Après Ski and Fireside Nights With Fresh Powder at The Hythe, Vail

What I love most about Vail, and especially staying at The Hythe, is how it feels both adventurous and incredibly comfortable at the same time. You have this beautiful mountain setting all around you, but the hotel itself feels like such a refined, cozy retreat at the end of the day. It’s one of those places where you can be outside all day and then come back to something that feels really elevated and thoughtful.

One thing that really stands out here is the variety of room options, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group. They have everything from standard rooms to larger suites, but what I really love are the Timberline Suites and the residences. The Timberline Suites feel spacious and cozy at the same time, perfect if you want a little more room to spread out. And then the two and three-bedroom residences are such a great option for families or traveling with friends. Multiple bedrooms, living spaces, and that extra space to actually relax together instead of feeling cramped. It makes such a difference, especially on a ski trip when you want somewhere comfortable to come back to.

My room felt like the coziest mountain retreat, with a kitchenette, soaking tub, fireplace, and the prettiest mountain views to wake up to.

Location

Location wise, it’s so easy. You’re right in Lionshead Village with quick access to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, which makes getting on the mountain feel seamless. They have ski lockers and boot warmers, which you really appreciate in the mornings, and I always recommend setting up rentals ahead of time so everything is ready. It’s one of those little things you don’t think about… until you have it and then can’t imagine doing it any other way. There’s also a shuttle that will take you into town, but honestly the local buses are so easy too if you don’t feel like calling for one.

Around Vail

In town, I always love taking time to wander. Stopping into Gib Singleton Gallery is one of those quieter moments I really enjoy. It’s such a beautiful space and feels a little more elevated than just popping into a typical gallery. It’s dedicated to the work of Gib Singleton, one of the most respected sculptors in the country, and the pieces are incredible. You’ll see these powerful bronze sculptures that focus on the human form, wildlife, and the American West, and they really capture movement and emotion in such a unique way. Even if you’re not someone who plans to go into galleries, this is one that’s worth stepping into.

Ice skating is also such a fun thing to do here, especially in the afternoon or early evening. Solaris Ice Rink is right in the center of Vail Village and feels lively and fun, while Alderhof Ice Rink in Lionshead feels a little more tucked away and cozy.

Back at The Hythe

Back at the hotel, the experience really continues. The lobby is one of those spaces you actually want to spend time in, with the fireplace going and everyone just settling in after the day. They also do these really fun daily touches like fireside s’mores and tastings of local 10th Mountain Whiskey, which makes it feel even more like a full experience and not just a place you’re staying.

Yes please

The spa is another highlight. The Well and Being Spa is one of those places you could spend hours, especially with the Himalayan salt therapy lounge and their recovery-focused spaces, which honestly feel perfect after a full day of skiing. They even have an apothecary-style experience where you can create your own custom essential oils, which is such a fun and thoughtful detail.

They also offer complimentary outdoor yoga on the après deck, which is such a nice way to start the day with fresh mountain air. And in the summer, they have all these curated experiences like guided hikes, biking, rafting, and even farmers market visits.

There is a full gym as well with everything you would need, but I’ll be honest I did not make it there because I was too busy skiing.

Spa time

The dining here is also something I always look forward to. Margie’s Haas is such a great way to start the day. Think coffee, fresh pastries, eggs, and something easy before heading out. Revel Lounge is where you end up after skiing and where you’ll probably stay longer than you planned. Think burgers, flatbreads, small plates, and an espresso martini or cocktail. This is the kind of place where you say one drink… and then order another. And right off the lobby, the 10th Mountain bar is such a great little stop in the afternoon for whiskey or a cocktail by the fire.

This is the kind of place where you ski in the morning, wander the village in the afternoon, and end the night by the fire with a drink… and somehow it all just flows. They really take care of everything here, which makes the whole trip feel easy from start to finish.

Trying the local whiskey right there at the hotel’s whiskey station by the fire was one of those cozy little moments that just felt so Vail.

Who is this for?

This is a destination I would recommend for couples, girls trips, and especially families who want that mix of outdoor adventure and a really comfortable, elevated place to come back to. The larger room options make it so easy for families, and the overall feel of the hotel just makes everything feel relaxed and taken care of. It’s one of those trips that feels full while you’re there, but you leave feeling completely recharged and already thinking about when you can come back… and who you want to bring with you next time.

Restaurants at the hotel

• Margie’s Haas: Breakfast, coffee, pastries, eggs, grab-and-go options

• Revel Lounge: Burgers, flatbreads, shareable plates, espresso martinis, cocktails

• 10th Mountain Bar: Colorado whiskey, cocktails, perfect afternoon or après drink

• Makoto Vail: Sushi, robata, Japanese dishes, sake, and cocktails

Top restaurants in town

• Sweet Basil: Must order seasonal dishes, great wine list. Dessert: chocolate or something rich to share

• Mountain Standard: Must order pork shank, roasted vegetables. Dessert: something warm and shareable

• Lancelot Restauran: Must order prime rib, steakhouse sides. Dessert: cheesecake

• Matsuhisa Vail: Must order sushi, yellowtail, miso cod. Dessert: light Japanese desserts

• Pepi’s Restaurant and Bar: Must order schnitzel, goulash, spaetzle. Drink Austrian beer or martini. Dessert: apple strudel

• The Red Lion: Must order burgers, sandwiches. Drink beer or cocktails. Dessert keep it simple

• Up The Creek: Must order fresh seafood, trout. Drink: white wine. Dessert, something light

• Pazzo’s Pizzeria: Must order pizza, pasta. Drink beer. Dessert: tiramisu or cannoli

• Vail Brewing Company: Must order local beer flight. Drink: IPA or seasonal brew

• The Little Diner: Must order pancakes, omelets. Drink coffee.

Outdoor activities

Winter: Skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, sleigh rides

Summer: Hiking, mountain biking, rafting, fly fishing, golf, scenic gondola rides

Half-day and day trips

• Beaver Creek: About 15 minutes

• Avon: About 10 minutes

• Minturn: About 15 minutes

• Glenwood Springs: About 1 hour

• Aspen: About 2 hours

Nearby Epic Pass ski resorts

• Beaver Creek

• Breckenridge

• Keystone

Nearest airports

Eagle County Regional Airport: About 30 minutes

Denver International Airport: About 2 hours

The sweetest little surprise: a cozy hat and coffee mug… like they already knew I wasn’t planning on leaving.

This is one of those places where a little planning makes everything feel easy, especially during ski season.

• I always recommend booking dinners and rentals ahead and taking advantage of ski valet so your days flow seamlessly.

• Make time to enjoy the village and cozy moments at the hotel. It’s part of what makes Vail so special.

• And always pack layers—it changes throughout the day, even in summer.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Vail page.