When it comes to ski towns in the U.S. many think of the Vail/Beaver Creek area of the Colorado Rockies -- I certainly do, but then again I am a bit biased since I was born and raised in the gorgeous blue-sky state. Bias aside it's clear that the newest addition to Rock Resorts, The Osprey at Beaver Creek, is a stunning combination of outdoor adventure, lavish amenities, and premier slopeside location. This alpine retreat, formerly known as the Inn at Beaver Creek, boasts they are the 'closest hotel to a ski lift in North America' which comes in handy when you want to whisk out to the slopes and then back again for a luxurious massage or après-ski drink around the fire pit.

This fabulous hotel will host a grand opening on December 14th just in time for the holidays. Plus, there are a couple of specials to kick off the winter season: The Osprey's 'First Flight' and Rock Resorts' 'Holidays On Us' and 'Ski Free Stay Free'.

Right now the last thing on your mind is ski season but if you act quickly you could save 25% off your winter ski adventure. A new luxury hotel is opening in the upscale ski village of Beaver Creek, Colorado this winter. The Osprey at Beaver Creek is undergoing a $7 million overhaul and will be the first new hotel to open in Beaver Creek in 10 years. The Osprey will have 41 guest rooms including a two-bedroom penthouse. Amenities include a tapas restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, hot tub and poolside bar, fitness center with steam room and sauna, ski valet and ski storage, butler and concierge services. The Osprey will be the closest ski-in/ski-out hotel to a chairlift in North America making it the ideal spot for your ski vacation when in six months, you'll have traded in your summer shorts and sandals for a parka and boots. Sunday through Thursday rates start at $355.50 and pricing is valid for travel January 4, 2009 - February 11, 2009.

Thus far, ski resorts seem to be immune from the condo crunch that is hitting other areas. The Gates on Beaver Creek, a $72 million luxury development at the entrance to the Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado has received approval to resume construction. The Town had required a $37 million completion bond before construction resumed. The project which includes 49 condominiums that start at $975,000. The two- to four-bedroom units include 16 two-story penthouse suites and have amenities that include a library, meeting room, outdoor gathering deck, concierge, ski valet and heated pool. The project is still two years from completion but they have already sold 30% of the units.

Being a celebrity chef is not a bad life indeed. While many chefs will be golfing and soaking up the sun in South Beach later this month, others are at Beaver Creek in Colorado this week. The Beaver Creek Culinary Classic runs from February 1-5, 2006 and features Eric Ripert, Ming Tsai, Laurent Tourondel and many others. Special events include the Celebrity Chef Ski Race on February 3, pastry competitions including the Cake Relay and the Sugar Showdown which will be filmed by the Food Network, a 'Master Chef Challenge' and the Grand Tasting at the Park Hyatt Resort and Spa on Saturday February 4. Tickets to the Grand Tasting cost $95.