The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is the grandest ski lodge in Colorado. Built from massive timber beams and thick stone walls, in the spirit of the great national park lodges of the American West, it sits right on the slopes of Beaver Creek Mountain with its own ski-in, ski-out access. Inside, wood fires crackle in a soaring Great Room, the spa has a candlelit grotto, and steam rises from hot tubs set just feet from the snow.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is the grandest ski lodge in Colorado. Built from massive timber beams and thick stone walls, in the spirit of the great national park lodges of the American West, it sits right on the slopes of Beaver Creek Mountain with its own ski-in, ski-out access. Inside, wood fires crackle in a soaring Great Room, the spa has a candlelit grotto, and steam rises from hot tubs set just feet from the snow.
Location: Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, Colorado
The hotel stands in Bachelor Gulch, one of three slopeside villages on Beaver Creek Mountain, along with Beaver Creek Village and Arrowhead. It has direct ski-in, ski-out access, with quieter runs around the lodge, and the ski runs link to the rest of the mountain and to Beaver Creek Village. Free shuttles also run to the village on request.
Beaver Creek is Vail's quieter, more exclusive neighbour, about 16 kilometres (10 miles) to the west. Its gated, car-free village has outdoor escalators up to the slopes, immaculately groomed runs, and a famous tradition of free, warm chocolate chip cookies handed out every afternoon. The mountain also hosts the Birds of Prey World Cup downhill each December. Eagle County Airport is about 35 kilometres away, and Denver is around a two-and-a-half-hour drive.
Rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
There are 131 rooms and 50 suites over eight floors, along with residential suites and three-bedroom penthouses. Rooms are warm and comfortable, with natural wood, rich textures and contemporary furnishings. Many have balconies and gas fireplaces, and the bathrooms have marble finishes, deep tubs and walk-in showers.
Suites have separate living areas and are a good choice for families. Ask for a slope-view room to watch skiers glide past the lodge, or a valley view for sunsets over the Gore Range.
Facilities at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
The spa is one of the best in Colorado. Its centrepiece is The Grotto, a candlelit cave-like pool, along with a Himalayan salt sauna, steam rooms and a cold plunge. Outside, the heated mountainside pool, surrounded by aspens and with a dedicated lap lane, has hot tubs set right beside the snow.
Dining ranges from WYLD, the signature restaurant serving Colorado ingredients, to Buffalos, a gastropub with a heated terrace, and the Great Room, where a three-storey stone fireplace and live music make it the heart of the lodge in the evenings. Some outlets close for the off-season, so check what is open when you visit.
The ski valet and ski concierge prepare your equipment each morning, and the Ski Nanny service escorts children to and from Beaver Creek's ski school. Babysitting is available, and dogs are welcome.
The mountain moment
The Bachelor Gulch moment is the last run of the day. You ski down a quiet trail through the aspens and glide right up to the lodge's back door, step out of your skis and, minutes later, sink into a steaming hot tub at the edge of the snow. As darkness falls, the windows of the great log lodge glow gold, and the fire is roaring in the Great Room.
Why The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is one of the best mountain hotels
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch earns its place for atmosphere. Its architecture, fires, slopeside pool and outstanding spa create one of the most romantic and memorable ski hotels in North America, and the ski-in, ski-out location in quiet Bachelor Gulch means fewer crowds. It is expensive, with high resort fees and parking charges, and it is a short ride from the shops and restaurants of Beaver Creek Village. But as a classic Rocky Mountain lodge, it is hard to beat.
For a stylish boutique hotel at the foot of a chairlift in Beaver Creek Village, see The Osprey at Beaver Creek. For a historic Rockies icon, try The Broadmoor.
When to go to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
Beaver Creek's ski season usually runs from late November to mid-April, with the most reliable snow from January to March. The Birds of Prey World Cup races in early December are a great time to visit, and Christmas, New Year and the February and March holidays are busiest.
In summer, the lodge is a superb base for hiking, mountain biking, golf, fly fishing and horse riding, and the pool and spa are just as tempting after a day in the mountains. Late September brings golden aspens all around the lodge.
Questions, answered
- Is The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch ski-in, ski-out?
- Yes. The hotel sits on Beaver Creek Mountain with direct ski-in, ski-out access, and a ski valet prepares your equipment each morning.
- How far is The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch from Beaver Creek Village?
- It is a few minutes away by free shuttle, or you can ski between them on the mountain.
- Does The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch have a pool?
- Yes. There is a heated mountainside pool with a lap lane and outdoor hot tubs, plus The Grotto in the spa.
- Is The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch dog-friendly?
- Yes. Up to two pets are welcome per room, for a fee.
