News From Vail: Arrabelle, Sonnenalp Resort and More

The Ski Runs of Vail, Colorado

On a visit to Vail three years ago, I was able to see some of the key pieces of the multi-year, $2 billion-plus revitalization of the town and the ski resort. The renovation was much needed. When Vail was conceived in the late ’50s and early ’60s, it was meant to resemble a Bavarian village set among some of the finest skiing mountains in the world. While the skiing was wonderful, the planners didn’t have sufficient money to fully realize their dream, with the result that Vail was always the ugly duckling to the more glamorous Aspen and Telluride. No more. The major projects of the renaissance are complete, and Vail need not apologize for its appearance. The Ritz-Carlton Residences add to the aesthetic enhancement of Lionshead (although I find the yellow of the exterior walls a bit glaring). Three years ago, I stayed at the Arrabelle, which I continue to recommend. Strolling along the main street, Gore Creek Drive, the first thing you notice is that the roads have been given a new look with handsome paving stones (heated, so no snow and ice builds up) and made more attractive with nicely executed landscaping. The same is true for East Meadow Drive to the north, and happily, the Village is very pedestrian-friendly. At night, sparkling with decorative lights and the welcoming glow of shops and restaurants, Vail Village is a delightful place with considerable character. On the hotel front, the Four Seasons and the impressive Solaris Residences development (with bowling alley and chic dine-in cinema) are settling in, as is the low-key boutique hotel The Sebastian. My favorite Vail property, however, remains the charming Sonnenalp Resort, with its alpine atmosphere, excellent service and lovely restaurants. Vail was lucky that all of this work was committed to before the economic difficulties that began in 2008; it was completed successfully with no unfinished projects to mar the scene. In the mountains, a new restaurant opened at Mid-Vail, the discharge point for the main Vista Bahn lift. The 10th takes it name from the Army’s 10th Mountain Division of World War II fame, some of whose veterans helped found Vail. The new restaurant seats 240 (inside and out) with great views. And to mark its 50th birthday this year, Vail will be replacing the venerable Vista Bahn lift with a gondola that will feature 10-passenger cars with heated seats and Wi-Fi access, increasing its passenger capacity 40 percent. It is scheduled to open in November. Also on the drawing board is an expansion west of Lionshead. The new 13-acre development will be called Ever Vail and will be mixed-use, with lodging, retail, restaurants and more mountain facilities. -A.H.