One of the oldest candy manufacturers in the United States, the Chase Candy Company produces numerous Midwest favorites including the famed Cherry Mash bar. It all began in 1876 when George Washington Chase started his produce company. That same year America celebrated its 100th birthday, General Custer ran into trouble at The Little Big Horn and Alexander Graham Bell made his famous telephone call to Mr. Watson. Today, the St. Joseph, Missouri-based company produces hand made coconut bon bons, peanut clusters, peanut brittle, coconut haystacks and much more. The cornerstone of the company remains Cherry Mash, the best selling cherry candy bar in the country.
The GoPro Mountain Games are the country’s largest celebration of adventure sports, art and music. Professional and amateur athletes from around the world converge upon the mountains and rivers of Vail to compete in nine sports for more than $110,000 in prize money.
Magnolia Hotels is an award-winning collection of independent, boutique hotels. Magnolia Hotels can be found in Denver, Dallas (Downtown & Park Cities), Houston, Omaha, Neb. and St. Louis. Magnolia properties offer a number of complimentary daily amenities including American breakfast service, an evening reception featuring complimentary domestic beer, Magnolia Reserve wine and soft drinks as well as a bed time cookie buffet, downtown transportation service and high-speed Internet access.
The 405-room Resort at Squaw Creek, A Destination Hotel, is a AAA Four Diamond property. In addition to ski-in, ski-out access in the winter, the property features several restaurants highlighting regionally sourced ingredients, a full-service spa, pool and hot tub complex and a shopping promenade. Winter visitors also can enjoy an on-property ice rink, Nordic center, dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Resort at Squaw Creek, has been recognized as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 50 Ski Hotels” in North America and “Top 150 Resorts: U.S. Mainland.” With its abundance of amenities and location 10 minutes from the shores of Lake Tahoe, the resort remains popular year-round.
Denver-based Stout Street Hospitality is a privately held hotel management and development company, which operates upscale boutique hotels.. The company focuses on development, management, acquisition, re-branding, new construction, and conversion of existing independent hotel properties. The core product line consists of award-winning, independent boutique hotels under the Magnolia brand that offer a style unlike that of trendy or branded hotels. The company currently operates Magnolia hotels in Denver, Dallas, Houston, Omaha, Neb.; St. Louis; and a ski resort, The Winter Park Mountain Lodge, in Winter Park, Colo.
Taste of Vail is the nation’s premier spring food and wine festival, held at several different venues throughout North America’s most popular mountain resort from April 2-5, 2014. In addition to the new seminars offered during the Annual Taste of Vail, the event will include, the Debut of Rosé, the 10th Annual Colorado Lamb Cook-off and Après Ski Tasting, the Mountaintop Picnic and the Grand Tasting.
Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, Vail is an extraordinary mountain resort destination. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the awe-inspiring terrain and natural beauty of the surrounding Gore and Sawatch Ranges to world-class events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, and the abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations that line the pedestrian-friendly streets. Vail is where outdoor pursuits meet village sophistication. Offering more than 5,200 acres of developed ski and snowboard terrain including seven legendary Back Bowls in winter, and flourishing with new summer activities in preparation for the debut of Epic Discovery in 2016, the options for year-round adventure are endless. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth.
Through rehabilitative sports and recreation activities the Vail Veterans Program helps to rebuild confidence and provide a sense of freedom to United States military personnel with catastrophic injuries including loss of multiple limbs, severe burns, spinal cord injuries, post-traumatic stress syndrome and traumatic brain injuries. The non-profit is based in the Vail Valley, home to mountain ranges that offer a healing nature, and a plethora of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, ziplining, horseback riding, fly fishing, golfing and mountain biking in the summer, as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The Vail Veterans Program is provided free of charge to wounded warriors and their families giving them much needed time away from the hospital and offering them hope for the future. Events are complimentary thanks to donors, volunteers and the Vail community.
The 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Vail and Beaver Creek marked the third time that the Vail Valley played host to this prestigious international event, along with the 1989 and 1999 events. Combined with the 1950 World Championships in Aspen, the 2015 event signified only the fourth Championships ever held in the United States, all of them in Colorado. The World Championships represent the largest and most impressive collection of ski racing talent in the world, second only to the Olympics.
Black Tie Ski Rentals pioneered the concept of ski/snowboard rental equipment delivery in Steamboat Springs, Colo. The company originally operated out of a one-car garage before expanding its operation to 13 locations in North America. Black Tie has grown beyond its flagship location to provide convenient rental delivery service to skiers and snowboards in more than a dozen owner-operated locations at world-class resorts including Mammoth, North Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly, Aspen, Snowmass, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Steamboat, Telluride, Vail, Beaver Creek, Winter Park, Big Sky, Moonlight Basin, Park City, Deer Valley, The Canyons, and Whistler Blackcomb.
With five huge peaks, 2,908 acres, four terrain parks, a 22ft Superpipe, 11 bowls, the highest chairlift in North America, family-friendly terrain and a world-class ski school, all situated above an authentic, hip mountain town with awe-inspiring views, there are good reasons why “Breck” is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Western Hemisphere. Renowned for the welcoming spirit and friendly character of its locals, with over 200 restaurants, bars, and shops, and numerous year-round activities and events, Breck embodies more than just a destination, inspiring a way of life.
Destination Hotels is a collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences across the United States. Offering authentically immersed and enriching experiences, each property is individual at heart, yet connected by a commitment to drawing upon the best of each location. Highly distinct, the Destination experience is always memorable and matchless; guests will feel the locale in a genuine way through each property and during the engaging moments cultivated both in and outside of them. Continuously growing with more than 40 properties from coast to coast, the award-winning portfolio features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, and 105 exceptional bars and restaurants.
Destination Resorts Hawaii is the only collection of vacation rentals in Wailea and Makena that offers enhanced hotel services starting with a centralized reception office conveniently located in the Wailea Gateway Center. Here, guests are welcomed with aloha and provided with a brief orientation to their residence and the area, keys and greeted by the Ho’okipa (Hospitality) Desk, which provides guests with concierge services to arrange all of their island activities and adventures. This office is open seven days a week, with managers available 24 hours a day should any needs arise.
The Driskill Hotel, located in Austin, was built in 1886 as the showplace of cattle baron Jessie Driskill. One of the oldest historic buildings in the state, The Driskill stands as a landmark of Texas hospitality. Over the years, The Driskill has hosted inaugural balls for many Texas Governors and lavish events for international dignitaries. It was a favorite of President Lyndon Johnson who held many election night events at The Driskill and where he took the future Lady Bird Johnson on their first date.
The 134-room Inn and Spa at Loretto, A Destination Hotel, is a boutique property epitomizing classic Santa Fe architecture and style with warm Southwest colors and tones. The prestigious Inn was inspired by the famed Taos Pueblo (a national historic landmark) and sits adjacent to the historic Loretto Chapel, known for its miraculous spiral staircase. The hotel, one of the most photographed buildings in town, features the Southwestern inspired Spa at Loretto with six treatment rooms, the popular Living Room Bar and Luminaria Restaurant & Patio.
As one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, Keystone is the ultimate location for families to enjoy the allure of the mountains; be it on snowboards, skis, ice skates, snow tubes or horse-drawn sleigh rides – Keystone is truly a mountain of possibilities.
Miramonte Resort & Spa brings the spirit of the Mediterranean to the California desert community of Indian Wells, just minutes from Palm Springs. The intimate village, featuring THE WELL Spa, Coachella Valley’s only Mobil-rated destination spa, and Mediterranean-inspired Grove Artisan Kitchen, offer guests an unforgettable experience in an extraordinary environment.
Mountain Standard is a new concept in casual, rustic dining from the creators of Vail’s legendary Sweet Basil restaurant. Opened December 2012, Mountain Standard features food perfected by cooking over an open fire. The menu features rustic, bold and honest flavors using the purest ingredients in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. The restaurant features a wood burning grill and rotisserie and the innovative fare is simple and rustic including rotisserie chickens, fresh creative salads and apple-wood grilled steaks.
Northstar California is home to a base area village featuring an array of shops and restaurants, conference centers, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink, movie theaters, on-site lodging, special events and more. A winter sport enthusiast’s paradise, Northstar offers 100 ski trails spread across 3,170 acres, award-winning terrain parks and snow sports including alpine and Telemark skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing. Summer activities include mountain biking, golfing, scenic lift rides for sightseeing and hiking, fly-fishing and more.
A year-round destination, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch on Beaver Creek Mountain offers guests an unforgettable escape to limitless adventure. The newly renovated resort provides guests with privacy, incomparable access to the surrounding National Forest, and a distinctive combination of sophistication and comfort. Spa services, unique dining experiences, a vast array of guest activities, and the resort’s distinctive Naturalist Program ensure discerning travelers enjoy the ultimate escape.
The Sebastian-Vail – A Timbers Resort debuted in January 2011 as Vail’s newest boutique resort and residence club. Timbers Resorts serves as operator and manager and brings its experience and cachet to enhance this special property, adding its trademark touches to the 84-room/ 7-residential-suite hotel and 36-villa Private Residence Club. A boutique property brimming with character, The Sebastian-Vail is infused with a strong sense of place while offering a modern sophistication new to the region. Some highlights include a mountain-view pool with roaring fire pits and steaming hot tubs, The Sebastian-Vail Base Camp at the foot of Vail Mountain, a progressive bar called Frost and leading edge dining experience at Leonora.
Offering full-service interior design, interior architecture and hospitality design services for 30 years, Slifer Designs has consistently ranked in the top five residential interior design firms by Interior Design magazine. Specializing in resort design and furnishings with flair, Slifer Design’s professional design team and Colorado retail stores sales associates in Edwards help homeowners create living areas that are comfortable and enjoyable. Free consultations are provided for qualified interior design services, with recommendations based on specific client’s needs, interests and budget.
Slifer Smith & Frampton was the first local real estate company in Vail, Colo. Marking its 50th anniversary in 2012, the firm operates 17 offices with more than 100 brokers and accounts for approximately 50 percent of the closed sales volume in Eagle County. Slifer Smith & Frampton attributes its success and to its brokers, the majority of whom have decades of experience. The firm has formed partnerships and affiliations with Luxury Portfolio International and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, boosting its global presences and solidifying its position as one of the most prestigious and knowledgeable real estate companies in the country.
The Stanley Hotel is managed by Grand Heritage Hotel Group. Founded in 1989 by John Cullen, Grand Heritage Hotel Group is one of the nation’s premier owner-operators of independent luxury hotels and resorts. Its properties are sought-after destinations that offer consistent luxury, quality and exceptional surroundings. Several Grand Heritage properties also have been designated Historic Hotels of America. The company prides itself on the vision and strategic expertise of its leadership. Highly innovative and experienced professionals collectively boast more than 50 years of hands-on experience in all aspects of the hotel and hospitality business and are recognized for imaginative and entrepreneurial style.
Mountain Lodge is located at the heart of Spruce Peak at Stowe alpine village in historic Stowe, Vermont and is and is the first-ever Audubon International Sustainable Community in a mountain resort area. The 139-room lodge offers an exclusive 18-hole mountain golf course created by the legendary Bob Cupp, a luxurious 21,000 square foot Spa and Cooper Wellness at Stowe, Salon Mario Russo, 12,100 square feet of meeting space, the Alpine Concierge® available to anticipate every need, twice-daily housekeeping, 24-hour in-room dining and artisan-inspired cuisine. The lodge also offers highly customized services and personalized in-room amenities.
Established in 1977, Sweet Basil has been a favorite for travelers and locals for 35 years. Sweet Basil is a creative, modern American restaurant located in the heart of Vail Village. The menu features imaginative cuisine with an innovative array of diverse influences. The restaurant also is a destination for wine lovers with a wine list featuring more than 500 carefully chosen selections from around the world. Sweet Basil has been voted “Colorado’s Most Popular Restaurant” by the editors of Zagat.
Since 1999, Timbers Resorts has established a gracious collection of properties in the world’s most sought-after destinations. As the developer and operator of boutique, private resorts, hotels and residence clubs – including ski, golf, leisure and beach locations – Timbers Resorts has created an unrivaled reputation in the luxury resort and real estate industry. Throughout its history, Timbers Resorts has committed to being authentic, unique and respectful of the destination, focusing on family and experiences, and never compromising with regard to quality and service.
Vail Cascade Resort, A Destination Hotel, is a creek side, ski-in/ski-out base camp to the very best of Colorado — in every season. With the finest features of an alpine village, Vail Cascade Resort, A Destination Hotel, nurtures guests with a wide expanse of natural beauty; Vail’s most comprehensive conference facility; the incomparable Aria Athletic Club & Spa; creative Colorado cuisine and craft beer in Atwater on Gore Creek; and a wide variety of accommodation offerings, including condominiums and private homes ideal for extended stays. Along with every amenity necessary to make the most of each stay, guests enjoy engaging experiences delivered by a team whose true passion is to serve and share the Colorado they love in the most genuine and meaningful way.
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading global mountain resort operator. The Company’s subsidiaries operate 10 world-class mountain resorts and two urban ski areas, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Canyons and Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Perisher, Australia; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan. The Company owns and/or manages a collection of casually elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning and development subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc.
Wailea Beach Villas is Maui’s most exclusive beachfront villa resort, offering extraordinary experiences that cater to a luxury clientele. 98 two- and three- bedroom vacation residences are exquisitely designed and generously sized from 1,900 – 3,100 square feet, some with private plunge pools. Located on Wailea Beach, it includes an abundance of complimentary services including valet parking, twice daily housekeeping and complimentary use of cabanas, beach chairs and umbrellas in a reserved beach area. An onsite concierge arranges private jets or yachts, personal chefs, butlers, nanny services, customized tours, in-room spa services and other indulgences.
Photo Credit: Jack Affleck Photography