With blissfully convenient ski-in/ski-out access, Woodrun Place caters to skiers and snowboarders who want to be the first ones up and the last ones down. Have breakfast early, then do one last goggle/glove check or helmet adjustment before heading out, shushing the noisy ones in case fellow guests are still snoozing. Get any last-minute gear tweaks made at the onsite ski rental shop, then ski or ride down to the chair or gondola, depending on the master plan you mapped out over breakfast. Defrost over lunch mid-mountain, then race back for a dip in the heated outdoor pool, or a leisurely soak in the hot tub. (First one there gets to choose that night’s movie.) The recent renovation gave Woodrun a whole new look, complete with tastefully updated stone/wood/stucco face, pitched gables, entry porticos and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Individually decorated one- to two-bedroom condos are unique in both look and layout, but all have fully equipped kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces for cozy evenings in. Once you’re ready to call it a day on the mountain, make a beeline for the whirlpool bathtubs and/or steam showers, and let the jets work their magic on your slightly sore self after a day on the slopes or trails. The washer/dryer combo keeps you on top of the magically reappearing pile of soon-to-be much better smelling base layers. And the open plan living space means you won’t miss a minute of the movie, even if you’re on popcorn patrol.

Ranked at the top of the list as #1 overall resort by Transworld Snowboarding magazine, Snowmass adventures reach behind the terrain parks and steeps. Go ice climbing or enjoy the slower pace of the Nordic trails. The Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center is fascinating for all ages. A young female mammoth was discovered here in 2010, which led to the unearthing of 5,000 bones from 41 kinds of Ice Age creatures. If you’re really into it, check out the 60 species of plants as well. The VIK (Very Important Kids) schedule is chock full of activities like juggling, crafts, bowling nights, sing-alongs and s’mores. And Snowmass is known for its summer concert series, Bike Park Nights and Farm-to-Table Tuesdays at nearby Elk Camp. Go rafting, kayaking or fly fishing on the Roaring Fork River. Or choose from six area golf courses, like the Snowmass Club course designed by Jim Engh – recently voted “Best New Course” by Colorado Golf Magazine.