"Why book? This warm, welcoming, family-run hotel in Vail is ideal for a cozy ski vacation, an active summer hiking and mountain biking getaway, or a colorful fall pilgrimage to marvel at the golden-yellow aspen leaves of the Colorado Rockies. In the spring, the Sonnenalp also makes an ideal basecamp for attending the seminars, grand tastings, and indulgent winemaker dinners of Vail’s beloved food and wine festival, the Taste of Vail. And at any time of year, the hotel’s world-class spa is worth planning a trip around in its own right.
Set the scene Nestled among mature evergreen and aspen trees along the burbling Gore Creek, the Sonnenalp is an elevated Bavarian-inspired ski lodge in the heart of Vail Village. From the hotel, it’s a short walk to Gondola One, which gives skiers and snowboarders access to Vail Ski Resort’s sprawling 5,317 acres of skiable terrain. Conveniently, the hotel is also surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, bars, and other establishments located along Vail’s pedestrian-friendly East Meadow Drive. Designed with rustic wood accents, a cheery red and green color scheme, and plenty of plaid, the property would look equally at home among the Alps of southern Germany. And that’s no accident: The Sonnenalp is the Colorado version of its sister property in Ofterschwang, Germany. Loosely translated, the name means “sun on the mountains.”
The backstory The Sonnenalp’s history is a big part of its charm. Its legacy dates back to 1919, when the first generation of the Faessler family began welcoming travelers to a small lodge in the Allgäu Alps. In the decades that followed, subsequent generations of the Faessler family transformed the inn into a large, modern hotel, adding additional rooms and upscale amenities like an indoor pool and tennis courts, all while maintaining its homey hospitality and charm.
Meanwhile, in the United States, World War II veterans Pete Siebert and Earl Eaton were busy creating Vail Ski Resort, which they officially opened in the Rocky Mountains in December 1962. Intrigued by the American ski resort’s success, the Faessler family decided to expand their business to Colorado in 1979. Since then, the family’s Vail outpost has grown and evolved to include 15 rooms and 112 suites, a semi-private golf course, a luxurious spa, and an array of dining options. In addition to providing travelers with a place to retreat after a day of exploring Vail’s legendary “back bowls,” the Sonnenap is also a wildly popular venue for weddings and other upscale events.
The rooms From the custom-made blonde wood furniture to the throw pillows with silhouettes of leaping stags, the Sonnenalp feels effortlessly and authentically Bavarian. This is an upscale hotel, but there’s actual character and warmth in the decor—hefty armoires, mounted antlers, quaint writing desks, plush loveseats, sturdy wooden chairs, heavy drapery, arched doorways, and dark wood ceiling beams help make travelers feel right at home. Many of the rooms and suites also have gas fireplaces and French doors that open onto small balconies.
Food and drink Food at the Sonnenalp runs the gamut from traditional European fare like schnitzel and raclette at Swiss Chalet to hearty Western-inspired staples like burgers and fried chicken at Bully Ranch—there are a lot of options, even though the hotel itself doesn’t feel huge. Start the day with muesli and eggs benedict on the glass-enclosed terrace overlooking Gore Creek at Ludwig’s, then finish with apres-ski drinks and tasteful piano or guitar performances at King’s Club, which feels like an unpretentious living room.
The spa The Sonnenalp’s spa is so magical that you may find yourself daydreaming about it while carving up the ski slopes—seriously. Even if you don’t book a facial, massage, or other high-elevation treatment, carve out a few hours to spend in this bright, airy space, which has skylights and huge floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the snow-covered trees just outside. Read a book and sip tea in front of the central fireplace, swim between the indoor and outdoor sections of the glimmering pool, and soak your aching quads in the hot tubs under the evergreens and aspens while listening to the peaceful babble of Gore Creek. Fittingly, there’s also a dedicated oxygen bar to help with any symptoms of altitude sickness you may be feeling.
The neighborhood/area Vail Village is the heart of this ski-centric community on Interstate 70, with chic apres-ski spots, high-end shopping, and decadent restaurants located some 8,150 feet above sea level. In addition to the Sonnenalp, all of the buildings in Vail Village were designed with European alpine architecture in mind, so walking around feels a bit like strolling through a wintry Bavarian fairytale. Gore Creek meanders through town, with a scenic, well-maintained walking and biking trail running right alongside it. Look up from nearly anywhere and you’ll find yourself gazing at Vail’s perfectly groomed ski slopes (which transform into lush, green hiking and mountain biking trails in the summer).
The service Staffers are friendly, engaged, and helpful, without being overly formal. Many of the employees wear Bavarian-style costumes as their uniforms—think: dirndls and lederhosen—which can come off as a little kitschy but ultimately adds to the overall European vibes.
For families The Sonnenalp’s location makes it particularly friendly for families and groups of travelers. Since it’s so easy to walk back and forth between the slopes, everyone can ski or snowboard at their own pace, with as many breaks back at the Sonnenalp as they like. The hotel also has a kid’s club that orchestrates fun activities for little ones like arts and crafts, ice skating, games, sledding, movie nights, nature walks, and more.
Anything left to mention? Hauling a tangle of skis and poles for several blocks—all while wearing clunky ski boots and a heavy coat—is one of the few annoying parts about skiing, so be sure to take full advantage of the Sonnenalp’s handy ski concierge. When you arrive, simply leave your gear with the staff near the entrance. Then, when you’re ready to hit the slopes, pull on your comfy sneakers and casually walk over to the Gorsuch Ski Cafe near Gondola One. Your boots will be toasty warm and you’ll be able to slip them on in comfort, then grab your skis and poles from the racks out front. When you return, the staff will greet you with a warm chocolate chip cookie and stash your stuff until your return the next day. If you need to rent skis, the hotel can help with that, too. In the spring, summer, and fall, book a tee time at the Sonnenalp Club, the hotel’s 7,100-yard links-style golf course in nearby Edwards." - Sarah Kuta
