Location, location. No, it’s not ski-in, ski-out or even slopeside, but the Solaris is exactly where it needs to be. In fact, the seven-story building has become the de facto heart of the village, anchoring shops, restaurants, a movie theater, even a bowling alley. And it’s the location—not the range of digs from modern sophisticated studios to six-bedroom residences, nor celebrity sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s restaurant in the lobby—that garners this two-year-old property the most attention. Walk by the Solaris courtyard, with its commanding 24-foot-tall, color-changing sculpture by Colorado artist Lawrence Argent, local fave Yeti’s coffee shop (whose coffee is also placed in the residences), and kids skittering on the ice rink, and you’ll want to hang out. Why? Because everyone else does.

Solaris opened in 2010 at the tail end of the real-estate bust. Conceived as a high-end residence property, the 79 units were not intended to go into the rental market. But the economy had other plans, so this season will see 30 units available for guests. And with Crestron intercom systems that call the valet, control the room temperature, and set the lighting for the sleekly modern yet warm design, this is an ideal option for skiers who want to be in the thick of it—yet retain a sense of luxury. A winning combination. solarisvail.com

Photo courtesy of Studio JK