Nestled in a private enclave of Beaver Creek Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is a winter destination and perennial favorite for families, couples, and groups of friends, thanks to its ski-in, ski-out setting in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and its access to over 800 hectares (2,000 acres0 of slopes. This year, there’s even more reason to love it. Between 17 December 2023 – and 1 January 2024, the resort’s “16 Days of Wonder” unwrap family-friendly activities and holiday dining experiences, with special visits from the man in red and a few of his hooved companions.
Delight in 16 Days of Wonder
The fun begins with handmade gift-making at the resort’s holiday crafting workshops. The rotating activities include snow globe and ornament making as well as cookie decorating – a perfect gift to friends and family.
The resort will also host two rare meet and greets with reindeer. Guests can learn fun facts and make new furry companions on Monday, December 18th and Thursday, December 28th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m
Listen to storytelling with Santa as well as attend writing workshop for children to send their last-minute wish lists.
For those with a sweet tooth, the resort has prepared property-wide intricate chocolate displays. The resort’s pastry chef is working with 200 pounds of chocolate and gingerbread elements to create a map of the sculptures for guests to uncover throughout their stay.
History buffs will enjoy a special screening of the acclaimed documentary on December 27 at 7:30 p.m., Mission Mt. Mangart by Chris Anthony. The film shares the lesser-known story of the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, a militia of skiers, trained in Colorado, to support combat in mountainous regions during World War II.
On New Year’s Day guests can ring in 2024 with a rejuvenating Yoga & Mimosa class to help set goals for the year ahead. The session will focus on flexibility, strength, balance and intention-setting. Afterwards, celebrate the fresh start with a toast at the session’s mimosa bar. Yogis of all levels are welcome.
The 16 Days of Wonder experience extends to the resort’s Michelin Guide Recommended restaurant, WYLD, which will serve remarkable prix fixe menus created by Executive Chef Jasper Schneider.
Learn more about winter happenings and festive happenings, reservation details and menus in the seasonal Experience Guide.
Cozy up at Sakaba at The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
Christmas Eve + Day Dinners
Savour à la carte menus and holiday themed dishes at WYLD, Sakaba, and Buffalos. Christmas Day Dinner | Monday, December 25, 2023, from 4:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Enjoy contemporary twists on beloved holiday favorites in a four-course menu. Dishes include mini tortellini chicken soup, crab parker house with tarragon and cucumber, lobster with uni and creamed leeks, lamb with garbanzo beans, and lastly a chocolate budino with citrus foam.
An à la carte children’s menu is available for children under 12.
Reservations can be made via Tock.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Bid farewell to 2023 with a decadent six-course, prix-fixe menu of sophisticated classics. Menu items include oysters, Osetra caviar, ricotta gnudi with black truffle butter, A5 wagyu tenderloin and lobster tail, finalized with a champagne strawberry verrine. $295 per adult. An à la carte children’s menu is available for children under 12. Reservations can be made via Tock.
New Year’s Eve Sake Barrel Breaking Ceremony on Sunday, December 31, 2023
For guests already dining at the restaurant, Sakaba will host a traditional Japanese Sake barrel breaking ceremony to welcome new beginnings and a hopeful future. This experience is included in guests’ dinner reservations.
Additional 2023/2024 Winter Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is renowned for exceptional ski-in, ski-out access. Premier services like Ski Concierge and Ski Valet make hitting the slopes seamless – from custom equipment set up, gear trials, and rentals to easy transfers for loading upon departure.
The renowned Ritz Kids and Ski Nanny programs return this year, catering to children 5-12 with creative workshops and adventure activities. The Ski Nanny assists with gearing up and dropping off kids for Beaver Creek Group Ski School, allowing parents to maximize slope time.
Beyond skiing, partake in seven snowshoe routes or daily guided mountain hikes with the resort’s Naturalist. Favorites snowshoe routes include the sunset snowshoe to admire mountain silhouettes or the four-mile village-to-village trek from Bachelor Gulch to Beaver Creek Village. Afterward, cozy up with cocktails and mocktails in the Great Room.
Refuel after mountain adventures at the resort’s refined dining outlets – Michelin Guide Recommended WYLD, premier sushi lounge Sakaba, and gastropub Buffalos. Enjoy bold, hyper-local cuisine at WYLD, fresh sushi flowing in daily from Japan at Sakaba, and Rocky Mountain-inspired gastropub fare at Buffalos like the famous bison chili. Dining reservations can be made at the link here.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch also offers one of the best après ski experiences in the valley. The resort’s enhanced, al fresco Fireside Bar features a roaring firepit, live music, a DJ on weekends, and a lively atmosphere that creates an unparalleled après ski setting. The Great Room extends a cozier après ski environment for all to enjoy into the evening. Throughout the season, travelers can look forward to an exciting slate of new culinary pop-up events suitable for children and adults alike.
Soothe sore muscles in the calming oasis of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bachelor Gulch. This winter, the 21,000 square-foot spa offers a 50-minute Peppermint Reviver, a seasonal foot massage. The treatment concentrates on the reflex zones of the feet and alleviates aches while relaxing and resorting the body and mind. Guests can reserve the experience at the here.
Gather round a fire for après ski with family and friends
About The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
Consistently recognized as one of North America’s top hotels and Colorado’s premier luxury ski resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains. The year-round destination resort offers limitless outdoor adventure and amenities featuring ski-in, ski-out access in winter and summer mountain concierge services, as well as an array of sophisticated dining options. The resort offers access to the finest Vail Valley and Beaver Creek golf courses, and a luxurious 21,000 square-foot spa and fitness center with 19 treatment rooms, a co-ed rock-lined grotto, an integrated wellness program, and both Pilates and yoga studios. For more information about The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, visit the website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
For more information about The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch please dial +1 (970) 748-6200 or visit ritzcarlton.com/bachelorgulch.
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Photos courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
