WHERE TO EAT

Yeti's Grind

141 E. Meadow Dr.

Specialty lattes at this purveyor of caffeinated goodness include honey and lavender and white chocolate raspberry. More traditional macchiatos, cappuccinos, and Americanos are on offer, too. Pair them with some slices of avocado egg salad toast, a chorizo breakfast burrito, or house-made scones—all of which are standouts among the breakfast options.

Sweet Basil

193 Gore Creek Dr.

First opened in 1977, this Vail institution (and Paul Anders' culinary home) is built around elevated concepts of fine dining. It focuses on dishes that make the most of locally sourced meat and vegetables while also getting creative with fresh seafood. The menu often features delicacies such as beef tenderloin tartare, Maine lobster paella, tiger prawns a la plancha, Colorado lamb T-bones, and grilled Hawaiian kanpachi. Creatively conceived cocktails, an extensive fine wine list, and local craft brews round out the menu.

Mountain Standard

193 Gore Creek Dr.

Anders’ and Morgan’s other restaurant, which opened its doors a decade ago, makes creative use of primal fire—with wood grill and rotisserie techniques figuring heavily in the preparation of amply flavored dishes: smoked short rib char siu, corned pork shank, grilled mahi mahi, rotisserie chicken, and more.

The Slope Room

352 E. Meadow Dr.

This Alpine-style bistro, located in the Gravity Haus hotel (see Where to Stay, below), offers hand-roasted coffees to start the day, brunch service, and innovative après-ski bites (including the must-try short rib burger). Dinner options include entrees with hefty cuts of locally sourced meats and hearty side dishes such as smashed Yukon potatoes and crispy Brussels sprouts that will hit the spot after a full day of skiing, snowboarding, or checking out the shops in Vail Village.

10th Mountain Whiskey Tasting Room

227 Bridge Street

Bourbon, rye whiskey, brandy, potato vodka, moonshine, and cordials are all poured at this popular place to wet your whistle with some of the finest craft spirits in the Rocky Mountains.

WHERE TO STAY

Gravity Haus

352 E. Meadow Dr.

Located right in the heart of Vail Village, Gravity Haus offers an ideal spot to nestle in and find some private relaxation. Nearly two-dozen tastefully appointed guest accommodations, an in-house restaurant (see The Slope Room under Where to Eat, above), an onsite coffee roaster, and a fitness center and spa with sauna and steam rooms are just some of the ways to recharge after a long day on the slopes. And dog-friendly rooms mean your best friend could also enjoy some of these perks.

The Arrabelle at Vail Square

675 Lionshead Pl.

With its architecture evoking the snow-dusted chalets of Switzerland, the Arrabelle—which offers easy access to both Lionshead Village and, via the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Vail Mountain—is a study in form and function. The stately resort offers guests an array of unique amenities: ski valets, rooftop hot tubs, a skating rink, outdoor fire pits, and more.

Sonnenalp

20 Vail Rd.

For more than four decades, this pioneering lodge has also brought a European flair to Vail Village. Inspired by an actual German bed and breakfast, this property's homey elegance might cause you to mistake the Rockies for the Alps. With more than 100 suites, eight onsite restaurants (try the schnitzel and fondue at Swiss Chalet), and plenty of other amenities, it has lots of fun and relaxation to offer for après-ski enjoyment.

Grand Hyatt

1300 Westhaven Dr.

This majestic property sits snugly in Vail Valley and features a variety of rooms and suites, all outfitted in rustic refinement. When not hitting the slopes from the onsite chairlift, enjoy the Hyatt’s heated outdoor infinity pool or, in the warmer months, near-boundless hiking and biking opportunities just outside its doors.

TIP: Eligible Capital One rewards cardholders can book their stay at the above hotels through Capital One Travel, where they match hotel prices before and after you book, so you don't overpay.²

WHERE TO EXPLORE

Ski & Snowboard

Vail and environs

If you're in Vail, chances are you're here to pound some moguls or carve some fresh powder. For a choice example of the latter, check out the Seldom trail at Sundown Bowl, as soon as you can get there in the morning, of course. Newer skiers will find their bliss on the blue-square Cloud Nine at Blue Sky Basin. But as you may have guessed, there are many, many (many!) other trails of all shapes, sizes, and skill-levels across Vail's 5,300-plus acres of snowy and skiable terrain.

Deca + Bol

141 E. Meadow Dr.

Combining a chic and minimalist restaurant space with a decidedly stylish 10-lane bowling venue offering cocktails, small plates, and more, this urbane Vail Village favorite has a bit of something for everyone. After dinner and a few strikes and spares, check out nearby Solaris Plaza Ice Rink for an evening skate.

Bloom Spa

16 Vail Rd.

With the heated pool, hot tubs, hot stone therapy, and more on offer at this boutique spot in The Sebastian resort, Bloom Spa offers the perfect antidote to a day on the slopes. Consider booking the 80-minute high-altitude adjustment treatment, which includes a foot soak, oxygen therapy session, and full body massage.