It’s been more than a decade since we first discovered Sonnenalp in Vail—and it’s safe to say it’s become a beloved family tradition. Tucked into a quiet corner of Vail Village, this elegant, Bavarian-inspired resort offers everything we need for a memorable Colorado mountain escape: exceptional service, thoughtful design, and the kind of warmth that turns guests into loyalists.
A Storied Slice of Bavaria in the Rockies
The Sonnenalp Resort’s story begins not in Colorado, but in the Bavarian Alps. The original Sonnenalp opened in the early 1900s in Ofterschwang, Germany, run by the Faessler family. Inspired by their heritage and love for skiing, the Faesslers brought their vision to Vail, Colorado, opening Sonnenalp in 1979.
From the beginning, the resort stood apart in Vail’s luxury landscape—blending European charm with relaxed mountain living. Still family-owned and operated, Sonnenalp remains deeply committed to personalized service. In an era when many properties are cutting staff and automating the guest experience, Sonnenalp continues to deliver thoughtful, hands-on hospitality.
Why Families Love Sonnenalp
Our first visit was in the early 2010s. Our daughters, then 4 and 7, were instantly smitten. They loved the hot cocoa, the cozy corners, and of course, the Kids Club. To them, it felt glamorous but never intimidating. Nearly 15 years later, our now adult-ish kids still want to join us on our annual Vail trips—and that says everything.
The resort’s architecture is unassuming from the outside, but the interiors are warm and inviting. Think hand-carved wood, alpine art, upholstered furniture, and Bavarian details like cowbells, fondue sets, and traditional uniforms at check-in. The library is a favorite—stocked with books, board games, and big chairs for lounging. It’s a place that’s designed for both connection and calm.
For the Littlest Guests: Sonnenalp Kids Club
Sonnenalp makes family travel seamless, and the Kids Club is one of its standout offerings. Designed for children ages 5 to 12, the program offers a rotating schedule of supervised activities, from arts and crafts to movie nights and seasonal outdoor adventures. Programming is available by reservation most evenings, giving parents the perfect window for a spa appointment, après-ski cocktail, or dinner for two—while little ones stay happily engaged in a social, safe environment. The activities are creative, the setting is intimate, and the staff truly gets kids.
Spa + Wellness: For Parents and Teens
These days, our daughters are more interested in spa time than sledding—and Sonnenalp delivers. On this trip, my daughter enjoyed a signature facial with a highly trained, professional technician. No product-pushing, just thoughtful care. While she was being pampered, my husband and I visited the gym.
This is one space that could use some love. The treadmills are outdated, and there’s limited room for stretching or mobility work. The former yoga studio has been converted into a quiet room—peaceful, but I’d love to see yoga classes return.
Post-spa, we regrouped for a soak in the resort’s iconic indoor/outdoor pool. There’s no better way to melt away the stress of travel than slipping into a hot tub as snowflakes drift overhead. Everything—from the yellow-striped loungers to the crisp apples and hot tea—is designed to make you exhale and settle in.
Dining at Sonnenalp: From Burgers to Fondue
You won’t need to leave the resort to enjoy exceptional dining. The Bully Ranch is perfect for casual meals—burgers, salads, and relaxed mountain fare. This trip, we also booked the Thanksgiving buffet, which was completely sold out—and for good reason. The turkey was perfect, the side dishes classic and delicious, and the dessert bar unforgettable (though I did miss my husband’s homemade cranberry sauce).
Dinner at Swiss Chalet is always a highlight. With its authentic Alpine menu and shareable fondue or grill platters, it’s ideal for families. It’s also interactive, which keeps even tweens and teens off their phones. Our server was excellent, and the food has never disappointed—not in the five times we’ve dined there. One small misstep: the overzealous push for TripAdvisor reviews. The multiple reminders felt at odds with the otherwise elegant experience.
Pre-dinner drinks in the lounge are also a must. There’s often live music, and the atmosphere is warm and social. Our girls ordered mocktails while I sipped a Negroni and our friends sampled the wine list.
Don’t Miss: Breakfast at Ludwig’s
The next morning, we got up early to start our day with the unparalleled breakfast buffet at Ludwig’s. Guests can dine in the sunlit glass atrium or the cozy wood-paneled room, both offering a serene start to the day. I always begin with a cappuccino, then head straight to the granola station—homemade granola, nuts, dried fruit, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Back at the table, we compare plates and map out our ski day. With so many tempting options, a second pass is almost guaranteed. This time, I returned for smoked salmon, eggs, and slices of freshly baked German bread. There’s also an omelet station, plenty of hot dishes, and something for every kind of eater. At around $70 per person, it’s a splurge—but one that feels entirely worth it.
Rooms Designed for Rest (and Fireplaces!)
We always book a suite with a fireplace—an indulgence, yes, but a worthy one in Vail. The rooms are fresh, quiet, and timelessly decorated. After dinner, we returned to find our beds turned down with cookies and water waiting. These little gestures make every stay feel special.
Mountain Access: Easy, Even If It’s Not Slopeside
Sonnenalp isn’t ski-in/ski-out, but it’s still skier-friendly. The resort partners with a nearby ski shop, offering guests access to a private ski concierge and locker area—perfect for gearing up, warming up, or taking a midday break. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the lifts, a bit longer with little ones, but always manageable.
This year, we opted out of skiing and instead drove to the Copper Mountain World Cup races. We notified valet 15 minutes before we were ready, and our skis were waiting—another seamless experience.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just soaking up the alpine ambiance, Sonnenalp makes it easy to enjoy Vail your way. We’ve stayed in November for ski camps and races, and even when the snow is sparse, the warmth and care from the staff never wavers.
What to Pack
- Chic but cozy après-ski outfits (think stylish sweaters and boots)
- Swimwear for the pool, hot tub, and spa
- Workout clothes if you plan to use the gym
- Casual looks for Bully Ranch; elevated attire for Swiss Chalet
- Slippers or comfy shoes for lounging
Why We Keep Coming Back
On this trip, we even recognized a valet who’s been with the resort since our first visit. That kind of continuity is rare—and comforting. It’s part of what makes Sonnenalp feel like a second home. Over the years, we’ve watched our kids grow up here, shifting from cocoa and kids club to spa days and Swiss Chalet dinners.
In a town full of high-end hotels, Sonnenalp remains our gold standard: understated luxury, warm hospitality, and room for every stage of family life. Book your trip directly at https://sonnenalp.com/ or on Expedia here.
How to Get to Vail
Vail is accessible via two main airports, depending on your travel preferences. The closest option is Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), located just 30 miles west of Vail. It offers seasonal direct flights from major U.S. cities and gets you on the slopes in under an hour. For more flight options, including international routes, Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 120 miles east—roughly a 2 to 2.5-hour drive via I-70, weather permitting. While the drive from Denver can be scenic, it’s worth noting that mountain traffic and snow delays are common during peak ski season. I will give you my Ski Mom bias–I hate the Denver airport. it’s in the middle of nowhere and getting to the rental cars shuttles and luggage carousel is a hassle. If you can swing it, got to Eagle. Private flyers may also consider Aspen (ASE) or Centennial Airport (APA), though these are better suited for custom itineraries or multi-resort trips.
Altitude Awareness
Vail sits at an elevation of approximately 8,150 feet, which can catch visitors off guard—especially those arriving from lower altitudes. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, fatigue, dehydration, and shortness of breath, particularly in the first 24–48 hours. To help your body adjust, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on arrival day, and ease into physical activity. Many hotels, including Sonnenalp, offer humidifiers in rooms and complimentary oxygen canisters by request. If you’re especially sensitive or arriving for an active trip, consider spending a night in Denver (elevation ~5,280 ft) before heading up into the mountains. You can get all of our tips for managing altitude here.
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