A mid-December escape sent me to Beaver Creek Resort in Avon, Colo. I was lucky enough to experience some extra-special elements of the ski resort’s new White Glove Package, which is the ultimate in luxury getaways for snow lovers. 

The new package, available now, includes

• Four Epic Passes, with skiing and snowboarding privileges at 26 resorts in four countries
• First-class, round-trip airfare to Eagle Airport (EGE) from anywhere in the lower 48 states
• Private helicopter transfer from the airport to the base of Beaver Creek Mountain
• Five nights at the on-mountain, private Trappers Cabin with a personal concierge and chef
• A welcome ski apparel package with items from Helly Hansen and Smartwool
• Golden Ticket First Tracks before the mountain opens to the public and private ski lessons with a Ski School Ambassador from the Ivy League Ski School
• Ski rentals and boots delivered by a ski concierge
• A spa treatment and a snow cat tour to dinner at Beano’s Cabin
• Other activities

To learn more, visit Beavercreek.com/whiteglove.

While not exactly the same experience, I had a wonderful visit to the resort — a perfect pre-holiday jaunt to help me feel festive and get me out into the snow for the first time in years.

Upon arrival and helicopter transfer, I checked in at The Osprey at Beaver Creek, A Rock Resort and enjoyed room-service lunch while catching up on emails. Later that afternoon, I was fitted for my skis, boots and helmet — I would be skiing the next day for the first time since Girl Scout ski trips nearly two decades prior. That evening, I enjoyed a delicious, cozy dinner at the recently renovated Grouse Mountain Grill at The Pines Lodge. When I heard the pretzel-crusted pork chops were a favorite of other diners, I knew I had to try them.

I was definitely nervous to ski again, but as soon as I met my private ski instructor, JJ, the next morning, my fears were quickly assuaged. She was patient, thorough and easy to chat with — we bonded as we made our way down the mountain, twice. And I didn’t fall once! Due to an aggravating foot injury, I only managed a half day on the slopes, but it was quite clear to see the first-rate level of Beaver Creek’s ski school and instructors, as well as its slopes. After lunch on the mountain at Spruce Saddle Restaurant — where the options are endless and far more upscale than any ski lodge I’d visited — I explored the village and the shopping before grabbing a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie slope-side. Served daily at 3 p.m., it’s a Beaver Creek staple, and more than 500,000 cookies are served each season. Later that evening, I enjoyed an open-air sleigh ride to Beano’s Cabin for a wonderful five-course meal.

Also part of Beaver Creek Mountain is the Bachelor Gulch area; I spent the following day exploring all the different accommodation options throughout the resort, from condos to hotels, before enjoying lunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, and an afternoon spa treatment at the hotel. That evening, I warmed up with an Italian meal at Toscanini, in Beaver Creek village, while watching the ice skaters on the outdoor rink outside the restaurant. I wanted to partake myself, but I didn’t have time in my schedule. Another must-stop in the village area is Rimini for a hot chocolate.

On my final day in Beaver Creek, I went on a snowshoe tour through Strawberry Park. What a fun experience! I’d love to snowshoe again locally, and I’ve been trying to find options in Pennsylvania. I relaxed that afternoon at the Allegria Spa at the Park Hyatt before a wine dinner at Allie’s Cabin.

My time at Beaver Creek was delightful. It was the quintessential winter experience and it helped me get in the holiday spirit. I’d love to return in the summer and see for myself the beauty of the area, as well as partake in the resort’s warm weather activities.  I highly recommend indulging in the White Glove treatment!

— Kim Krol, managing editor