Like the name implies, Highlands Lodge is tucked into The Highlands area, with an enviable spot directly adjacent to the slopes. Brilliant ski-in/ski-out access throughout the ski locker room puts you directly onto the slopes, so you’re not exhausted from hauling gear before you even get to the first run. Ski to the Highlands Chair or take the leisurely Highlands Skiway to the base, where you can grab the Centennial Express Chair and Buckaroo Express Gondola. When you’re ready to call it quits, leave your boots on the heated dryers and toss the rest of your gear into a ski locker, before changing into swimsuits and heading for the heated outdoor pool and hot tubs. Keep dry towels close, it’s a shivery walk back. You’ll be inside your cozy condominium with hot cocoa in the works in no time. Put out marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles (if you’re feeling fancy), and let the kids top away. If the plan is dinner on the town, you’re just a five-minute walk to Beaver Creek Village, or there’s a courtesy shuttle that’ll take you anywhere within the Beaver Creek Resort.

Resort residences include three-bedroom layouts, plus the option of a standard or deluxe three-bedroom with loft, depending on how many mountain adventurers you’re bringing along. Each unit is individually styled, with inspiration ranging from straight-up western to a more southwestern flair. Each has a private balcony with stunning views, and a washer/dryer to keep all those base layers ready to roll for the next day. Thanks to the wood-burning fireplace, the living area is where everyone tends to gather – conveniently close to the kitchen for easy snack access and drink refills. Once you’ve established your estimated time of departure for the slopes in the morning, do the mental math to see what time you should have breakfast ready, allowing ample time to hunt down missing gloves and goggles.

Highlands Lodge is in the heart of Beaver Creek, and just 13.5 miles from Vail, so be sure to take advantage of everything both resorts offer. Summer is jam-packed with art festivals, farmers markets and movies under the stars. Check out the local event calendars for the biggies like rodeos, the Bravo! Vail Music Festival and Vail International Dance Festival. Golfers will want to hit the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Beaver Creek Golf Club, with its stunning scenery and challenging fairways. And nearby Red Sky Golf Club is a must, ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 20 Best Golf Resorts. Winter brings its own delights, like the traditional New Year’s Eve Torchlight Ski Down (with music and fireworks), Winter Culinary Weekend and Allie’s Cabin Wine Dinners – plus snowshoeing, snowmobiling with views of the Continental Divide and sleigh ride dinners at Four Eagle Ranch.