviator Nation, a sporty/retro clothing line for men and women dubbed “athleisure” wear. Based in Venice, California, and inspired by ’70s music, the brand’s signature motif of bold, bright stripes decorates the store both inside and out—even on a Honda Rebel minicruiser. 

 

C2 Photography, Little Nell

The Little Nell Boutique
675 E. Durant Ave., Aspen
970-920-6313
thelittlenell.com

A new boutique in The Little Nell lobby offers must-have souvenirs and luxe gifts including branded cashmere slippers, preserves from the pastry kitchen, Little Nell pet leashes and more.  The staff will ship your favorite items to anywhere in the world.

^​

Nick Tininenko, BOSQ

BOSQ Restaurant
312 S. Mill St., Aspen
970-710-7299
bosqaspen.com

Aspen native and chef C. Barclay Dodge brings 30 years of culinary experience and globetrotting to the menu that includes flavors from the Mediterranean to China. Intimate in size and atmosphere, after-dark ambience is created from soft designer lighting and candles. Reservations are recommended for a table and for the chef’s signature Peking Duck.

Woodland
211A N. Main St.
970-771-2190
woodlandbreck.com

Owned by Texas natives Barbara and Tom Gervais and daughter Emily (who recently fled the Lone Star State for year-round mountain air), Woodland is a quaint shop located on a cobblestone walkway off Main Street. Stop in for fresh flowers, home accessories and gifts with mountain-rustic flair.

 

The Crown, Carmel Zucker

The Crown
215 S. Main St. #L
970-453-6022
thecrownbreckenridge.com

A staple on the Main Street strip, The Crown has been serving pick-me-ups in a cozy atmosphere for 15 years. The beloved coffee shop recently transformed its menu and interiors, now offering a full menu of breakfast fuel, sandwiches, salads and ice cream in addition to espresso drinks and après-ski cocktails—all in a hip, charming lounge setting.

 

Continental Divide Winery
505 S. Main St., Unit A4
970-771-3443
breckwinery.com

Built on fate, friendship and a shared passion for winemaking and Australian shepherds, this slopeside winery—the highest-altitude winery in the world—is owned by two families who became fast friends while walking their dogs in downtown Breck. Just off the Peak 9 Quicksilver lift, Continental Divide creates wines with Colorado and California grapes. Sidle up for a flight of tasters, or buy a bottle to take back to the lodge.

 

Belle V.
500 S. Main St.
970-771-3456
bellevbistro.com

Perfect for date nights, this intimate bistro serves up classic French dishes—from escargots and foie gras to ratatouille and French onion soup. Born in the South of France, the chef learned his trade from his 102-year-old grandmother, and serves his cuisine on small plates he encourages guests to share. Open for dinner only. >>

 

The Cheese Shop of Breckenridge

EDITOR'S PICK: 
The Cheese Shop of Breckenridge
505 S. Main St., Unit B2-A
970-771-3115
cheeseshopbreck.com

As longtime lovers of gourmet foods, Brooks and Courtney Leedahl decided Breck was in need of a cheese and provisions shop the day after they got engaged. In 2015 they opened The Cheese Shop—a Mecca of specialty cheeses, cured meats and pantry items. Grab a made-to-order sandwich and a pistachio macaron, and walk to Maggie Pond for a waterside picnic.

Glenn Asakawa

^​Wildflour Sweets
303 Elk Ave. (below the Secret Stash)
307-690-6249
wildfloursweets.com

Open Thursday-Saturday and for custom orders, Crested Butte’s newest bakery and pastry shop is helmed by Danielle Riesz, a former pastry chef at Aspen’s Little Nell Hotel. Try the croissants, cookies and macarons.

 

Public House
202 Elk Ave.
970-349-0173
publichousecb.com

This lovingly renovated building, constructed in 1882, showcases beer from the town’s new Irwin Brewing Co. as well as local grass-fed beef and Western Slope wines and cider. There’s even a great side deck for enjoying the mountain views.

 

Glenn Asakawa

GRIT Wearables and Shareables
318 Elk Ave., Suite 13
970-349-1155
gritcb.com

GRIT offers clothing for women and men that—in contrast to the store’s name—are made from some of the softest fabrics around. The selection includes mountain-friendly dresses and ensembles as well as workout gear, whimsical T-shirts and hats.

 

Courtesy Irwin Brewing

Irwin Brewing Company
326 Belleview Ave.
970-349-7761

Crested Butte’s new home for craft beer offers kegs and growlers at the brewery and hopes to add a tasting room soon. You can also enjoy a pilsner and seasonal favorites at the Public House and other local establishments.

 

Glenn Asakawa

Niky's Mini-Donuts
327 Elk Ave.
970-363-6688
nikysminidonuts.com

Situated next to Crested Butte’s renowned historic hardware-store-come-museum, Niky’s offers a pick-me-up for everyone. Kids especially will enjoy watching as their mini donuts (2, 4 or 6 to an order) are fried and then topped in any of two dozen ways.

The Crooked Key

The Crooked Key
435 Lincoln Ave.
970-367-7619
crookedkey.com

At this live-action escape room, teams choose between two simulated scenarios: “Flashover!” and “Escape from the Old West.” With 60 minutes on the clock, team members work together to solve a series of puzzles and mental and physical feats in order to escape a locked room. Family-friendly and downright fun. $35 per person.

 

Courtesy Danielle Zimmerer, Cloverdale Farm & Restaurant

Cloverdale Farm & Restaurant
207 9th St.
970-875-3179
cloverdalerestaurant.com

With an emphasis on fresh, locally grown ingredients, Cloverdale’s rotating prix-fixe menu utilizes fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, honey and eggs sourced from their 10.5-acre namesake farm located on the edge of town. Choose between two dining options: a five-course tasting menu ($65), or a 10- to 14-course menu for the full experience ($135).

 

Salt & Lime

Salt & Lime
628 Lincoln Ave.
970-871-6277
suckalime.com

New to Steamboat’s main drag, Salt & Lime offers contemporary Mexican fare—from street-style tacos and loaded burritos to craft margaritas. Vegetarian options are abundant, and the churros are a must-have.

 

Iron Waffle
2500 Village Dr.
970-367-5716
theironwaffle.com

This cozy on-mountain coffee shop provides pre-ski fuel in the form of espresso drinks and sweet and savory waffles—try the Bacon Goat (topped with goat cheese, bacon and honey) or the S’mores (topped with marshmallow fluff, whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs).

 

Table 79

EDITOR'S PICK: 
Table 79
345 Lincoln Ave.
970-761-22463
table79steamboat.com

Just under a year old, Table 79 has become the talk of the town in its infancy. The brainchild of restaurateur Phil Armstrong, the contemporary American eatery serves dishes with global flavors in an ambient space designed by Denver’s Raw Creative. Stop by during happy hour for a craft cocktail and half-priced bites.

There Bar
627 W. Pacific Ave.
970-728-1213
therebars.com

This Telluride-born gem may not be as young and stylish as its new sibling—the second location opened in Denver last year—but trust us; it’s just as fun. The comic book-inspired menu includes sharable plates influenced by global cuisines—think confit chicken steamed buns, Wagyu beef tostadas and Colorado elk lettuce wraps. The intimate space fills up fast, so make a reservation or arrive early. Tip: Ask your bartender for the “black list,” There’s covert cocktail menu.

 

Mixx Projects + Atelier

Mixx Projects + Atelier
307 E. Colorado Ave.
970-797-4040
mixxprojects.com

The curator of cool since 2014, Mixx is a contemporary art, jewelry and home accessories studio with a passion for the Telluride arts community. Earlier this year, the gallery space was expanded to accommodate more fine art pieces and Midcentury Modern furniture. Stop in to get your design fix or pick up a locally made gift.

 

Taco Del Gnar
123 S. Oak St.
970-626-9715
gnarlytacos.com

Uninspired by snobbish fine dining, Chef Curtis Blanton sought to create something a little more gnarly. Enter Taco Del Gnar, his dressed-down taco joint that focuses on innovative flavors and fresh ingredients in an alternative, biker-esque setting.

 

Liberty Bar & Lounge
121 S. Fir St.
970-728-2941
libertytelluride.com

Opened earlier this year, the Liberty is Telluride’s newest venue for craft pours and charcuterie and live entertainment in a modern, subterranean environment. Live music—including open mic nights, acoustic duos and DJ sets—takes the stage throughout the week.

 

Abie Livesay, Ghost Town

Ghost Town
210 W. Colorado Ave.
970-300-4334
facebook.com/ghosttowngrocer

This all-in-one coffee shop, specialty grocery store and breakfast nook quickly became part of our morning routine on a recent trip to Telluride. Loved by locals and visitors alike, Ghost Town’s friendly staff whips up avocado toasts, strong coffee and fresh smoothies. 

Village Bagels

Village Bagels
Riverwalk Shopping Center, Edwards
914-886-8851
villagebagel.co

For years, New York native Connie Leaf rose at 3 am to make bagels for the Vail popup location du jour—she rotated her locations but you could track her down via Facebook. This year, Leaf opens Village Bagels in a permanent location in Edwards. If you’re tired of eating bagels that taste like hamburger buns, you’re in luck. Leaf makes them the New York way, boiled then baked.

 

Pendulum

Pendulum
232 Bridge St., Vail Village
970-470-4803
pendulumvail.com

Pendulum in Vail Village features innovative American cuisine accented with Latin influences. Semple Brown Architects and ShopWorks designed the 90-seat new-build restaurant with a modern lodge aesthetic. Pendulum is the sister property to the White Bison, both from the PlumpJack Group.

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

WYLD 
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
970-343-1555
ritzcarlton.com

WYLD allows dogs on a leash in the bar (not the restaurant), making this a favorite watering hole for Fido-lovers. If that isn’t enough to get you there, the food will—locally sourced and sustainable meats, seafood and seasonal vegetables. Its Mountainside Terrace is steps from Beaver Creek’s Chair 16.

 

Hotel Talisa

Hotel Talisa
1300 Westhaven Dr., Vail
800-420-2424
hoteltalisa.com

A truly ski in/ski out resort with Chair 20 located on the property, Hotel Talisa offers luxurious accommodations plus amenities like an altitude concierge to help guests adjust to Vail’s 8,000 feet of elevation, a slipper and pillow menu, and special in-room pet amenities.

 

Pepi's Restaurant
31 E. Gore Creek Dr., Vail Village
970-476-5626
pepis.com

Pepi’s Restaurant, named after Vail legend Pepi Gramshammer, has been remodeled for the first time since opening its doors in 1964. The décor has changed, everything is new and modern, but the food is the same delicious German fare that has attracted skiers for over 50 years.

Ray J. Gadd, Limelight Hotel

Limelight Hotel
151 S. Main St.
855-441-2250
limelighthotels.com

Minutes from the River Run base area, the Limelight celebrates its second ski season this year. Designed by Rowland + Broughton, the 99-room hotel features on-site bike rentals, a 39-piece modern art collection, gourmet eats at The Lounge and enough room for canine companions.

 

Sun Valley Resort

Sun Valley Lodge
1 Sun Valley Road
208-622-2097
sunvalleylodge.com

After a $51 million renovation completed in June 2015, the Sun Valley Lodge is now bigger and better but still keeps its 80-year history alive. Among the renovations: a new 20,000-square-foot salon and spa, 108 new guest rooms and an updated and expanded 1950s-themed bowling alley.

 

Agyros Performing Arts Center
120 S. Main St.
208-726-7872
sunvalleyperformingarts.org

Slated to open in 2018, Sun Valley’s newest arts center will act as a community gathering space with two theaters, a café and an outdoor plaza. Expect a range of music, comedy, dance, films and educational workshops to take center stage.

 

Ray J. Gadd, Warfield Distillery & Brewery

Warfield Distillery & Brewery
280 N. Main St.
2008-726-2739
warfielddistillery.com

Opened in 2015 by two friends who left their careers in law and marketing to pursue a passion for craft libations, Warfield offers seven craft beers, two spirits (with two more on the way) and sophisticated pub grub and entrees, all made in house.

Gabrielle Lewis, Montana Honey Bee

Montana Honey Bee
19 S. Tracy Ave.
406-624-6446
montanahoneybeecompany.com

This company is the bees’ knees! Anyone traveling through Bozeman must stop at this adorable store, where owners Steve and Joyce greet you like you’re a visitor in their home. They sell local chemical-free honey as well as other tasty gifts, beekeeping supplies and even bees. 

 

Reid Morth, Bisl

Bisl
33 W. Main St.
406-586-5228
bislfood.com

Owners and chefs Davey and Kierst Rabinowitz met while working under celebrity chef Gregory Gourdet at Departure, a contemporary Asian restaurant in Portland. They returned to Montana to open Bisl, which means “a little bit” in Yiddish and reflects the shared-plates style of the restaurant. Try the ramen!

 

The Lark

Lark Hotel
122 W. Main St.
866-464-1000
larkbozeman.com

A vintage 38-room motor lodge meticulously remodeled into a comfortable and stylish 21st-century hotel, the Lark is the perfect home base for Bozeman visitors. An outdoor wood-burning fireplace and open-air patio add to the hotel’s charm and authentic Montana vibe.

 

Cannery District
113 E. Oak St., Stuite 4A
406-522-7449
cannerydistrict.com

When the Bozeman Canning Company opened in the summer of 1917 on the north side of town, it produced some 13,000 cases of peas each day. Today, the cannery has been given new life as a multi-use creative space campus with studios, stores, cafés and offices. Just 1.5 miles from Main Street.

 

Lot G Cafe

Lot G Cafe
109 E. Oak St. #1J, Cannery District
406-600-6802
lotgcafe.com

“Good Food For All” is this restaurant’s motto, and it obtains fresh produce, meats and eggs from local farmers and ranchers—honoring the local agriculture environment. With a gluten-free menu and customizable options that range from grass-fed beef to tofu, diners can create and enjoy a personalized meal.

Tiffany Newman and Ginny Sukut, Indah Sushi

Indah Sushi
9250 E. Second St.
406-730-6001
indahmontana.com

In June, this beloved Flathead Valley food truck set up shop in a brick-and-mortar location in the heart of downtown. The new location expands upon the fresh, vibrant sushi rolls, sashimi and Asian tapas found on the menu at its mobile counterpart. Even four-legged friends are welcome to nosh—Indah serves sushi dog treats.

 

Gibeon Photography, Firebrand Hotel

Firebrand Hotel
650 E. Third St.
406-863-1900
firebrandhotel.com

Named after Glacier National Park’s iconic Firebrand Pass, Whitefish’s newest boutique hotel offers convenience—it’s within walking distance of dozens of downtown shops and
restaurants, and a quick 15 minutes from the slopes—and rustic-chic style that’s cosmopolitan yet comfortable.

 

Craig Moore, Remington Bar

Remington Bar
130 Central Ave.
406-862-0017
remingtonbar.com

Earlier this year, a local restaurant owner made it his mission to revive this century-old watering hole. Now with a renovated interior and a new bar, the made-over Remington is both bar and venue, hosting live music acts, talent contests and dance lessons throughout the week.

 

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Summit House
3812 Big Mountain Road
406-862-1971
skiwhitefish.com

Montana’s only mountaintop restaurant and lounge got a major facelift last summer. A dated façade was replaced with corrugated metal siding and stonework, while a new mezzanine level added extra space for skiers to unwind and take in the space’s panoramic views of Glacier National Park.

 

Tea Kettle Cafe
12 Spokane Ave.
406-862-3990
teakettlecafe.com

Located in Stumptown Marketplace, Tea Kettle Café’s second location—the original is in the neighboring town of Columbia Falls—serves up Asian and American dishes that will satisfy carnivores and vegans alike: noodle bowls, tempeh Reuben sandwiches, and burgers served with fried wonton chips.

Slate Art

Ritz-Carlton Art Show
13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct., Truckee
530-562-3000
slateart.net

The Ritz-Carlton at Northstar near Truckee partners with Slate Art to feature art throughout the hotel’s public areas. The new winter exhibition will be on view through April 2018 and can be previewed at slateart.net. The works are for sale, and visitors are free to go on a self-tour or join the Ritz Carlton art and architecture tour every Thursday afternoon.

 

Tahoe University

Tahoe University
10015 W. River St., Truckee
530-536-5085
tahoe-university.com

Don’t be fooled by the name; this isn’t a university, although you might learn a thing or two about fashion. It’s an upbeat store with something for women, men and kids—plus furniture and home furnishings. There’s free WiFi and a kids room in the store to occupy your family while you shop.

 

Edgewood Tahoe Lodge
100 Lake Pkwy., South Lake Tahoe
775-588-2787
edgewoodtahoe.com

Long known for its George Fazio-designed golf course on the shore of Lake Tahoe, Edgewood now offers accommodations in a new lodge with 154 luxury rooms and suites, each boasting its own gas fireplace and private deck or terrace. 

 

EDITOR’S PICK: Lake Tahoe breweries! There’s no shortage of places to quench your thirst; three new breweries opened this year. In addition, Basecamp Hotel offers a behind-the-scenes tour with the brewmasters.

South Lake Brewing Company
1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe
southlakebeer.com

Aleworx
2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe
530-600-0442
laketahoealeworx.com

Paul Dyer, Basecamp

Desolation Brewing Company
Basecamp Hotel
4143 Cedar Ave., South Lake Tahoe
530-208-0180
basecamptahoesouth.com

Firewood

Firewood
306 Main St.
435-252-9900
firewoodonmain.com

A new restaurant by acclaimed chef John Murcko is smoking hot, literally, as he cooks over an open fire on a massive 14-foot custom-made grill. Murcko learned to cook like this at his cabin in Escalante. The result: one of the best meals in Park City.

 

Escape Room Park City

Escape Room Park City
136 Hever Ave., #207
435-604-0556
escaperoomparkcity.com

Being trapped in a room with your friends or family may not sound like a vacation, but the silver mine collapse experience at the Escape Room Park City is a blast (pun intended). Players work together to escape the mine
disaster in under an hour’s time.

 

Riverhorse at Imperial House

Imperial House
221 Main St.
435-649-0799
imperialparkcity.com

You don’t have to be part of the Sundance Film Festival Hollywood entourage to stay at the coolest place in town. Imperial House, a luxurious, historic townhome located above  Riverhorse Provisions, is located near the restaurants, shops and bars on Main Street.

 

Grand Summit Hotel
Canyons Village
435-615-8040
parkcity.com

Now branded as a RockResort property, the Grand Summit reopened this fall after a $15 million renovation including new interiors in all 212 suites, plus updates in communal spaces including the lobby, spa, café and general store. The slopeside luxury hotel is near the Orange Bubble Express.

 

Adam Ross, Twisted Fern

Twisted Fern
1300 Snow Creek Dr., Suite RS
435-731-8238
twistedfern.com

This new restaurant by chef/owner Adam Ross offers “real food, the kind that comes directly from plants and animals, is naturally fresh, nourishing, wholesome, and pleasant.” Located five minutes from Park City Mountain.

Hand Fire Pizza
120 N. Cache St.
307-733-7199

In 1941 Teton Theatre opened and became part of cinema history when Spencer’s Mountain, a Henry Fonda
movie filmed in and around Jackson Hole, premiered there. In 2017 the theatre began a new life as the family-friendly Hand Fire Pizza, serving fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients prepared daily.

 

Reedy Urban
140 E. Braodway Ave., Suite 2
307-739-9121
ekreedy.com

EK Reedy Interiors was established in 1990 by Katherine Reedy following a 10-year high-profile career in New York City. Reedy now brings her wealth of experience—along with her philosophy of personalized service—to her new retail showroom located on the Town Square, offering upholstery, case goods, accessories, lighting and artwork.

 

Anvil Hotel

Anvil Hotel
215 N. Cache St.
307-733-3668
anvilhotel.com

Touted by its new owners as Jackson’s “only cool hotel,” the Anvil emerges from 1950s funk to mountain modern in a renovation with a lobby that functions as both a café and mercantile, and a retail shop by Westerlind (which has a location in Soho). The 49 newly designed rooms are modern yet rugged, reflecting the terrain and culture of Jackson. 

 

Hotel Terra

Enoteca
At Hotel Terra, Teton Village
307-201-6065
hotelterrajacksonhole.com

The Hotel Terra Jackson Hole unveils its rebranding and redesign this season, including the new small-plate and wine-centric concept Enoteca. The restaurant will feature an open-concept plan, expanded entrance, wrap-around bar, and custom lighting and window designs. The revamped 40-seat dining room will also be outfitted with a custom floor-to-ceiling wine cellar. 

 

Read McKendree, Mountain Modern

EDITOR'S PICK: 
Mountain Modern
380 W. Broadway Ave.
307-733-4340
mountainmodernmotel.com

Another remake of a longtime Jackson hotel, Mountain Modern formerly was the Painted Buffalo. This hotel also has the modern-yet-rugged vibe (dare we say “cool”) and is located on popular Broadway Avenue.

Peak Suspension Bridge & West Ridge Viewpoint
Whistler Blackcomb Resort
whistlerblackcomb.com

At the summit of Whistler Mountain, guests will find the new Peak suspension bridge and West Ridge viewpoint. These exciting lookouts will give visitors a bird’s-eye view of the alpine wonderland beginning this winter.

 

Forged Axe Throwing

Forged Axe Throwing
1208 Alpha Lake Road, Unit 1
Function Junction
+1-778-770-2240
forgedaxe.ca

Experience the thrill of throwing axes!  At Forged Axe adults and kids age 10 and up can throw axes—rather than darts—at targets. Drop-ins and tour groups are welcome, and there’s league play for those staying longer in nearby Whistler.  

 

Hunter Gather

Hunter Gather
101-4368 Main St., Whistler
+1-604-966-2372
huntergatherwhistler.com

Created as a space to gather with friends, Hunter Gather features locally sourced food, craft beer from Coast Mountain Brewing, and wines from the Okanagan. 

 

HandleBar Cafe

HandleBar Cafe and Apres
106-4557 Blackcomb Way, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain
+1-604-962-2876
HandleBar.beer

HandleBar boasts a curated craft beer selection sourced from regional breweries with German-inspired street food: bratwurst, currywurst and soft, hot pretzels served with grainy mustard or Nutella, to name a few.

 

Il Caminetto
4242 Village Stroll, Whistler
+1-604-932-4442
ilcaminetto.ca

The newest member of the Top
Table Group’s restaurants (including award-winning Araxi and Bar Oso), Il Caminetto (Italian for “the fireplace”) is relaunching with an exciting new menu. SaveSaveSaveSave