The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera

Fortunately my legs got a break after six hours of straight downhill skiing (and a few wipeouts), when I found my sanctuary at Cordillera Lodge & Spa. I was thrilled to recline, give my thighs a break and refuel on a bowl of chili washed down with a warm cup of hot chocolate. This is my kind of après ski party! Situated at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain just fifteen minutes from the bustle of this ski village, the secluded Cordillera Lodge and Spa is a world unto itself. It’s an extraordinary place, with 8,000 acres of adventure and leisure any time of year.

The main entrance feels more like the entrance to a private community. In fact, Cordillera consists of residences developed on three championship golf courses and plopped on a mountaintop overlooking the Vail Valley. Don’t worry. If you’re not in the market for a million dollar manse in the Rockies, the Lodge and Spa at Cordillera still lets you feel like royalty for a fraction of the cost. The uphill drive to the resort on a windy mountain is definitely part of the appeal of this unique property. As you ascend, be on the lookout for deer and elk known to inhabit the environs. Welcome to Colorado!

The 56-room structure emerges from a cliff overlooking the Sawatch Range and can’t be missed as you drive to the top. Modeled after a Belgian chateau and exuding a sense of Alpine charm, the hotel’s rustic décor is cozy and inviting; no wonder the staff here radiates friendliness from the moment you enter. With fresh snow on the ground and freezing temperatures to boot, I am overjoyed to see the gorgeous wood-burning fireplace in the lounge and a happy hour with live music in full swing. It’s time to let my hair down and get my boots off!

After a full day of skiing, I couldn’t wait to come back to the beautifully appointed room with a fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the mountains. Hungry? You bet, after a full day of skiing. The property has two stellar dining options. Mirador is their formal dining room and Grouse on the Green provides traditional Irish fare with a Colorado twist. On a chilly wintry night we opted for comfort food at the latter with Shepherd’s Pie with local Colorado rosemary stewed lamb, steamy cheddar mashed potatoes and root vegetables. It hit the spot!

Make no bones about it. I live for my annual ski trip and found Cordillera to be a winter wonderland. However, summer is actually the hotel’s busy season. So, if a downhill adrenaline rush is not your cup of tea, there’s an abundance of activities to keep you going in the warmer months like a fly fishing school, horseback riding, golfing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking.

Cordillera is approximately a two-hour drive from the Denver International Airport or guests can fly directly to the Eagle County Airport, a mere 30 minutes from the property. In the Colorado Rockies that’s practically around the corner!