Okay, so I recently went to this amazing hotel in Snowmass, Colorado – the Viceroy Snowmass. And let me tell you, it was insane. I mean, seriously, the kind of place that makes you question all your life choices and wonder if you should just pack it all in and become a ski bum (which, honestly, felt very tempting).
The whole thing is basically a collection of multimillion-dollar condos that they rent out as hotel rooms. Thousands of dollars a night! Thousands! I’m still reeling. I felt like I was in a movie – a very, very expensive movie. The architecture was stunning, all sleek modern design with huge windows offering breathtaking views of the mountains. Everything was just…polished. Like, ridiculously polished. You could probably eat off the floors – though I didn’t test that theory.
The amenities were off the charts. There was a spa (which I desperately needed after a particularly bumpy flight), a fancy restaurant (where I spent far too much money on a ridiculously delicious, but ridiculously overpriced, truffle mac and cheese), and an incredible pool area with heated outdoor tubs. Seriously, I could have lived in that pool for a week. Imagine soaking in warm water, surrounded by snow-capped mountains! I’m already planning my return trip. Oh, and did I mention the ski-in/ski-out access? Pure luxury.
And it’s not just the physical space. The service was impeccable. Every staff member was incredibly friendly and attentive, anticipating your every need. Seriously, there was one guy who seemed to magically appear every time I needed a new cocktail. Magic, I tell you. Or maybe just seriously good service. Either way, I felt completely pampered.
Now, I’ve never been one for super fancy hotels. I’m more of a “budget-friendly hostel with questionable plumbing” type of person. But honestly, staying at the Viceroy made me understand why some people choose to make Snowmass their permanent residence. It’s beyond just a ski vacation; it’s a lifestyle. I could definitely get used to waking up to those mountain views every day.
A Hilarious Side Note (Or, How I Almost Lost My Ski Boots)
Speaking of ski-in/ski-out access, let me tell you a little story. So, on my first day, being the incredibly graceful skier that I am (not!), I took a rather spectacular tumble on the slopes. It involved a lot of flailing limbs, a small snowdrift, and a surprising amount of laughter. It wasn’t my finest moment. I was a bit bruised, and certainly humbled. But when I got back to the hotel, all I could think about was a hot shower and some serious relaxation. I was about to head to my room when I realized… I had no idea where my ski boots were!
I spent a good fifteen minutes frantically searching the ski area, my heart sinking with every passing minute. It was starting to snow again and I was getting colder by the second. Picture me, bundled in my ski gear, looking increasingly frantic as I searched for these missing boots that were probably somewhere hidden in a snowy pile of other discarded equipment. I started to believe a rogue ski patrol team had probably absconded with them.
Turns out, I had simply left them at the bottom of the ski lift. My brain officially short-circuited from the altitude! It was the most ridiculous thing, and the relief when I found them was immense. I may have let out a small scream of triumph amongst the gathering snow.
Why the Viceroy Snowmass is More Than Just a Hotel
But back to the Viceroy – beyond the incredible rooms and service, it’s the whole experience. It’s the feeling of being completely enveloped by the stunning scenery, the sense of community among the guests (even the slightly clumsy ones like myself), and the sheer luxury of it all. It’s easy to see why owning a condo here is such a desirable thing. I mean, who wouldn’t want to wake up to those views every morning? Though perhaps I’d try to be a little more mindful of my ski boots.
I left the Viceroy feeling refreshed, pampered, and slightly poorer (those truffle mac and cheese calories were worth it though!). But more importantly, I left with a newfound appreciation for luxury mountain living. Maybe one day… just maybe… I’ll trade my questionable hostel stays for a condo with a view. But only if my future ski trips are less eventful in the equipment-related department. A girl can dream, right?
