Sherman's Travel

Beaver Creek’s slopes may be the star attraction at this sister resort to Vail in Colorado, but they have some competition from an increasingly delectable culinary scene. The latest manifestation of this new foodie fervor is the first annual Beaver Creek Food & Wine Weekend, held January 26-28.

Events range from casual après-ski noshes to semi-formal multi-course dinners with wine pairings. You’ll also find cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and a meet-and-greet with the chefs. Throughout the three days, event-goers will sample exquisite culinary creations from visiting celebrity chefs – like Tim Love, John Besh, and Stephanie Izard – as well as local talent from area restaurants.

You’ll have to act fast to score tickets, as some programs are already sold out. Tickets start at $75, and all events are for ages 21 and up.

Planning to make a weekend of it? Beaver Creek has lodging packages on offer starting from $425 per person, per night that bundle accommodations, multi-day lift passes, and select event tickets. Click here for more information.

For general trip-planning information, see our Vail and Beaver Creek Travel Guide.

Although we were mildly horrified by the snowfall in New York City over Halloween weekend (how apropos), that quickly faded into elation: Ski season is coming! And with the inches already being laid down this year, it’s shaping up to be a doozy.

If you’re looking to hit the slopes with some gay and lesbian friends – or make new ones – but aren’t quite ready for the powder-and-party of a proper Gay Ski Week (check out last year’s post for a sample), then a Ski Bums (www.ski-bums.org) package is the way to go. Founded in 2005 with day trips from NYC, it has grown to become the world’s largest LGBT skier and snowboarder club with new chapters in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, and over 800 members worldwide (roughly 80 percent men and 20 percent women), a third of which are snowboarders, and everyone a heckuva lot of fun. Membership is free when you book a trip ($49 otherwise) and includes discounts of 30 to 50 percent off top-quality gear from Backcountry.com, plus typical savings of 15 percent off over booking the same trip independently. Book now for its eight major trips in 2012 (outlined below). Read more

SHERMAN’S EXCLUSIVE

The Luxury Nestled near the Beaver Creek ski resort (and connected to the lifts by gondola), the Silver LEED-certified Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa has 230 residences, with full kitchens and gas fireplaces in the suites. The environmentally friendly 23,000-square-foot Spa Anjali offers mountain-inspired treatments, such as a glacial-mud body wrap. Guests can dine on a seasonal menu at the West Coast–influenced Restaurant Avondale or visit the lobby wine bar.

The Value Through April 17, the Ski & Spa Escape package includes four nights’ accommodations in a studio suite, a $300 spa credit, two three-day ski passes, and daily breakfast for two. Rates start at $531/night – a savings of more than $1,000, considering à la carte rates for the lodging and extras.

The Catch There is a four-night minimum stay required for the package.

The Details 866-949-1616 (use code LLSLTPLH); westinriverfrontbeavercreek.com

For general trip-planning information, see our Vail and Beaver Creek Travel Guide.