Bottles of crisp white wine chilled to perfection in piles of fluffy white snow. The tantalising aroma of lamb sizzling over a hot grill wafting through the crisp mountain air. A veritable smorgasbord of delicacies waiting to be sampled after an exhilarating day in the snow. This is what the Taste of Vail  is all about.

Known to many as Colorado’s lavish winter nirvana, complete with one of the largest ski areas in the USA, Vail, has much to offer any discerning snow-sports enthusiast. From the 5,317 acres of powdery white pistes, to the resort’s charming yet decidedly upscale resort centre, there’s always something new to explore.

Meanwhile, an elegant mountain gastronomy scene draws foodies from around the world, with the resort’s winter season culminating in a celebration of wine and dining known as the Taste of Vail. Usually held in April (and often bookended with a sister event in the fall) the iconic festival showcases over 30 of the region’s most well-regarded chefs, restaurateurs, and winemakers across a range of different events.

Now in it’s 29^th year, the four-day event is managed by the Taste of Vail platform, a not-for-profit organisation set up to raise money to benefit the local community. Taste of Vail tickets for individual and regular programmed events are bought separately in advance, while festival-goers will also find a wealth of pop-up events and seminars to sink their teeth into. Buying a full festival pass is by far the easiest way to sample everything on offer.

The signature Taste of Vail Lamb Cook-Off takes place in the streets of the resort, allowing ticket holders the chance to taste the best creative lamb dishes from each vendor. Everything is then washed down with excellent wines following a theme such as ‘Life Beyond Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot.’ The Vail Valley is known for its exquisite Colorado lamb, so this is an excellent chance to test out a sumptuous local delicacy.

A Celebration of Rose is the perfect event for enthusiasts to indulge in a drop of the pink stuff after those last few parallels on Lionshead, right in Vail Square. A favourite among many regular attendees, this is an experience to try brand new releases from a range of different labels accompanied by delicious bites from local eateries.

For the true gourmands, the Taste of Vail 2021 fall iteration will even feature a Sturia Caviar Seminar, where fine-food fanatics can find out more about the salty, indulgent snack, and sample it with some perfectly paired champagne.

Those that are looking for a side of snow-plastered peaks with their food should be sure to book on to the Mountain Top Tasting, usually held a swift gondola ride away from the resort centre.

Right in the heart of the skiing action, this show-stopping event is ideal for those that find it hard to drag themselves away from the ever-present lure of the pistes. It’s an après ski party like no other, with an endless array of high-quality fare on offer and free-flowing wine – as recommended by the festival’s haute sommeliers.

The Taste of Vail food and wine festival concludes with a gala event known as the Grand Tasting. Here, the leading wineries and restaurants bring their A-game for a mind-blowing evening of decadent indulgence.

Typically held at the Four Seasons, this event usually attracts the most refined visitors, and while there’s no requirement to get dressed up, it’s a great opportunity to if you feel so inclined. We advise skipping lunch if you plan to attend, as you’ll be well and truly spoilt with the incredible spread on offer.

Visitors to the Taste of Vail festival will find an abundance of luxury accommodation to choose from. In the heart of the village, The Sebastian epitomises chalet chic with it’s slate and timber clad façade. From the mountain-view pool and steaming hot tubs to the hotel’s dedicated ski valet service, where guests can have their boots warmed and waiting for them, this is slope-side luxury at its finest. Meanwhile, The Sonnenalp brings a touch of old-world European charm to the resort, with its green wooden balconies and authentic interior, contrasted perfectly by a sleek spa and incredibly spacious suites.

Guests staying at the Four Seasons, will be well placed for the festival finale and the Taste of Vail Lamb Cook-Off, while the Grand Hyatt offers a more peaceful stay a short five minutes away from the action. Finally, the turreted Arrabelle is a show-stopping vision at the foot of Lionshead, known for it’s elegant interior design and truly superior service.

The Rocky Mountains are known for having the largest proportion of their snowfall in March, while April often brings beguiling bluebird days – perfect for enjoying the powder on the slopes and the party atmosphere in town.

Outdoor events complement the resort’s Bavarian-inspired architecture and jaw-dropping mountainous backdrop, while indoor events and seminars offer a chance to savour every last bite or drop. If you love exuberant gastronomy, fine wines, and some of the most splendid spring skiing on the globe, the Taste of Vail food and wine festival is certainly for you.

Taste of Vail tickets can be purchased directly from the event website by clicking here.