Are you considering a visit to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch during the most magical time of year, AKA winter? As one of the best ski-in/ski-out resorts in Colorado, this family-friendly hotel offers endless outdoor and indoor entertainment for families. From the lift outside of the hotel, ski to nearby Beaver Creek Ski Resort, or swim inside the hotel’s outdoor heated pools. There are so many ways to enjoy your family vacation here! The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch also transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, a truly magical sight! With special holiday decorations, an annual tree lighting, and other fun festivities, it’s a wonderful time of year to experience the beauty of Colorado. In this guide, we cover everything your family needs to know about visiting The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch during winter, including transportation, accommodations, and amenities. Keep reading to learn more!
Reserve your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch with Hotels.com today!
Location, Setting, and Transportation
The Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is located in Avon, Colorado. The property is just 30 minutes east of the Eagle County Regional Airport, and approximately two hours from Denver International Airport. Part of the Beaver Creek Mountain area, the Bachelor Gulch ski-in/ski-out hotel belongs to the Epic Pass Program. Though it’s a bit secluded from the town of Beaver Creek, you can ski over to the Beaver Creek Village. Or, hop on the Village Connect, an on-demand shuttle, to take you to and from Beaver Creek Village and The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Download the app and you can request a ride at any time between 7 AM and 12 AM. You can also arrange airport transportation and transportation around the Vail Valley through the hotel concierge. Set beautifully against the Rocky Mountains, your family is sure to fall in love with The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch!
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Winter Check-In Process
Check-in will go smoothly at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Not only is the drive here scenic, but you’ll be immediately greeted by holiday lights at the entrance. Enjoy views of the huge Christmas tree right at the front door as a friendly bellman in a cowboy hat takes care of your belongings. Best of all, kids will be gifted their very own cowboy hats to wear! Inside, expansive fireplaces and elegant chandeliers invite you to explore this dazzling Colorado hotel.
RELATED: Best Ski-In/Ski-Out Resorts In Colorado For Families
Best Accommodations Options for Families
With a variety of options for all group sizes, the hotel’s modern log cabin atmosphere continues to its accommodations. Rooms and suites offer incredible views of the mountains and slopes, ranging from Deluxe Rooms to multi-room suites. In fact, 73 rooms have a fireplace, 87 have a walk-out balcony, and 39 feature both. Some suites also have kitchenettes, and there are also residences with multiple bedrooms, plus luxury penthouses. The master bedrooms are very spacious, living room areas offer comfortable soft beds, and there are also some walk-in closets. With The Club Level, you can also access the exclusive Club Lounge, showcasing sweeping views over the Rocky Mountains. Connecting rooms and pack and plays can be accommodated upon request. Regardless of which room you choose, you’ll find a welcome drink, alongside a few treats, upon entering!
Pro Tip: Families can book a stay through Marriott Points or the American Express Platinum card’s Fine Hotel Program. This means you can enjoy free breakfast, room upgrades on availability, hotel credit, and so much more!
Reserve your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch directly through Marriott.com here!
Special In-Room Camping Experience
Kids will love The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch’s special in-room camping experience. Little ones between ages five and twelve can bring the magic of camping back home with this fun offering, available for an additional fee. You’ll get a 5 x 5 tepee tent along with some sweet treats to recreate the great outdoors from the comfort of your room! Though this may be a better experience for young kids up to eight or nine years old, even ten, eleven, or twelve-year-olds will still have fun. This experience should be booked ahead of time, and the hotel will set up items in your room before your arrival. Keep in mind this experience isn’t available in rooms with two double beds due to fire code restrictions.
Enjoy the S’mores, Music and Scenic Sights
Families looking for a fantastic skiing destination with an enchanting ambiance can’t beat The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. This log cabin structure is simultaneously luxurious and charmingly rustic. Due to the hotel’s wonderful location at the base of the mountain, families will appreciate the scenic beauty, as well as the lift directly in the hotel’s backyard. In fact, lounge chairs face the slopes too, so you can lounge on the mountainside terrace with a drink in your hand while listening to music and appreciating the view! There’s also a nice fire pit outside of the back entrance, perfect for roasting s’mores as a family! Just head to the hotel reception at any time and kids can pick up their s’mores kit. Adult and kids alike are sure to fall in love with the sheer beauty of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Kids’ Club
Parents can enjoy some kid-free time while children make new friends at The Ritz Kids’ Club. Available for kids between five and twelve, they can put on their warmest outdoor gear and prepare for an epic adventure in the Rocky Mountains’ rugged landscape! Morning and afternoon sessions include outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and building snow castles, as well as winter-themed crafts inside. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance.
Holiday Activities For Kids At The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
Kids will love the holiday activities at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch! Starting in December, the hotel hosts over two weeks of family-friendly fun, aka the “16 Days Of Festive.” Enjoy storytelling with Santa, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and so much more throughout the month. Kids can even decorate snow globes and listen to holiday storytimes. It’s a great way to bond together as a family and enjoy the magic of the holiday season! When they want to unwind, you can also visit the hotel’s game room to play arcade games.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Ski Concierge
The Ritz- Carlton Ski Concierge is why this hotel is one of the best hotels in the U.S. for a family winter getaway. Upon arrival at the hotel, the friendly and helpful ski concierge can organize and store your luggage for your convenience. Families who don’t have their own equipment can also rent some with help from the concierge. Then, when you’re ready to hit the slopes, they’ll have your equipment ready for your family adventure! All ski equipment is available by 7:30 AM unless guests request an earlier time. Just remember that there may be a line during the peak holiday season. Once you’re done with the slopes, the ski concierge will clean and store your equipment for the next day. They’ll also be available for any other issues you have, just call and ask!
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Concierge
Aside from a great ski concierge, the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch also has a wonderful general concierge and reception desk. While every hotel has a generic concierge, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch takes it up a notch. Everyone is extremely friendly and responsible, willing to help guests with anything from ski equipment shipments to booking activities, car services, and more. They’re always on top of visitors’ needs, so we highly recommend taking advantage while you visit!
Where to Ski at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch with Kids
Your family’s guide to visiting The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch this winter would be incomplete without information about skiing. After all, it’s one of the best December vacation ideas for kids! Guests staying here will have access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort, accessible via the lift that’s only 50 yards from the hotel’s lobby door. Beginners can learn to ski using the “magic carpet” by the Bachelor Gulch chair lift’s base. There are also a lot of green runs toward the base of the mountain, though some of them are a little steep. It’s easy to catch the shuttle or gondola up the mountain for access to more terrain. New this season, families can also access 17 new ski trails at the expanded McCoy Park Ski Area. Here, you’ll find a family-friendly learning area, alongside 250 acres of beginner and intermediate terrain.
Pro Tip: Though Beaver Creek can get a bit crowded during the holidays, the lifts at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch usually boast fewer crowds.
RELATED: Tips for Skiing with Kids for the First Time
Ski Schools near The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
If you or your kids need a bit of a refresher before you hit the slopes, don’t worry! Take the Ritz shuttle to the Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School, which offers lessons for adults and kids. Group skiing lessons split kids between three and fourteen into separate categories based on ages. There are also group snowboarding lessons set up similarly. Teens between fifteen and eighteen can also take group ski or snowboarding lessons. For a more one-on-one experience, private ski and snowboarding lessons are available as well. Guests can ski directly from the Bachelor Gulch ski area, as well as ski to both the Beaver Creek and Arrowhead Ski Areas.
RELATED: Ultimate Guide To Ski Gear For Kids
Things to Do at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch with Kids Besides Skiing
Families searching for December vacation ideas may be wondering what else Bachelor Gulch offers besides skiing. Within this review of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, we break down some of the best things to do with kids besides skiing. Keep reading to learn more!
Explore the Hotel on a Hike or Snowshoe Adventure
As we mentioned earlier in this article, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch has a gorgeous property. But skiing isn’t the only way you can see it! Save time to experience other winter activities as well. Firstly, families can take daily, guided snowshoe adventures or winter hikes with help from the hotel’s on-site naturalist. Get an early start in the morning, take an afternoon break, or schedule your adventure at sunset for an amazing view over the mountains! If you’d rather spend your day indoors, there are other ways to explore the hotel. Check out the calendar of events for up-to-date information on what events are happening during your stay. Options range from art classes for kids to paint-and-sips for parents!
Experience a Winter Wonderland
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is one of the best winter destinations in the United States. So it’s no surprise its property turns into a winter wonderland every year! Across the property, enjoy 25 decorated holiday trees nestled among thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Watch the holiday season kick-off on the Saturday after Thanksgiving when the hotel hosts its annual tree lighting ceremony. This is followed by over two weeks of family-friendly festivities! Guests can also get themselves in the holiday spirit by visiting Beaver Creek Village for ice skating, shopping, and tasty holiday delicacies!
Book A Family Photoshoot
What better way to commemorate your beautiful holiday trip than with a scenic photoshoot? With Colorado’s snowy mountains as your backdrop, families can’t miss the opportunity to book a photoshoot during their winter vacation! You can arrange this experience via the concierge, as the hotel has its own photographer available. It’s a 45-minute shoot, and you can pick and choose which photos you want to buy afterward. This is a lovely way to capture memories long after your trip is over!
Family-Friendly Amenities at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
As one of the best ski-in & ski-out resorts in Colorado for families, it’s no surprise The Ritz- Carlton, Bachelor Gulch has a lot of kid-friendly amenities. Keep reading to learn more!
RELATED: Best Ski-In/Ski-Out Resorts in the U.S. For Families
Pools and Hot Tubs
There’s nothing like coming home to a warm soak after a long day on the slopes. Luckily you can at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch! The hotel features a beautiful, year-round outdoor heated pool facing the slopes, plus three hot tubs. Kids will love splashing in the pool, while parents enjoy the hot tubs! Families can also book a private experience at Grotto indoor plunge pools at the hotel’s spa.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Spa
Adults can enjoy the ultimate spa oasis at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bachelor Gulch. Do yoga, take other wellness classes, or book a treatment in the 21,000 square-foot sanctuary, with 19 tranquil rooms. All services are focused on harnessing the healing powers of nature to rejuvenate your mind and body. It’s a perfect way to indulge after a day of hitting the slopes!
On-Site Dining
Families will find plenty of on-site dining options to enjoy during their stay. If you’re in a rush to hit the slopes, Espresso Chair 16, a morning-only quick-service cafe, serves muffin croissants, breakfast burritos, and other to-go items. This is fantastic for a fast, early-morning option, but give them a little more time during the peak ski season. For a more relaxing sit-down option during breakfast, Wyld serves tasty huevos rancheros, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and more. There’s a toned-down kids’ menu for little ones. Wyld also serves a more formal lunch and dinner. On Thanksgiving, the restaurant offers families an exclusive turkey day feast, complete with multiple courses. During a regular winter evening, you can expect posh drinks, live music, and great views from the terrace facing the ski slope. Buffalos is a more casual restaurant for lunch and dinner, serving classic BBQ.
If you’re coming back from the slopes and want a quick bite to eat, The Fireside Bar on the slopeside Mountainside Terrace is a great place for pizza and drinks. Parents can even sip on champagne, while kids enjoy hot chocolate! Or, settle into The Great Room for Apres-ski to enjoy a cozy fireplace and live music. Parents can also indulge in a date night at Sakaba, a high-end sushi restaurant offering fresh fish flown in from Japan daily. The food is great, but it can be a little overpriced. Plus, families can also eat ramen on Thursdays and Saturdays at a new pop-up available this winter. Kids’ menus are available at most restaurants upon request. They usually have healthy options such as chicken teriyaki, Salman with broccoli, etc.
Pro Tip: A lot of restaurants at the hotel fill up quickly, and you’ll likely need a reservation beforehand.
Overall Impressions of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch for Families
You’re probably wondering: is The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch right for families? The answer is undoubtedly yes! If you’re looking for a ski-in/ski-out hotel for families with a beautiful property, kid-friendly amenities, and enough variety for skiers of all skill levels, we’re sure you’ll love The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. It’s consistently rated as one of the best hotels in Beaver Creek for a family winter getaway. Plus, in addition to skiing on the Bachelor Gulch section of the mountain, you’ll also have access to Beaver Creek, one of the best places to visit in the winter with kids. Book your stay today to experience the magic of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in the winter!
Happy Travels!
We hope you liked this Guide To The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch In The Winter With Kids! Whether you’re an advanced skier or just adore the ambiance of Colorado in the winter, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this vacation. Have a wonderful time skiing with your kids!
Is The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch sold out? Here are some top-rated options on VRBO!
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision.
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are that of the FLT Team or are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
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