The 2018 Ultimate Resort Guide

Here, 13 resorts across the West share news of the latest and greatest boutiques, hotels, spas, restaurants, breweries and activities in our beloved Rocky Mountain ski towns. 

Photo courtesy of Snowmass Base Village

Snowmass Base Village
20 Carriage Way
970-923-8716
aspensnowmass.com

Phase one of the $600 million resort development——the largest resort base village under construction in North America——will be complete in November, with the grand opening slated for December 15. Completion of the 10-year project will transform the area into a thriving village with an ice rink, fire pit, new restaurants, the Limelight Snowmass Hotel and Residences, the Lumin Residences, a new public plaza and One Snowmass. Two base area lifts, Elk Camp gondola and the Village Express high-speed chairlift, will service the 3,332 acres of skiable terrain. 

“I’m really excited about the public plaza,” says developer East West founder and chair Harry Frampton. “Think of the 2,000-year-old-town squares in Europe. It’s a gathering place for locals and guests alike to celebrate the Snowmass vibe.”

Among the new restaurants are Toro Latin Kitchen and Lounge, in the Viceroy Snowmass, by chef Richard Sandoval and State 38, a Colorado restaurant with farm-to-table flair by chef David Dugan.

“Every iconic destination needs a central place that connects people around activities and amenities to foster memorable moments,” Frampton says. “The village is destined to be that for Snowmass.”

 

Photo courtesy of Limelight Hotel and Residences

Limelight Hotel and Residences
65 Wood Road
855-369-2460
limelighthotels.com

The highly anticipated Limelight Hotel and Residences opens its front doors onto the new Snowmass base village, offering guests indoor/outdoor living. Calling itself the basecamp for Snowmass adventures, the Limelight’s exterior climbing wall soars five stories, the highest of its kind in Colorado. 

 

Photo courtesy of Viceroy

Viceroy
130 Wood Road 
970-923-8000 
viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Showcasing more than $4 million in renovations, the Viceroy Hotel and Residences provides a luxurious choice for discerning Snowmass guests. New to the Viceroy: a stunning 15-foot-wide fireplace in the lobby, chef Richard Sandoval’s Toro Latin Kitchen and Lounge, Café V coffee bar, and a revamp of the fitness facilities. 

Editor’s Pick: VICEROY SPA
Named Architectural Digest’s Most Luxurious Ski Destination Spa, this lovely 7,000-square-foot holistic spa offers respite after a hard day of skiing. Begin with a soak in the Japanese-style saline plunge pool followed by one of the many massage offerings. Ask for Janet, the neck and back specialist; she is a true miracle worker.

 

Photo courtesy of Rowland + Broughton

Hotel Jerome 
330 E. Main Street 
970-920-1000 
hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com

The Hotel Jerome acquired the neighboring Aspen Times building and expanded the hotel’s offerings with eight additional suites, a new speakeasy and an entertainment venue. Rowland + Broughton Architects embraced the task of addressing two visually opposed historic buildings, in collaboration with TAL Studio, inspired by the Victorian period in which the building was constructed.

 

Ahrling Photography

Maker + Place
614 E. Cooper Avenue 
970-379-8130 
makerandplace.com

Maker + Place specializes in high-end homeware and accessories crafted from makers all over the world. For shoppers who might want a coffee break while browsing, M + P has its own coffee shop, Local, which roasts its own organic coffee——and serves it alongside breakfast and lunch, with freshly baked pastries.

 

Jessie Unruh

Breckenridge Distillery
1925 Airport Road
970-547-975 
breckenridgedistillery.com

Known for its bourbons, ports and spiced rum, Breckenridge Distillery added a restaurant, tasting room, patio and open-air bar to its production facility in 2016. Under the direction of chef David Burke, the menu features hearty barbecue, family-style steaks and pasta dishes to pair with the distillery’s robust cocktails.

 

Photo courtesy of Grand Colorado on Peak 8

Grand Colorado on Peak 8
1627 Ski Hill Road
970-547-8788 
grandcoloradoonpeak8.com

With a tagline of “live life grand,” Breckenridge’s newest timeshare development includes ski-in/ski-out access to Peak 8, a full-service day spa, private movie theaters, restaurants, bars and a fitness center. There are currently 130 all-season mountain-modern residences available, with an additional 120 slated to open in 2021. 

 

Lydia Stern

Scout’s General
509 Elk Avenue 
970-642-5770 
scoutsgeneralstore.com

Located near the four-way stop in Crested Butte, this adorable general store is reminiscent of a time when life was simpler and slower. General offers local, handmade and one-of-a kind goods and serves artisanal foods to go that are grown and prepared by families and small businesses.

 

Photo courtesy of Bésame

Bésame
818 Lincoln Avenue
970-761-2561
besamesteamboat.com

Headed up by the former executive chef of Mambo, a local favorite, Bésame opened earlier this year and adds Latin flavor to the heart of Steamboat. Go for a long list of Spanish wine and a seasonal menu of tapas and Cuban classics.

 

Photo courtesy of The Barley

The Barley
635 Lincoln Avenue
970-761-2195
thebarleycolorado.com

Under new ownership since late last year, this craft-brew Mecca recently underwent a facelift that spruced up its interiors and tap list. Situated just below street level, the tavern now offers a wider selection of spirits and cocktails, eight new wine taps and more live music.

 

Photo courtesy of SideWork

SideWork
225 S. Pine Street
970-728-5618
sideworkspeakeasy.com

Owned by the husband-and-wife duo behind Smuggler’s, SideWork is right around the corner from the brewpub but offers a completely different experience. Settle into the1920s-speakeasy-style lounge for Mediterranean-American comfort food and martinis du jour. 

 

Photo courtesy of Hovey & Harrison

Hovey & Harrison (Edwards) 
0056 Edwards Village Boulevard, Unit 120
970-446-6830
hoveyandharrison.com

This café, bakery and market sources many of its ingredients——including honey——from small family-run farms and offers seasonally inspired menus. Located in Edwards, the space is available for events.

 

Photo courtesy of Manor Vail

Manor Vail Lodge
595 Vail Valley Drive
970-476-5000
manorvail.com

Vail’s iconic Manor Vail Lodge offers a convenient location with studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums plus penthouses. This holiday season, the lodge is offering the “Elf on the Shelf” package with hot chocolate and homemade chocolate-chip cookies. 

 

Photo courtesy of Formation

Formation
141 E. Meadow Drive, #203
970-688-1233
formationboutique.com

More than a retail store, Formation is an experience that combines contemporary fashion with modern art from around the world. The boutique offers limited collections from sought-after brands, small-batch designers and emerging artists.

 

Ray Gadd

Independent Goods 
330 Walnut Avenue
208-720-9004
independentgoods.com

Formerly based in Seattle, this vibrant retail store packed up and headed to the mountains of Idaho, where it reopened in late 2016. Purveyor of locally inspired goods crafted by independent makers, the shop offers souvenir pieces without the kitsch. Stop in for jewelry, clothing and home goods. 

 

Ray Gadd

The Hangout, Hotel Ketchum
600 N. Main Street
208-471-4716
hotelketchum.com

Enjoyed by locals as well as hotel guests, Hotel Ketchum’s bar and lounge is a beautifully designed space with a playful spirit. Dubbed “The Hangout,” the bright, open communal area includes modern-yet-comfortable seating, shuffleboard, live music, light bites, craft cocktails and coffee drinks. 

 

Steve Dondero

Editor’s Pick: Zenergy Spa
245 Raven Road
208-725-0595
zenergysv.com 

Located within Zenergy Health Club——Sun Valley’s premiere club offering classes, workout facilities, indoor tennis and indoor and outdoor pools——this nine-room spa offers an extensive menu of services. Bring your swimsuit for a soak in the hot tub with its amazing view, then try the new facial utilizing Phytomer skincare that incorporates extensive massage; it’s amazing!

 

Photo courtesy of The Resort at Squaw Creek

The Resort at Squaw Creek
400 Squaw Creek Road
530-412-7034 
destinationhotels.com/squawcreek

Located in an idyllic mountain setting, the Resort at Squaw Creek is getting a $2 million update. The lobby and meetings and events space will be refreshed, with the new lobby design created by Chicago-based interior design firm Looney & Associates. The renovation will be complete in January 2019 providing enhanced comfort for guests.

 

Whitney Kamman

RSVP MOTEL
510 N. 7th Avenue
406-404-7999
rsvpmotel.com 

The former Rainbow Motel has been given a cool new life. Taking design cues from their world travels, the owners have created a one-of-a-kind lodging experience in the heart of Bozeman. On-site you’ll also find the Farmer’s Daughter, a café and eatery with products from Montana’s farms.

 

Photo courtesy of Rialto

Rialto
10 W. Main Street
406-404-7911
rialtobozeman.com 

This new entertainment venue, located in a renovated movie theater in downtown Bozeman, features a performance venue, meeting and event space, and a bar overlooking Main Street. Next time you’re in Bozeman, check out the event calendar online, and be sure stop by for a show and a drink.

 

Lara Agnew Photography

Little Star Diner
548 E. Babcock Street
406-624-6463
littlestardiner.com

Husband-and-wife team Charley Graham and Lauren Reich combine their talents as chef (Charley) and farmer (Lauren) for this small modern diner in downtown Bozeman. Don’t miss their full moon dinners! 

 

Photo courtesy of Abruzzo Italian Kitchen

Abruzzo Italian Bistro
115 Central Avenue
406-730-8767
abruzzoitaliankitchen.com

Owned by the same restaurateurs behind the esteemed Tupelo Grille, Abruzzo serves authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant and intimate atmosphere. Scratch-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas and stiff negronis offer warmth and comfort after a powder day. Stay for the Butterscotch Budino or a classic tiramisu.

 

Photo courtesy of Fleur Bake Shop

Fleur Bake Shop
669 Spokane Avenue
406-730-8486
fleurbakeshop.com

Opened in spring of 2017, this French-inspired bakery brings a bit of joie de vivre to the mountains. The small-batch shop focuses on quality over quantity and offers morning pastries, spelt croissants, cookies, macarons, cakes and tarts, all made with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. 

 

Photo courtesy of Stein Eriksen Lodge

Stein Eriksen Lodge 
7700 Stein Way
435-649-3700
steinlodge.com

The iconic Stein Erickson Lodge is synonymous with luxurious slope-side accommodations. Recently, it received a $14 million update including a new entertainment center, ski locker room with 500 individual lockers, coffee bar, theater room and expanded outdoor plaza space with new fire pits and a heated walk path. A newly added pool-and-lounge space creates a more enhanced poolside experience—something the entire family will enjoy.

 

Photo courtesy of Jackson Drug

Jackson Drug
15 E. Deloney
307-201-1275
jacksondrug.com

The Gills are a fifth-generation Jackson family who opened the doors to Jackson Drug in 1919. Now, nearly 100 years later, sisters Jessica and Nikki Gill have brought it back as a café and soda fountain. Located in the stone building on the northwest corner of the Town Square, Jackson Drug serves beef from the family ranch, the Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch.

 

Photo courtesy of Mursell's

Mursell's
125 N. Cache, Gaslight Alley
307-264-1508
mursells.com

Mursell’s sweet shop has operated in Jackson for 35 years and recently was purchased by local businessman John Frechette, who also owns Mountain Dandy and Made. The charming shop offers chocolates and sweets from around the world: One customer walked in and said, “Feels like a smile in here.” 

 

Photo courtesy of Gallery Wild

Gallery Wild
40 S. Glenwood
307-699-2077
gallerywild.com

This new gallery has the perfect name, as it’s located in an area known for its abundant wildlife. The name actually comes from Carrie Wild, who owns the gallery with her husband, wildlife photographer Jason Williams. The gallery showcases art inspired by wildlife and wild open spaces.