25 Reasons to Book a Winter Escape at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch Now

With the holidays behind us, it’s time to start planning a luxurious winter escape. Whether you want a romantic and relaxing week away with your special someone to celebrate Valentine’s Day or you’ve got the kids in tow because it’s ski week, there’s no better place to go than the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch. You may be thinking: what about Tahoe? Well, sure Tahoe finally has a good snow season, but who wants to sit in traffic for six hours? Certainly not us! That’s why we’re recommending you hop on a plane and land in Colorado in less time. Located a quick 30-minute drive from the Eagle County Regional Airport, the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is nestled into the mountain at Beaver Creek. With nine floors, a cozy chic vibe, and sumptuous spa, the hotel is the ideal home away from home. Haute Living recently enjoyed a week-long stay at the resort and everything about the experience — from the picture perfect view to the scrumptious and addictive house made potato chips — was restful, rejuvenating, and exhilarating. Wondering what made it so special? Here are 25 reasons the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is one of the hautest properties around.

The Club Lounge. When staying at any Ritz-Carlton, for the ultimate experience, it’s recommended to stay on the club level as you’ll have access to the Club Lounge. At Bachelor Gulch, club level is the 8th floor. The intimate lounge is masculine chic, decorated with warm cream and cool blue tones. There’s a roaring fireplace and dizzying array of delicious food. Stop by for a toasted bagel and cream cheese in the morning before you hit the slopes, then pop in for a glass of Champagne and plate of local cheese to enjoy while you get ready for dinner in your room.
The rooms. Speaking of the rooms, they are spacious and comforting with chic mountain decor, king-sized beds with white linens and blue accent pillows, balconies that overlook the mountain, and large marble bathrooms.
The bathtub. Speaking of the bathroom, there is a large inviting bathtub. It’s Colorado, so there’s no drought, which means Californians can soak in a massive hot tub without feeling guilty!
The mountain. The highest peak on Beaver Creek Mountain is located at 11,440 feet above sea level. It has 150 skiing trails, 24 lifts, and two gondolas. The amazing thing about Beaver Creek is that it’s almost 100 percent skiable. It’s a skier’s heaven: You can move your way from one side of the mountain to another simply by skiing. One lift ticket gives you access to all of the trails on the mountain.
Stunning views. The Ritz is located at the base of the mountain, at 8,000 feet, and everywhere you look is a beautiful view. Breath in the mountain air and you can’t help but feel the stress exit from your body.
Easy access to the ski slope. Walk out the back door of the Ritz and the ski lift is literally right there. If you’re traveling with gear, the Ski Concierge will take it off your hands the second you arrive at the resort. Your equipment will be ready and waiting for you at 7:30 am each morning. If you’re renting ski gear, the Ski Concierge will set up your boots, skis, and poles at your requested time.
Spencer Cricket. Haven’t hit the slopes in 14 years? Take a lesson with Spencer Cricket, one of Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School’s most esteemed instructors. With an easy-going demeanor, British accent, and rugged good looks, he’ll regal you with interesting stories and thoughtful tips. Trust us, Spencer will have you parallel turning down the mountain in no time!
Beaver Creek Sports. Since the hotel is built into a mountain, when you walk into the lobby, you’re actually on the fourth floor. Here, you’ll find one of the chicest ski shops around. The racks are filled with gleaming white ski suites, stylish printed baselayer tops, and fur-lined parka jackets from brands like Nils, Obermeyer, Helly/Hansen, and Spyder. Get your shop on or order rentals to use during your stay.
Heated pool. Many mountain retreats shut down their swimming area during the winter months. Not so at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch. The pristine blue pool, located behind the resort and directly in front of the chair lift, are hot and ready for swimming 365 days a year. After a long day on the slopes, a soak in the hot tub could be just what the doctor ordered.
Fireplaces everywhere. The average winter temperature is 45 degrees during the day and 30 degrees at night, so it’s much colder than the typical San Franciscan is used to. Luckily, everywhere you turn there is a majestic wood-burning fire to keep you warm. It also provides a constant rustic, yet swanky vibe. Fireplaces are sexy!
Shuttle service. If you hop on the chairlift that is directly outside of the resort, you’ll be on an intermediate run. If you need something more beginner, there’s a shuttle that comes every 15 minutes. It will whisk you—and your gear—to the ski-starting point of your choice. Not into skiing? The shuttle can take you to Beaver Creek Village where you’ll find Vail’s designer boutiques and bustling bars and restaurants.
Daily snow-shoeing adventure. Every morning at 10:30, guests are invited to participate in a 90-minute snow-shoeing adventure. You’ll snowshoe through the forest and land that rims the property. As you walk along a creek, you’ll learn the history of the area, stop to admire local flora and fauna, and see which Aspen trees the bears prefer to climb up.
Star-gazing and s’mores. On a clear night, the ability to see the stars is amazing. In San Francisco, only a few lone stars dot the sky, but at the higher altitude and in the remote area that is Colorado, you’re able to see constellations and the milky way. It’s absolutely breath-taking. Watch for shooting stars while you roast marshmallows at the fire pit behind the hotel. A basket filled with chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows sits next to the pit along with long skinny skewers. Guests can make as many s’mores as their heart desires.
Ranger Jackie. The Ritz-Carlton has an onsite resident naturalist and her name is Ranger Jackie. With a sing-song voice and captivating story-telling style, Jackie leads the daily snow-shoeing adventure and is available to teach guests about the scenery that surrounds the resort. She’s got plenty of fascinating stories, from American Indian tales about the creation of the world to her own adventures with the bears of the area, so seize the opportunity to meet her and enjoy one of her walks.
Bachelor and Belle. The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is a dog-friendly hotel. In fact, they love dogs so much that they have two resident mascots. There’s a lovable St. Bernard puppy named Bachelor and an active Bernese mountain dog called Belle. Bachelor is an adorable fur ball who roams the property bringing cheer and drool-filled kisses where ever he goes. If the thought of you leaving your beloved pooch at home has you heartbroken, bring him with you to the Ritz. He’ll make fast friends with Bachelor and Belle and will be treated to a host of canine amenities like an overstuffed dog bed and in-room doggie massage.
Bison chili. With all the outdoor activities, you’ll need to fuel up come lunch time and there’s no better place to do it than at Buffalos. The lobby bar and restaurant has a spacious patio, open kitchen, and menu filled with hearty aprés ski fare like poutine with duck gravy, pretzel sliders with lamb meatballs, and chicken wings in spicy buffalo sauce. Their signature slow-cooked bison chili is a must order. Packed with plenty of beans and deliciously lean bison, the red-sauced chili is served with a heaping mound of cheddar cheese and green onions. Enjoy with a local beer on tap or craft cocktail from the bar.
Spago. In the mood for a more upscale meal? You’re in luck. The Ritz is home to acclaimed Austrian chef, Wolfgang Puck’s only Colorado restaurant. His signature flagship, Spago, offers an unparalleled dining experience in a stylish and sleek setting. Chairs are covered in cowhide prints, the kitchen is open and dynamically bustling with chef activity, and the space is decorated with vivid images of outdoor scenes and rustic tapestries. On the menu? Addictive melt-in-your-mouth five cheese agnolotti, perfectly cooked Colorado lamb, and Puck’s most famous dish: smoked salmon pizza with dill crème fraîche and domestic caviar.
Bachelors Lounge. The place to see and been seen at the Ritz? Bachelors Lounge, a little back bar and covered patio with purple velvet couches, glowing fireplaces, and potent cocktails. It’s the ideal spot for evening revelry. Alexandra Kaplan is the lounge’s bartender and and beverage expert. She can shake you up a jalapeño margarita, pair local brews with your cheese board, or recommend an excellent pour of wine. The lounge has a vast collection of rare cigars including the most expensive cigar in the world, His Majesty’s Reserve Gurkha.
Vaportinis. Interested in a zero-calorie dessert? You have to try one of Bachelors Lounge’s innovative Vaportinis. This exotic concoction comes in a green glass globe with a straw-sized hole. The circular glass sits in a nest above a candle. As the liquid inside the glass warms up, the alcohol turns to vapor, which you consume with a straw. Dessert flavors include apple pie and chocolate truffle, but a simple pour of grand mariner is also fanciful fun.
Diamond facial. The 21,000 square-foot spa has 19 treatment rooms, a manicure/pedicure salon, indoor rock-lined grotto with soothing waterfall, and calming tea room. The spa has a wide variety of treatments from water therapy to a river stone massage. However, the most indulgent of treatments is the 90-minute black diamond facial. This anti-aging and skin-soothing facial features sophisticated diamond-infused age defying serum, cream, thermal mask, and vitamin C booster. You’ll leave with radiant skin, a revitalized overall appearance, and youthful glow.
Ski nanny. All Ritz-Carltons have Ritz Kids programing geared toward young children, but at Bachelor Gulch, there is also a Ski Nanny. Available to kids age 5 through 12, the ski nanny takes care of your child for the entire day from 7:30 am until 4:30 pm. She will ensure that the kiddos get to their ski lesson with helmet in hand and will be there to take them for a post-ski-school afternoon snack.
Anderson’s Cabin. Interested in knowing more about the history of Bachelor’s Gulch? Ask to be shown Anderson’s Cabin. The charming event space is a one-bedroom log cabin a short drive from the property that was owned by John Anderson. Anderson is one of the seven bachelors who founded the area in the early 1900s. The cabin is the actual cabin that Anderson resided in.
Friendly and accommodating staff. Need extra water in your room? Wondering where to eat in town? Want to hit up the most challenging ski run? The informed and amiable staff will answer ever question and assist with any need.
The great room. Not everything about your stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch has to be outdoorsy and adventurous. If you feel like reading a book and sipping a cup of tea near the fire, pull up a chair in the great room, a lodge style space just off of the front lobby. With a massive stone fireplace, high ceilings and exposed log beams, plush blue couches, and leather armchairs, it’s the prime place to enjoy some quiet downtime.
The aforementioned airport. Eagle County. It’s small, intimate, and easy to get in and out of. No need to arrive several hours in advance. One hour is sufficient time. The only downside is you’ll be horribly sad to leave such a relaxing, wonderful, and naturally beautiful place.