Nobody likes waking up early on a powder day and fighting traffic to get to the mountain. Let alone the added stress of driving around looking for parking and then schlepping through the parking lot to a bus stop that will then bring you to the base area. Ski-in ski-out solves this problem! Picture this: you wake up to mountain views and fresh snow. You grab your gear and walk out the front doors right to slopes with direct access to the chairlift. Hello, first chair and fresh lines! Nothing compares to the unmatched convenience and luxury offered by ski-in ski-out properties.
MEET OUR MOUNTAIN TRAVEL EXPERT: KATIE MORLIND
It’s Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Expert Katie Morlind’s job to ski, stay and play at mountain resorts around the world. She takes her job seriously. After 30 years of curating travel for skiers of all abilities and budgets, she’s summed up her favorite ski-in ski-out options. Just as a construction worker has a tool for every task, Katie has a slopeside lodge for every traveler. Suffice to say, she really knows what makes a place special.
With the winter season right around the corner, we decided to tap into Katie’s expertise. We got the best insider information on the top ski-in ski-out properties in ski country. A quick Google search may return a laundry list of ski-in ski-out accommodations, but our experts know that they are not all created equal.
Check out Katie’s’ hot tips on the five best ski-in ski-out properties that’ll help make your winter ski trip memorable AND effortless.
1. Timberline Condominiums – Snowmass, CO – Your home away from home
Katie says that the Timberline Condominiums is the perfect property for families that are looking to make the absolute most of their time on the mountain. The location has easy access to the lifts and is situated right on the slopes. And that close proximity to the slopes makes it super easy to head back to your condo on a lunch break to chow down on a PB&J and hit the slopes again. “It is one of my favorite places to recommend when I have a family whose main desire is to maximize time on the mountain and spend quality time at the condo. If you have intermediate skiers in the family who are ready to put their boots on and go, this is the perfect place for you,” says Katie. If you are looking to explore restaurants and shops, the Snowmass Mall is just a five-minute walk away.
Timberline Condos will be celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and you can trust that they have been dedicated to top-notch service and accommodations for the past 50.
“One of the benefits that I really love about Timberline Condos is how easy they make their arrival. You fly into Aspen airport and they have a car waiting for you and your family. Everything is loaded up and off you go to the property. Realistically, it only takes you 45 minutes from landing to get to check in. And if you time it right, you can be on the chairlift in another 20! ” says Katie. All of the units are large and updated. Each unit has slightly different ski access and our Mountain Travel Experts know which ones will put you on the mountain fastest.
2. First Tracks Lodge – Whistler, B.C. – For the quieter side of Whistler
Whistler’s First Tracks Lodge is nestled in the mellow Creekside Village, offering a peaceful alternative to the lively Whistler Village. This well-appointed property is just steps away from the gondola and offers a quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere without skimping on amenities. When you have a day off for shopping, Whistler Village is only a ten-minute bus ride away. Don’t think Whistler Village is your only option for great food and beverage options. Creekside Village has many casual and fine dining options. Katie suggests Dusty’s for a sunny patio and après snacks or Rimrock for a cozy, up-scale Whistler classic. Prefer pizza in PJ’s? Creekside has a market for condo staples like frozen pizza and coffee.
Creekside Gondola is steps from the backdoor of First Tracks, whisking you up to mid mountain lodge area to access the entire mountain. “With its prime location and the charm of Creekside Village, First Tracks makes a fantastic location for families seeking a more laid-back Whistler experience. After a day on the slopes, there is nothing better than skiing down to your room and indulging in a heated pool and hot tub.” says Katie.
3. Stein Eriksen Lodge – Deer Valley, Utah – Elegant, timeless and steeped in history
The Stein Eriksen Lodge is “the epitome of an elegant getaway, offering some really special dining options,” says Katie. “When my clients are looking for unparalleled ski access and good food, this is where I send them.” With a legacy that spans generations, Stein Lodge is well-known and well-loved, renowned for its rich history and enduring charm. And of course, their famous Sunday brunch buffet at the Glitretind Restaurant. This isn’t your grandmother’s Vegas casino buffet. Surrounded by stunning views of the Wasatch mountains, this is a gourmet experience renowned for its seafood spread. Katie tells us it is not to be missed.
“Dry out and warm up after a morning on the mountain next to a roaring fire. Thaw out your toes by kicking off your boots and take advantage of the house slippers. They’ve had to roll me down the hill after this brunch, so remember you have an afternoon of skiing still ahead,” gushed Katie.
Along with an amazing brunch, Stein Eriksen Lodge also has snowglobe dining. “It’s a great way to add a bit of whimsy and fairytale to your trip. You sit in these beautiful heated glass domes while you dine. Don’t miss their espresso Martini (necessary to bounce back after a day on the hill). There is nothing better than sipping a warm cocktail while sitting in a snowglobe, watching the sun set over the mountain,” Katie dished. Pro tip: this unique dining experience requires reservations. Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts can help you book early for holiday time frames.
Another charming aspect of the ski-in ski-out Stein Lodge is that it is nestled away on the mountain side. It is perfect for people that want seclusion and peace. Park City Main Street is only a seven minute shuttle ride away.
4. Montage Big Sky, Montana – White Glove Luxury
Montage Big Sky is your perfect idyllic winter escape that offers a luxurious retreat with seamless ski-in ski-out access to a private chairlift that whisks you away to mid mountain. “Big Sky is renowned for its western flare – think Yellowstone on snow – and Montage Big Sky is the newest accommodation that embodies this mountain country vibe, with the added benefit of five star luxury service” Katie says.
From the moment you arrive on property you will receive an unmatched guest experience that will truly make your ski vacation unforgettable. “There is no way I can talk about the Montage without mentioning their stellar staff that is truly invested in the guests’ experience. The Montage continually goes above and beyond with whatever my clients needs may be,” says Katie. One standout service is the extra hands always available at ski valet. If you have children, you know just how valuable it can be to have people helping your little ones to get on their gloves and boots. The ski school is a shuttle ride away, but Katie has an insider tip. “Book a private ski instructor that will meet you at the property in the morning. That way, you get the most of your time spent on the mountain,” Katie shared.
Montage Big Sky has a cozy atmosphere with all the amenities you would need on a luxury ski vacation. If you are looking for a property where you can settle in, and don’t need to go far for amenities, Montage has everything covered. “They have an amazing indoor/outdoor pool setup with a lovely après bar,” said Katie. “It’s the perfect opportunity for you to indulge in an adult hot chocolate while the kids play.” The montage also has a bowling alley for an evening of family fun. “Beartooth Pub and Rec has a view of the bowling alley and my husband’s favorite spot to catch dinner and entertainment,” said Katie. Katie’s other secret tip? Whether you have kids or not, DO NOT miss the GOURMET s’mores bar!
5. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa – Beaver Creek, CO – For an elevated family experience
The Park Hyatt offers an unparalleled experience right in the heart of Beaver Creek Village. The location is the kind of place where you can roll out of bed, grab your gear from the complimentary ski valet, and bam, right on the slopes. Talk about the easy life for catching the first chair for fresh lines!
Park Hyatt not only places you right at the slopes, but you also have easy access to boutiques, restaurants and bars located in the village. And one of Katie’s favorite things about staying in the heart of the village? Well, it’s cookie time! “At Beaver Creek, cookie time is a serious sport. Each winter, the community votes on the recipe that will roll out of the kitchen each day at 3:00. Chefs in white-topped hats carry trays of chocolate chip treats as skiers and snowboarders drop their gear and run towards them as fast as ski boots will take them. With the Park Hyatt right there, guests are given first dibs on cookies,” Katie tells us. (We obviously agree, what ski trip is complete without warm cookies?)
Along with cookie time being right out the front door, ski school is just steps away from the hotel. This makes dropping the little ones off for ski lessons as simple as walking out the front doors. After dropping them off, grab your boots and skis from the valet and then head out to the chondola. That’s not a typo, it’s a gondola and a chairlift! And it’s right out the backdoor of the Park Hyatt. Katie’s suggestion after getting in your morning runs? Head to the Ice Cream Parlour and grab a hot cocoa (and ice cream if you are feeling wild) to sit and watch your kids learn pizza/french fries on their own private bunny hill with some of the area’s most fun instructors. “I love that this ski school is high on the mountain and parents can ski by, catching their little one giggling with new friends,” says Katie.
After cruising the wide-open groomers and tree runs that Beaver Creek is known for, head back to the hotel with a quick stop at the valet. The attendant will store your boots on warmers for toasty toes in the morning. Between the valet and location of this hotel, you’ll never have to lug your gear far at all!
“The Park Hyatt also has one of my favorite bars and restaurants – Brass Bear Bar. It’s perfect for après skiing. And the heated pool and multiple hot tubs on the slopes is the best place to unwind in luxury,” Katie tells us. Insider tip? Order the loaded french fries after a day on the mountain and enjoy the happy hour, popular with both locals and visitors alike.
READY TO BOOK YOUR DREAM SKI-IN SKI-OUT VACATION?
Katie has been with Ski.com since 1991. Suffice to say, she knows her stuff. And so do our other Mountain Travel Experts at Ski.com. Whether its a luxurious getaway for two, an escape for the whole family or a reunion for friends, our experts can help craft your perfect getaway.
Take away the stress and research about planning a ski vacation, and connect with Katie or another Mountain Travel Expert. With combined knowledge spanning two decades, our Experts will be sure to make your trip a memorable one! Call us at 800-610-8911 or request a quote today.
Nobody gets why you crave spending time in the mountains more than we do and nobody knows how to guide you there better.
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