As a strong El Niño is already taking shape for the 2026/27 winter season, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is welcoming guests to Beaver Creek with a collection of experiences designed to celebrate the best of winter in the Rocky Mountains. Beyond ski-in, ski-out access and the resort’s celebrated après-ski culture, guests can discover immersive experiences designed to inspire connection, renewal and discovery, from bespoke culinary tastings and restorative wellness rituals to distinctive adventures rooted in the Colorado Rockies.
As one of North America's premier ski-in, ski-out sanctuaries, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch offers direct access to more than 2,000 acres of terrain on Beaver Creek Mountain via the Bachelor Gulch Express lift just steps out the backdoor, along with a dedicated ski valet designed to make getting on and off the mountain effortless. Beyond skiing, guests can settle into the resort's 21,000-square-foot spa, enjoy fireside après and live music, explore guided snowshoe trails, and dine across a collection of distinctive restaurants and private dining venues.
This Season's Spotlight
A Season of Skiing: Beaver Creek’s 2026-27 winter season is scheduled to begin November 25. Guests can take advantage of on-property ski rentals, ski valet service and complimentary transportation to Beaver Creek Village for convenient mountain access before the Bachelor Gulch Express Chairlift opens for the season. Once open, the Bachelor Gulch Express chairlift provides direct access to the slopes from the hotel.
Alpine World Cup Ski Racing Returns: From December 2–14, guests can experience two action-packed weekends of Alpine World Cup ski racing at Beaver Creek, where the world’s top ski racers take on the legendary Birds of Prey course. Beyond the races, Beaver Creek Village comes alive with live concerts, après festivities and more. The two-night Birds of Prey package includes a $75 resort credit to enjoy at the hotel’s restaurants or The Spa between race-day events.
A New Way to Après: This winter, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is elevating its signature après experience with reserved VIP couch seating at Fireside Bar or The Great Room. Guests can settle into a dedicated space with culinary selections and handcrafted beverages while taking in the mountain setting and live music following a day on the slopes.
Treat You Winter: From November 20 through April 5, guests can treat themselves to elevated accommodations in a Deluxe Club level room, featuring access to the Club Lounge with a dedicated Concierge and five daily culinary presentations, along with complimentary overnight valet parking.
A Winter Wellness Reset: The resort’s spa invites guests to prioritize recovery and relaxation with personalized wellness experiences, including therapeutic massage, red-light LED therapy and restorative sound healing. Guests can further their wellness journey with amenities including The Grotto, Himalayan Salt Wall Dry Sauna, Steam Room, Gold Plunge and Whirlpool; available to all hotel guests ages 18 plus.
A Seat at the Cocktail Atelier: Guests can step behind the bar with the resort’s lead mixologists for an immersive exploration of flavor, technique and presentation. The Cocktail Atelier pairs a guided tasting of handcrafted cocktails and spirit-free creations with curated canapés before inviting guests to create their own signature cocktail or mocktail. A personalized recipe booklet offers inspiration to recreate the experience at home.
Bubbles and Pearls: For a more indulgent evening, guests can explore one of luxury dining’s most iconic pairings through a guided tasting of Dom Pérignon and three caviar selections. Led by the resort’s culinary and beverage experts, the experience explores the nuances of origin, texture and flavor, accompanied by traditional garnishes and handcrafted blinis.
Signature Winter Experiences
Fireside Gatherings and Mountain Après: After a day on the slopes, guests can settle into the resort’s signature après scene, with options ranging from lively music and handcrafted cocktails to elevated Champagne service and relaxed, family-friendly bites. The Fireside Bar serves as the heart of the après action, with weekday acoustic performances, DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, and an acoustic trio on Sundays. For a more refined take, WYLD Terrace offers Champagne and caviar against a mountain backdrop, while Buffalo’s Terrace provides a casual gathering spot ideal for families to enjoy shareable bites, including pretzels and dips. As the afternoon transitions into evening, live music continues in The Great Room from 5:30 to 9 p.m., where the three-story stone fireplace sets the scene for cocktails, hot chocolate and appetizers.
A Destination for Wellness: Wellness remains central to the winter experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The 21,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape with nature-influenced treatments and a Recovery Lounge featuring Thera light services. Guests can also unwind in The Grotto, Himalayan Salt Wall Dry Sauna, steam room, cold plunge and whirlpool, or participate in complimentary group fitness classes including yoga, Pilates and Sound Bowl sessions. Guided snowshoe hikes provide another way to combine movement and time outdoors. The resort’s 24-hour Fitness Center features cardio equipment, weight machines and free weights to maintain a wellness routine while away.
Distinctive Dining Experiences: The resort’s dining portfolio offers a range of experiences, from refined mountain dining at WYLD to Japanese cuisine at Sakaba and casual fare at Buffalo’s. WYLD, the resort’s signature restaurant, showcases locally sourced ingredients and a sophisticated wine list in an elevated alpine setting. At Sakaba, guests can enjoy Japanese-inspired cuisine, including sushi and other flavorful dishes, alongside an extensive sake menu all in an intimate atmosphere, including a covered heated outdoor patio. The Great Room offers a cozy setting centered around its three-story stone fireplace, while private dining at Edge of WYLD and Anderson’s Cabin provides intimate settings for special occasions and group celebrations.
Winter Beyond the Slopes: Guests can experience the landscape at a slower pace through guided snowshoe hikes, while the resort's Art in Nature programming offers hands-on experiences including Whiskey and Woodburning, Leatherwork and Lagers, and Painting & Pinot. Beyond the resort, guests can discover additional winter activities throughout the surrounding area, including ice skating, snowmobiling and Nordic skiing, with the resort’s concierge available to curate personalized experiences. In Beaver Creek Village, guests can also explore boutique shopping, art galleries and performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center.
Immersive Alpine Dining: This winter, guests can savor the flavors of the Alps through distinctive culinary experiences, including a private raclette and wine-pairing dinner at the historic Anderson Cabin. The interactive experience brings together artisan cheeses, locally sourced ingredients and the traditions of alpine dining in a memorable mountain setting.
Holiday Season: A Season of Wonder
The season begins Thanksgiving weekend with the resort's annual Tree Lighting on November 28, featuring a Nutcracker performance by the Vail Youth Ballet Company, Santa's visit, cookie decorating and a holiday sing-along.
During Hanukkah, Dec. 4-12, nightly Menorah lighting ceremonies provide a meaningful tradition for Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah in the mountains
From December 18, 2026 through January 1, 2027, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch celebrates A Season of Wonder, bringing together seasonal culinary experiences, family-friendly activities, and a winter wonderland of décor including a Gingerbread display. Special Festive programming features photos and visits with Santa, live reindeer encounters, family friendly games, holiday crafts, an exclusive screening of the documentary FRIEDL, and more. Guests can also enjoy winter-long offerings, including daily guided snowshoe hikes, fireside s’mores, in-room camping, private dining, expert-led mixology experiences, elevated après-ski and resort photo concierge services to capture special moments throughout their stay.
Leading up to Christmas, children will delight in storytelling and cookies with Santa, followed by photos with Santa and Christmas Eve brings the resort's PJs & Pancakes with Santa. New Year's Eve offers special celebrations and dining experiences at the resort's restaurants, including a decadent four-course dinner at WYLD and Omakase dinner at Sakaba. Children will enjoy our special holiday game room with a New Year’s Eve a la carte dinner catered to ages under 12. And, our Ritz Kids New Year’s Eve Party with an action-packed evening of activities, games, prizes, adventures and exploration.
The distinguished service and personalized programming are made possible by the exceptional Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. For more information about The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, please call +1 (970) 748-6200 or visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/colorado/bachelor-gulch.
