With a super-fancy private gondola to the ski area, the posh Trailhead Lodge is tucked into Wildhorse Meadows, Steamboat’s only master-planned community. Step out at the base of the mountain, sunglasses on, celeb-style and walk just steps to the gondola (or your private lesson, if you’re going all-out). Whether you’re a lightweight and ready to call it quits after just a few hours, or seriously hard-core, taking the last chair up to the highest point for the longest run down – either way, it’ll feel good to get back home to Trailhead. Ditch your boots in the deluxe drying room, stash your gear and gather in your condo for creative après ski drinks and a cheese plate. Then, quick, get changed for the outdoor hot tubs. Not ready to lose those ski layers just yet? Pull up a chair by the fire pit while the kids splash around. When everyone’s ready to head back inside, open the complimentary bottle of wine and vote on dinner in or out. There’s a free shuttle into town – just line up a table and go.

Inviting, upscale studios, one-bedrooms (with or without den), plus two- and three-bedroom condos all come with a private balcony ideal for sipping hot beverages and snapping a few shots for Instagram. Great-smelling Aveda bath amenities and complimentary laundry detergent for the washer/dryer? (It’s like they read your mind.) Cozy living spaces are all equipped with flat-screen TVs and gas fireplaces – but before you settle in for the evening, hit the game room. Keep a running tally daily so you can declare a champion the day you depart (gold medal optional, but makes it feel more legit). Stunning kitchens gleam with stainless steel appliances and gorgeous natural stone countertops that just so happen to look even better with plates of pancakes and sausage lined up waiting for sleepy-eyed kids in footy jammies to claim them. Mornings not your thing? Brew the complimentary coffee provided, then stop for more in the lobby on your way out. The kids will be halfway through their second free doughnut before you can say, “Just one, guys.”

Ragnar’s sleigh ride dinner is a Steamboat tradition. Tuck everyone in under the blankets and take a snowcat-driven ride to a five-course Scandinavian-inspired mid-mountain dinner. Or ride the horse-drawn sleighs at Haymaker or Saddleback Ranch. Early birds? Catch the resort’s private gondola in time to board the main gondola between 8:00 and 8:15 for First Tracks (intermediate and advanced only). You’ll have special crowd-free access to runs off the Sundown Express, Sunshine and South Peak lifts, plus the famous Priest Creek area. Historic downtown Steamboat is a can’t-miss. Make a day of it, with snow tubing at Howelson Hill and a few hours at the Old Town Hot Springs (waterslides!).