Resort life is the best life. There’s a magical, comforting and exhilarating feeling that comes with waking up at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8. Rising with the sun and stepping out onto a balcony overlooking the epicenter of Breckenridge Ski Resort before anyone has arrived is a special scene. Fresh-groomed corduroy glinting, chair lifts gently humming to life and snowcats getting in one last final-touch lap are all best enjoyed in a plush residence bathrobe, sipping a hot cup of coffee made steps away in a state-of-the-art kitchen.

Taking in this view from a master bedroom balcony recently at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8, I felt that ultimate ski-in/ski-out bliss. Friends and family had met around the spacious, modern suite’s dining room table the previous night for a birthday celebration feast complete with wine, cake, ice cream and games by the fireplace. Morning rolled into pancakes, sausage and eggs at countertop barstools, prepped in a fully stocked kitchen (there’s even a crockpot for soups and stews) among stainless steel appliances, recycling and composting options and plenty of ready-to-brew Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea.

Thoughtful perks and at-home amenities elevated our stay to first-class status. Our little guy’s wet pants and gloves tumbled in the in-suite dryer while he doused his pancakes in syrup, gearing up for another awesome day at ski school. With drop-off right downstairs, we seamlessly high-fived him goodbye, grabbed our gear from the onsite complimentary ski locker and took a few easy steps to the high-speed Colorado SuperChair.

We lapped Peaks 8 and 9, returning to our room to change and head to the spa before ski school let out. A stop by Robbie’s Tavern for some appetizers and the slopeside bistro’s famous spicy bloody marys was in order before we slipped into the 21-and-over grotto. The grown-up favorite instantly calms with dim lighting, soothing music, lounge chairs and those incredibly refreshing eucalyptus iced face towels. Dips between the cool pool, jetted hot tub and rejuvenating steam room were excellent precursors to a healing massage and luxurious pedicure at the Infinity Spa.

The hardest decision we made all day was whether to sign up for the evening craft beer tasting at the sleek Lobby Bar or to pop outside to the open-air patio to play life-sized chess and Connect Four next to the grilling area and fire pits. We opted for family time in the game room playing PacMan and Fooseball. Post-dinner nightcaps came in the form of pool time at the aquatics center. Watching the mighty snowcats buzz by under the stars from a steamy hot tub and looking out at the dark silhouetted peaks we had skied that day was the icing on our fit-for-royalty resort day.