The Authenticity of Vail and Its Signature Resort: Sonnenalp

The Sunny Sonnenalp in Vail

Here in the Rockies, we often say that something looks alpine. Craggy peaks, above- tree-line tundra, high mountain meadows and even most forests look alpine. If it looks like the Alps, it’s considered alpine. Architecture can also look alpine. And so can interiors, clothing, table arts and more. Even people can appear alpine.

In Colorado, we have all these alpine looks and influences, not only because many of our mountains resemble the Alps, but also because many alpine people settled here. Yes, natives of the Alps in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France are partly responsible for having made Colorado—and namely our mountain towns—what it is today. They opened ski resorts, ski schools, shops, hotels, restaurants, bakeries, bars—you name it. In so doing, they brought both savoir faire and European quality service and products to these burgeoning ski destinations. They infused our rugged towns, many originally founded on mining and ranching, with bushels of charm and authenticity.

Johannes and Rosana Faessler: The Face of Sonnenalp

Vail stands out as probably the most European-influenced mountain town in Colorado. When I first visited this renowned ski destination some twenty-five years ago, I thought it looked like a Disneyland for adults. Well, it still kind of does, however, if you look closely, there’s no way you can mean that in a derogatory sense. Vail—especially Vail Village, the heart of the town—feels and looks like a typical alpine village. Yes, it is a more recent creation, a replica of sorts. (We don’t have many centuries-old towns in the U.S., let alone in the West.) But most everything here is genuine, very much like what you’d find in the Alps.

In recent years, I’ve gone to Vail both winter and summer on visits with my boyfriend. Born in Milan, he has spent extended periods of time in the Italian Alps where his family still has ties. It’s marvelous to tour Vail with him since he’s great at pointing out architectural features and the like that remind him of his (almost) native land. One such example includes the slope of the roofs which are not as steeply angled on alpine chalets as on American structures. The overhangs on these roofs extend out significantly past the footprint of the building, allowing for space for storage (of wood, for example) and/or the display of goods.

Just this past spring, I visited Vail with a friend from Telluride, Mary Dawn DeBraie, a Europhile like myself that lived six years in Bavaria and a long time in England as well. She also owns Alpen Schatz, a company made up of her shop in Telluride, a wholesale business and an online boutique. Alpen Schatz means alpine treasures (in German) of which she sells an abundance for men, women, children and their pets and interiors. At Alpen Schatz, both online and in the shop, you discover a treasure trove of European made and styled goods, all handpicked by Mary Dawn, a real European lifestyle expert.

So with Mary Dawn as a travel partner, I knew we had to stay at Sonnenalp, the quintessential European-styled hotel in the U.S., the jewel of Vail. If Sonnenalp were located in Bavaria, I’m sure it would be the gem of that destination as well. Indeed, throughout four generations, the Faessler family of Bavaria has carried out the fine tradition of European hospitality. Sonnenalp, which means sun on the mountain, believes in gemultilichkeit, a German expression for warmth and contentment.

One of Sonnenalp’s Lovely Rooms

A Sonnenalp Bathroom Replete with Lots of Marble and Luxurious Bath Products

That’s exactly what we found in this elegant resort amidst white-washed walls, wood beam ceilings, plaid curtains and bed coverings, down duvets and so much more. There’s a rich tradition of cozy decor in the mountains. Whether you’re in the Rockies or the Alps, you often warm your body and spirit in many heartwarming interiors typified by wood, stone and an abundance of fabrics. Sonnenalp has this and Mary Dawn, my resident expert on all things alpine, gave it her full approval.

As we poked around the hotel, Mary Dawn pointed out typical Tyrolean features such as arched doorways, carved wooden furnishings and eckbank, the long wooden benches in the stube (bar area). The common areas, including the library and game room, felt so inviting that I could see families checking in here and feeling like they were at their own (large and well-appointed) cabin in the mountains. Antiques abound, carefully selected objets d’art, mostly from Europe, each one more beautiful and interesting than the next. Sonnenalp possesses a soul and a personality that’s distinctively European. Within its storied interior, you truly nix the Disneyland notion.

It’s All in the Details

And as you’d expect in a fine European resort, service here is first class. People in boiled wool vests and other forms of traditional alpine attire attended to our every need with a smile.

So you can imagine that MD and I were sad to leave this enclave of European comfort and luxe after just one night. We hope to return again soon, however, to experience some of their amenities of which there are many including fine restaurants and a world-class spa.

Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, 866-284-4411 and 970-476-5656.

Read  Spring Skiing and Spa Going:  Part One in Vail, Colorado for more on this popular mountain destination.

The Sonnenalp Courtyard: Just Like an Alpine Village