Elite Traveler January-February 2017

INSPIRE COLORADO

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elite traveler JAN/FEB 2017

Telluride Village Butch Cassidy staged his first bank robbery in this former mining town

airport is legendary for the slight dip in its runway, threatening to pitch the unwary down a 1,000ft drop to the San Miguel River. The jagged peaks of the San Juan mountains are more reminiscent of the Alps than the Rockies: sheer terrain that delivers extraordinary views and challenging skiing, where acres of steeps, bumps, glades, chutes and powder bowls await. A 10-minute drive from the airstrip, Telluride is a cluster of Victorian miners' buildings wedged into a box canyon encircled by rugged peaks. This is where Butch Cassidy staged his first bank robbery. It's also where I discover my ski nirvana: Telluride delivers some of Colorado's most abundant hike-to backcountry ski terrain (the lung-busting hour and a half hike up Palmyra Peak rewards me with some of the best terrain I've ever skied); jaw-dropping scenery; excellent on-mountain dining; virtually empty pistes and line-free lifts. New in town this winter is Dunton Town House, a five-bedroom former miner's home located a snowball's throw from the gondola. The Town House bears all the quality hallmarks of its sister property, Dunton Hot Springs, with the added bonus that it's in the heart of one of Colorado's most vibrant ski towns, which is threatening Aspen's culinary crown. As I sip a Telluride Brewing Company ale in the Last Dollar Bar, candles reflecting in the 19th-century stamped tin ceiling, I muse on the rich rewards my Colorado ski adventure has brought. A ski air trip is definitely your ticket to maximum exploration. Kim Bracher's words from Aspen come back to me: "If Telluride is hit by a big storm, you can always grab a jet and be back here in time for après ski." Now there's a thought…

STAY… Sonnenalp Hotel, Vail; from $3,500 per night for the Castle Peak Suite. Contact Stefan Schmid, general

manager, +1 970 479 5468, sschmid@sonnenalp.com sonnenalp.com

Element 47, Aspen; 675 E Durant Ave, Aspen; chic restaurant in The Little Nell Residences serving throughout the day, from Powder Day breakfast specials to gourmet tasting dinners. Reservations advised. +1 970 920 6330 littlenellresidencesaspen.com Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Aspen Highlands; atmospheric cabin serving authentic Austrian mountain food for lunch and boisterous après-ski from 2pm onwards. Reservations essential. +1 970 923 8715 aspensnowmass.com Soupçon, Crested Butte; 127 Elk Avenue, Ste A; tiny candlelit restaurant in a former miner's cabin serving exceptional French-American cuisine from chef patron Jason Vernon. Reservations essential. +1 970 349 5448 soupcon-cb.com Sheridan Chop House, Telluride; 231 W. Colorado Avenue; classic Western steak house, specializing in locally sourced beef and bison. Reservations advised. +1 970 728 4351 newsheridan.com The 10th, Mid Vail; a contemporary mountain restaurant at the top of Gondola One, serving Colorado produce prepared by local chef TimMcCaw. Reservations advised. +1 970 754 1010 the10thvail.com Alpino Vino, Gold Hill, Telluride; adults-only Italian-style mountain restaurant and après-ski venue. North America's highest restaurant, accessible by snowcat for dinner. Dinner reservations essential. +1 970 728 7560 tellurideskiresort.com

Pioneer Canyon Ranch, Aspen; from $20,000 per night for exclusive use. Contact Doug Paley, owner, +1 970 710 1044, reservations@ pioneercanyonranch.com pioneercanyonranch.com Scarp Ridge Lodge, Crested Butte; from $17,180 per night for exclusive use, can accommodate 10 guests. Contact Tyler King, global sales director, +1 970 349 7761 elevenexperience.com Dunton Town House, Telluride; from $6,000 per night for exclusive use, for a three-night minimum stay.

THE DETAILS FLY… Eagle County Airport

Twenty minutes' drive from Vail, the Vail Valley Jet Center (vvjc.com) offers 20 acres of ramp parking, heated hangars and full US Customs Services for international flights. Contact Paul Gordon, president of VVJC, +1 970 524 7700 pgordon@vvjc.com Aspen/Pitkin County Airport A 10-minute drive from downtown Aspen, Atlantic Aviation ASE (atlanticaviation.com) offers 24-hour surveillance, heated hangars and a concierge service. Contact Fred Mosher, general manager, +1 970 920 2016 fred.mosher@atlanticaviation.com Gunnison Crested Butte Airport Located 40 minutes' drive from Crested Butte, Avflight Gunnison (avflight.com/ Network/KGUC) offers ramp and tie down parking, hangars and courtesy transport. Contact Chris Flynn, general

Contact Gareth Martin, house manager, +1 877 288 9922, gmartin@duntonlife.com duntontownhouse.com

EAT… Sweet Basil, Vail; 193 E Gore Creek Drive, serving innovative modern American cuisine since 1977. Reservations advised. +1 970 476 0125 sweetbasilvail.com

manager, +1 970 641 0526 csrgunnison@avflight.com Telluride Regional Airport

A 10-minute drive from central Telluride, Telluride Airport (tellurideairport.com) is one of Colorado's most scenic, set at 9,069.7ft above sea level. Contact Richard W. Nuttall, airport manager, +1 970 728 8601 rich@tellurideairport.com