There is a place, hidden among the peaks, that seems to have come straight out of the pages of an Alpine fairy tale, but with the open air of the Rocky Mountains. A place where wood still smells like the forest and the fireplace tells stories of families, snow, and tables laden with food. Its name is Sonnenalp, and it is much more than a hotel: it is an ode to Bavarian tradition gracefully transplanted to the American highlands, a corner of Europe that blossoms elegantly in Vail, Colorado.
The Story
There is a place, hidden among the peaks, that looks like something out of an illustrated Alpine fairy tale, but with the open air of the Rocky Mountains. A place where the wood still smells of the forest and the fireplace tells stories of families, snow, and tables laden with food. Its name is Sonnenalp, and it is much more than a hotel: it is an ode to Bavarian tradition gracefully adapted to the American highlands, a corner of Europe that blossoms elegantly in Vail, Colorado. And while its dark red roof and pointed chimneys look like they were painted by a romantic illustrator, there is nothing fake about this dream retreat. The Sonnenalp is not a postcard imitation: it is an authentic Bavarian embassy, run by the same family for five generations, with roots that go back a century of hospitality and a heart that still beats for quality, beauty, and care.
It all began in 1919, in the rolling hills of Bavaria, where Eleonore and Adolf Faessler founded the first Sonnenalp Resort. It was little more than a farm, with eight cows and a handful of rooms, but the seed had been planted. Over time, that simple idea—sincere hospitality surrounded by nature—turned into a jewel of international hospitality. In 1979, the dream extended to Colorado, where the Faessler family purchased and transformed the Sonnenalp in Vail, modeling it with the same dedication they had shown to the original resort. Today, the fifth generation of the family proudly runs this oasis of warmth and style, skillfully blending tradition and modernity.
Crossing the threshold of the Sonnenalp is like stepping into an illustrated novel. The suites, clad in natural wood, are furnished with handcrafted Bavarian furniture, lovingly selected by Rosana Faessler herself, who oversaw the latest renovation with an expert eye and a heart full of affection. Tartan and porcelain tell the story of the family: even the teacups bear the mark of their past. In the Swiss Chalet restaurant, fondue reigns supreme on the menu, and hand-engraved balustrades evoke folk motifs. In the library, among soft sofas, floral wall sconces, and a roaring fireplace, you forget the passage of time and learn the art of slowing down.
But the Sonnenalp is not just a winter retreat: the summer season also has its charms. An in-house team of guides organizes excursions along Colorado's flower-filled trails, where purple lupines sway among the trembling aspens. The Berry Picker Trail, for example, is a popular route for those who enjoy walking and working up a sweat with a view. For younger guests, the trip becomes an adventure: rocks to climb, streams to cross, and even a Polaroid camera as a gift to capture every discovery. And when morning comes, Ludwig's buffet is a ritual not to be missed. Eggs, empanadas, blintzes, and cookies line up like hungry soldiers, but the undisputed star is bacon. Sourced from Brunson Meat Co. in Denver, it is smoked twice over apple wood chips and served in abundance. Its flavor is so unforgettable that many guests ask for it to be shipped directly to their homes. Proof that happiness can also travel vacuum-packed.
For golf enthusiasts, the Sonnenalp offers another little luxury: from April to October, the course winds its way through spectacular ups and downs, offering a pleasant challenge and privileged access to the Sonnenalp Club, an 18-hole course just a 20-minute drive from the hotel. For more experienced players. And for those who prefer more relaxing activities? There is a fitness center, spa, swimming pool, tennis, and even pickleball. A range of options that makes every stay tailor-made. It is no surprise, then, that the Sonnenalp has earned the prestigious MICHELIN key. Not for opulence or frills, but for that subtle and sincere form of luxury that smells of wood, smiles, and memories. It is recognition of authentic hospitality, built on generations of care and passion, where every detail—from the suites to the bacon—is designed to make guests feel at home. Or rather, in a home they never want to leave.
