This past Christmas, my sisters and I decided that since we all three had some leftover vacation days that we would ditch our parents and head out west for a sister ski trip. Sorry Mom and Dad, but it was so worth it!
Left to Right: Leigh, Lauren, and Leslie in Vail, Colorado.
We arrived to Breckenridge on Christmas Eve and spent two days in Breckenridge, three days in Vail, and three days in Aspen, departing back to Washington, D.C. on New Years Day. It was 8 days of great skiing, quality sister time, and you guessed it: top-notch food. It was my first time in Colorado so we did a bunch of research, asked around for recommendations (shout out to Kathleen McFadden), and wound up with a great list. If you’re planning a visit to Colorado, here are some of my favorite restaurants in each ski town:
B R E C K E N R I D G E
Ember – We enjoyed Christmas dinner at Ember, and while the food was delicious, it was the service that took home the prize. Our waiter and bartender, Parker, was hilarious and his wine selections were spot on. Make sure you try the Harry Potter Cauldron Cake for dessert (Pop Rocks are involved!!!).
V A I L
Garfunkel’s – Really fun après ski spot. Make sure to get the nachos and sit outside on the porch for prime people watching.
King’s Club at the Sonnenalp Hotel – I thought I had died and gone to my Sound of Music heaven! It was such an intimate and welcoming space: the servers are dressed in traditional Austrian clothes, and you can sit on couches around a fire while enjoying each other’s company and your drinks. We all started off with the hot chocolate (pictured below) and then moved to cocktails.
Hot Chocolate at the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado.
Flower and Root –This cozy wine and cocktail bar was the perfect spot to relax and visit. It wasn’t too loud, the service was great, and the menu was fabulous. Would definitely recommend for happy hour or after-dinner drinks.
La Bottegga – Delicious. Hearty. Pasta. That’s all you need to know. Especially after a long day of skiing.
The Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons – The view from the bar was a m a z i n g, as were the cocktails (pictured below)!
The “V” and the “Bootmaker” at the Four Seasons’ Remedy Bar.
The Sebastian Hotel – Stop by and treat yourself to their famous hot chocolate at the Frost Bar. It’s not only a tasty hot chocolate, it’s an experience.
A S P E N
The Little Nell – I saw Bethenny Frankel here. I don’t remember what I drank because all I remember is being starstruck, but a very chic vibe and conveniently located at the base of the slopes.
Aspen Kitchen – I am going to be honest – the reviews online were pretty meh and I am so glad we ignored them. The space is so great, and its outdoor area would be an awesome spot to lunch or happy hour at in the summer. From the House Ricotta to the Verlasso Salmon, everything was phenomenal.
St. Regis – We popped in here twice: once for a cocktail on my sister’s birthday (pictured below) and spent New Years Eve here. I fell in love with their blackberry mocktail and sipped on a French 75 while lounging next to a fire and desperately on the lookout for Scott Disick and Sophia Richie.
Casa Tua – My favorite dinner spot in Aspen. Since it was the holidays, there were no reservations available so we posted up at the bar and ate and I am so glad we did. The service was so generous and kind, and the food was phenomenal.
Poppycock’s – Fancier diner food for your hangover.
Spring Café – Best spot for clean eating. Also best spot for your check to sneak up on you because you just want to order all the things. Turmeric latte – yes, blueberry pancakes – absolutely, superhero burrito – duh. A bright and cheerful place to re-energize and start your day before hitting the slopes.
Aspen Brewing Company – Low-key après ski perfection. Loved the beer and the vibe.
Hotel Jerome – The quintessential ski bar oozing with Ralph Lauren vibes.
If you have questions, thoughts, or suggestions on what to eat and drink in these Colorado ski towns, please leave them in the comments below!
