Although it may seem like yesterday—or eons, depending on who you ask—since the first snowfall of winter, the fact of the matter is that the coldest part of the year is in full swing. One of the most noteworthy perks associated with Vail luxury rentals from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is having a full kitchen—among many other amenities. Cuisine is often a cornerstone of any vacation, and a mountain retreat is no different. And although there are plenty of good dining options in Vail and the surrounding area, there’s something to be said about learning new winter soup recipes for you and your loved ones to try in between skiing, snowmobiling, and other prominent Colorado winter activities. From bisque to chowder, hearty winter soup recipes have been warming the bodies and souls of winter travelers for generations, so today, we’ll share three of our favorites.

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Whether your mountain retreat is a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, being someplace that feels familiar can go a long way in maximizing your experience. Making meals in your home away from home not only gives you an unparalleled sense of comfort but also helps save some money on your dining budget. One excellent way to unleash your innate culinary talents is to explore and discover winter soup recipes because they are typically relatively easy and allow you to make personal adjustments adhering to your tastes. Perhaps it’s recreating winter family gatherings from when you were a kid or the growing potency of your concoction as the day progresses; there is a sentimental feeling one finds when making and eating soup in the winter. Without further ado, here are three of our favorite winter soup recipes for a mountain retreat in Vail, Colorado.

1. Colorado Lentil Soup

Although many soups are considered a side or appetizer, this Colorado lentil soup is hearty enough to stand on its own as an entire meal! Thanks to the combination of lentils and potatoes, you’ll feel full after a day of playing in the powder. This filling, vegetarian option is best when using a Dutch oven, but you can use a standard stockpot for similar results.

2. Classic Beef and Barley Soup

Perfect for Colorado mountain carnivores, this classic beef and barley soup is so thick, it could almost be classified as a stew! Revolving around robust and succulent top round steak chopped into cubes, the vegetables, beef, and barley combine to provide a flavorful punch and a warm tummy. Having enough protein is crucial in winter, especially for recharging after a day of outdoor excitement!

3. Salmon Chowder

Salmon chowder is an excellent option for those who like creamy soups. With biscuits, sourdough, or crackers, salmon chowder is a fantastic family meal but still elegant enough for the most exquisite of dinner parties. While fresh salmon is what the recipe calls for, you can use canned salmon in a pinch. We also recommend using some local trout instead of salmon if you want to get super creative!

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The neat thing about experimenting with winter soup recipes is you don’t have to be a master chef to craft a delectable offering. With a bevy of illustrious lodging options, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices can’t wait to be your basecamp for a much-deserved mountain retreat. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit us online or call 800-571-0055.