Meanwhile in vail... 1962 Vail Ski Resort opens on December 15 with $5 lift tickets. The area had one gondola, two chairlifts, nine runs and eight ski instructors. 1979 Karlheinz and Gretl fall in love with Vail on a skiing vacation and buy the Wedel Inn Motel. They remodel it and rename it the Hotel Sonnenalp. 1985 Karlheinz and Gretl turn over management of the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail to their son Johannes. 1986 The Faessler family buys the Kiandra Lodge, the current site of the Sonnenalp today. In 1992 it is torn down and construction begins on the Sonnenalp Bavaria Haus. The Faesslers also buy the Talisman Lodge and transform it into the Swiss Haus, and subsequently the Swiss Hotel and Spa. 2000 The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail is selected as one of the fifteen best ski resorts in North America in a Conde Nast Traveler reader’s poll. The same year, the Sonnenalp Resort of Bavaria is rated the No. 1 vacation resort in Germany. 2001 The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail is accepted as a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World.

 2004 The Swiss Hotel is torn down to build One Willow Bridge Road, which is managed by the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail. The Sonnenalp embarks on a comprehensive remodel, completed in 2006. 29 rooms and suites were added, along with an underground parking garage and retail and restaurant outlets along Vail’s Meadow Drive. Today The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail continues, in the Faessler family tradition, to offer the world’s most intimate and rewarding hotel experience.

The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail features 115 luxury suites and 12 hotel rooms – all with a view of either Gore Creek or Vail Village. Each suite has a bedroom and a well-appointed, delightfully comfortable living room area. Custom-made Bavarian furniture, a gas-log fireplace and large bathrooms with heated floors complete each suite.

For Dining enjoy one of our in-house restaurants or let us point you toward the best dining Vail has to offer.  Whether you're in the mood 

for a casual, lively atmosphere with live music or a quiet, romantic dinner with wonderfully delicious fare, Vail's restaurant selection is sure to satisfy your every craving. the sonnenalp's own From a lovely meal at Ludwig's to a rousing night at the Bully Ranch, the Sonnenalp offers five great dining choices. Ludwig's - Contemporary American cuisine with a classic influence. Swiss Chalet - Fondue, Raclette and authentic alpine cuisine reflecting the various regions of the Alps. Bully Ranch - A casual, western-style atmosphere with a Southwestern and American menu. King's Club - Sophisticated atmosphere, with live music and a menu ranging from burgers to caviar. Balata Restaurant - After 18 holes or anytime, this delicious clubhouse favorite hits the spot Spa/Pool - Enjoy a light fare beside the pool. Room Service Menu - For a private dinner in your suite, a late night snack or breakfast in bed, our room service menu has been carefully selected to highlight favorite items from our restaurants. Daily 6:30 am to 11pm. Overnight menu available.

Click here to go directly to the Sunnenalp Resort website.