The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch Strikes an Ideal Balance of Secluded, Social, and Spirited

25.09.2024 - 14:41 / matadornetwork.com / Rocky Mountains

Stepping into The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado, just outside of Vail, feels like entering a cozy alpine oasis. This year-round resort destination is tucked into the mountain up on a perch among the majestic Rocky Mountains, peering down to showcase the scenic beauty of the Vail Valley. The property, with rooms from around $1,000 during ski season and far less during shoulder seasons, looks – and feels – like something straight out of a sophisticated Swiss postcard, albeit with Colorado’s rugged Wild West spirit.

The property just finished a multi-million dollar refresh in 2022 in honor of its 20th anniversary, encompassing a complete transformation of the rooms, dining outposts, and more, on-site.

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We hope you love the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Photo courtesy Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch

The Ritz, as you’ll hear staff and regulars call it, is the kind of property you’d never have to leave if you don’t want to (and it sure is hard to leave, when it’s time to check out). There are more than a half dozen dining outlets on-site to try, ranging from world-class sushi to Michelin-recommended flavors, an adorable coffee shop and market space, and The Great Room, which is right off the lobby, and gives off those luxe Wild West mountain cabin vibes that Avon and adjacent Beaver Creek are known for. Here, I admired the snug feeling of the wood and leather furnishings, the three-story wood-burning fireplace, and the abundance of tasty drinks and appetizers that were served around me.

No guest should miss dining at WYLD, the property’s signature restaurant, which serves a sophisticated menu of dishes and craft cocktails—including steak, fish, and fresh garden fare, using the “bold cooking techniques” that have drawn critics and connoisseurs from around the world to this property. The menu focuses on showcasing seasonal flavors and sourcing as locally as possible which, during Colorado’s high-altitude growing season of summer and autumn, means a lot of veggies and meats sourced from along the I-70 corridor.

Photo courtesy Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch

The ski-in, ski-out access in winter is unparalleled – the Bachelor Gulch Express high-speed quad chairlift is located in this property’s backyard, just steps from the lobby lounge area. The access to hiking and biking trails surrounding the property make it feel like an outdoor playground in every other season. There’s even a Ski Concierge service in the winter for guests to arrange rentals, boot fittings, ski storage, and anything else they need to get on the slopes.