Valentine’s Day Is for Colorado Skiers. Here are some great tips and deals for guests to make this Valentine’s Day a mountain getaway to remember at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in
Valentines heart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Colorado, and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe. Using the guide below commitment seekers can hunt the best backdrops for getting down on one knee; lovebirds can plan a trip to remember with lodging packages and romantic itineraries that will make them want to break out the champagne; singles can escape Valentine’s Day and find the best après parties and opportunities to meet “Mr./Ms. Right”; and everyone can capture special moments with EpicMix Photo, which allows guests to get their photos taken by professional EpicMix photographers and share them socially on Facebook and Twitter.
Places to Propose.
Mountain Decks, Vail.
Vail’s outdoor decks are a perfect locale to soak up some sun and enjoy a picnic for two surrounded by beautiful scenery. Inside tip: Henry’s Hut, located at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) also offers an outdoor deck and grill along with a warming yurt. Belle’s Camp high above Blue Sky Basin not only offer stellar views but also public grills for guests to enjoy their own barbeque. www.vail.com
Game Creek Restaurant, Vail
At Game Creek, Vail has taken fine dining to new heights. Literally. Located in Vail’s scenic Game Creek Bowl, this European chalet is the perfect for a romantic, cozy dinner for two. Take a short ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle’s Nest, where you will be taken by snowcat to the restaurant. The magnificent setting is matched with a gourmet, multi-course meal and a superb wine list. This is truly a dining experience not to be missed, and the perfect place to propose. www.vail.com
Peak 8, Breckenridge
Earlier this season, Shea called the Breck team for help proposing to his girlfriend Hollie on her birthday trip. The day started with upgraded VIP parking at the base of Peak 8, complete with a welcome crew holding a birthday sign, and hot chocolate. The crew walked the couple to the Colorado chair, pointing out the special birthday message on the electronic sign boards in the base area. An already surprised Hollie emerged back from the mountain an engaged woman, to find the resort’s sign boards changed to congratulatory messages. www.breckenridge.com
At the couple’s request a photo of newly engaged Shea and Hollie with the Breck team was captured by an EpicMix photographer and uploaded to EpicMix.com.
Document your date or proposal without hiring a photographer.
Nobody wants to bring friends along on a romantic date. With EpicMix professional photographers, guests can take free on mountain photos that can be delivered to their EpicMix account and shared with family and friends via Facebook and Twitter instantly. www.epicmix.com.
Best Mountain Packages and Itineraries for Romance
A Luxury Break in Beaver Creek
Morning: Couples ride up the Strawberry Park Express chairlift (#12) together, for a morning of privately guided snowshoeing around McCoy Park’s expansive terrain overlooking the valley. Before they embark on their snowshoe adventure, they’ll strike a pose for the EpicMix photographer at the top of the chairlift to capture this special moment and setting forever.
Afternoon: A private picnic on the sun-soaked deck in McCoy Park, complete with champagne, followed by a stroll arm in arm through the village, ducking into the various boutiques and jewelry shops before strapping on ice skates for a romantic twirl on the ice rink. Couples can warm up with a cozy pomegranate cider at Toscanini, located next to the ice rink.
Evening: Couples snuggle up under the warmth of a blanket and soak in the stars while traveling to dinner by open-air sleigh ride. When they arrive at Beano’s Cabin, nestled in a quaint valley on Beaver Creek Mountain, they’ll settle in by the crackling fire with a glass of Prosecco and toast to their love. Once seated at a romantic table for two tucked in the corner, they’ll select five courses from options including oysters, fried rabbit, Colorado lamb and sinfully rich chocolate desserts, pairing dinner with a well-chosen wine recommendation from one of the expert sommeliers on staff. www.beavercreek.com
Beaver Creek Resort Properties offers up to 33% off lodging accommodations at The Pines Lodge A RockResort, The Osprey A RockResort and select Beaver Creek condo properties. This special package can also be customized at an additional cost to include discounted lift tickets, ski school and more. To book visit our Celebrate the Snow Sale.
Couples Cat Skiing in Keystone
Morning: Those looking for a little adventure to spice up the weekend should try Cat Skiing with Keystone Adventure Tours. Endless acres of powder and terrain while taking in breathtaking scenery with a loved one, is the perfect start to a romantic Keystone weekend. $240 per person (includes lift ticket, powder ski rental and lunch).
Afternoon: Lovers can indulge in a laid back lunch for two at the Inn at Keystone, before settling in for a Champagne & Chocolate Indulgence package at The Keystone Spa. Includes a 50 minute customized champagne massage, luxurious facial, and pedicure, glass of champagne and decadent truffle. The weekend continues with dinner at the historic Ski Tip Lodge, voted “best place for a romantic date” in the Best of Summit County, complete with a rotating four-course menu and celebrated service, including dessert served fireside. www.keystoneresort.com
Stay at The Keystone Inn: The Keystone Inn features majestic views of Keystone Mountain, a cozy martini lounge and rooftop hot tubs perfect for a soak under the stars after a long day on the mountain. Lodging at the Inn starts at just $147 per night.
The Best Spots to Mingle With Other Singles on Mountain
Try Chairlift Speed Dating, Keystone
Keystone wants to help singles find someone to share the mountain with! For those celebrating Valentine’s Day solo, head to Keystone for Speed Dating on the chairlift on Feb. 14. Inside tip: You may find love, but at the very least you’ll find someone to make some turns with! www.keystoneresort.com.
Black Diamonds are a Breck Girl’s Best Friend
While most women across the country are hoping for roses, chocolates and jewelry this Valentine’s Day, black diamonds are a Breck girl’s best friend (black diamond runs that is). With 36 percent of the mountain’s terrain rated as expert, Breckenridge Ski Resort offers all a girl needs this ski season; from cozying up with her partner on the T-bar before linking some turns together in the bowls, to discovering the local favorite stashes on the south side of Peak 10, or the never-ending runs of the Peak 7 Bowl via the Imperial Express SuperChair, the highest chair lift in North America.
Not ready for the double-black diamond terrain just yet? The Breckenridge Ski and Ride School is there to help guide and give pointers on navigating romantic runs such Sizzler, Forget-Me-Not and Rendezvous. Whether in the singles line or sitting close together on the E chair, men and women agree – they love Breck! www.breckenridge.com
introduction of “Love on the Lifts” gondola speed dating. Singles can jump on an 11-minute gondola speed date, with the chance to reconnect that evening at a Valentine’s Day party hosted at 9280’ Tap House. The dating fun gets started at 10:00a.m. at the River Run gondola. A “single, singles” line will be set up, playing on the industry norm of a singles line at lifts for those skiing or riding alone. Participants will be paired up with another snow enthusiast for the 11-minute ride to the top of Dercum Mountain, and the resort will be providing a rose and a tasty chocolate treat for each “gondola date”.
