Winter Sports ARE in my future – bring on the cold!
Don’t be afraid of the chilly temps…..
For those of you that do not know me, I am allergic to cold! OK, well not technically allergic, but I HATE BEING COLD! So for our most important Colorado winter vacation, I spared no expense. I came fully equipped with a new ski jacket, battery powered gloves, electric socks, fleece lined ski masks and several pairs of thermal underwear. I wasn’t taking any chances. And you know what I found? Like all of our other adventures, we came to the realization that there is no bad weather, only bad equipment! So, whether you are a beach and warm weather aficionado, or are contemplating braving the arctic temperatures, I say, “BRING ON THE COLD!” I’m so very glad that I allowed my family to convince me of this!
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek for the WIN!
When it comes to the many challenges of travel during Covid, one we often read about – and have occasionally encountered ourselves – is limited dining options, especially in hotel and resort settings. It is safe to say that the folks at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek did NOT get that memo.
The breakfasts we enjoyed at their 8100‘ Mountainside Bar and Grill were nothing short of spectacular. 8100’ offered a wide selection of breakfast standards and regionally-inspired specialty dishes, perfectly prepared, and served by friendly and engaging staff. Our lift time was 8:30am and so we made early breakfast reservations so that we could get plenty of carbs and protein stored up for the day.
You spent HOW MUCH for breakfast?
HYATT PERK ALERT – As committed Hyatt fans, here is our shameless plug about their amazing perks: As Globalist-status travelers, our breakfasts were complimentary. At a restaurant like 8100’, that is a $500+ value for breakfast for six over two mornings. . . another huge advantage to points-based travel!
Time to hit the slopes!
With very full bellies, we headed out for our day. Daddy Starbucks and Kylie went off to ski school for the morning, while Chandler, Braden, Landin and I boarded the gondola just outside the hotel lobby for the day’s first seven-mile run.
Throughout the day, we would have an additional 8” of snow at the base, with the snow being so heavy at times that they would have to close the highest runs due to white-out conditions. For some posts, it is just best to let the pictures and video tell the story . . . we hope you enjoy these from our epic first family ski trip (and snowmobiling)!
Just being R.E.A.L.
I have to apologize. I LOVE filming while we’re out adventuring, even in the freezing cold temperatures, but I should really leave the cinematography up to Braden (our in-house professional). Every time I thought I was turning on the GoPro, I was turning it off. I have SO MUCH footage of nothingness!!!
taking me out on the first run! And while I’m confessing, it’s a lot harder to get back up than it was seven years ago!!
Exhausted, yet completely elated!
That night, after dropping our ski gear back at Christy Sports in the nearby town of Avon, we decided we were in the mood for some classic German food (one of the Benz family’s favorites) at Ein Prosit. After all, what could be better after a day in an Alpine wonderland than some hot tomato basil soup, giant pretzels, Reuben sandwiches, German potato salad and bratwurst? For dessert, we topped off with brownies from a local market and gourmet coffee back in our rooms, before an early 7:30 bedtime.
A family that skis, and stays, together
The next morning we enjoyed our second amazing breakfast at 8100’, before taking one last stroll around the Beaver Creek Village. During our time in Colorado, we saw record levels of snow but very little sunshine. Now on our last morning before flying home, God blessed us with a perfectly clear, blue sky morning, with abundant sunshine to illuminate the beautiful snow-covered views. We hope you enjoy these shots of our goodbye tour of the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
Our verdict – bring on the cold!
Ultimately, this ski vacation – our first winter vacation – was something of a test run. Having always taken vacations to warm locales, we wanted to see if a cold weather trip with all of the snow-filled fun was something we would enjoy. Without question, it was more than we could have ever hoped for. The Benz Group is a family that skis together AND stays together. As our flight soared into the Denver sunset for home, the thought on all our minds was “thank you Lord for another beautiful adventure . . . and we can’t WAIT to get back”.
Here’s how you can travel….just like us:
Here’s a link to the step-by-step process that we followed to see places that I once thought were completely untouchable for an average family of six, like mine! As well, please follow along on my social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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