The Best Ski Lodges In The U.S.
The Best Ski Lodges in the U.S.
Winter adventurers are lucky to have so many wonderful options when it comes to where to stay overnight. Resorts, hotels, and backcountry cabins all cater to skiers, snowboarders and anyone else looking to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature.
The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley, California
The Ahwahnee Hotel, nestled in Yosemite Valley, boasts incredible views of snow-covered granite peaks and semi-frozen waterfalls in the winter. It's an easy drive or walk to see Yosemite or Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan, or you can take an afternoon to go ice-skating in Curry Village. The hotel also holds several notable winter events. At the Bracebridge Dinner, the Ahwahnee is turned into a 17th century English manor and guests enjoy a traditional feast and entertainment.
Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont
Unspoiled location, history and classic winter splendor – this is what you get when staying at this beautiful lodge. The mixture of a new regular of extravagance and aesthetics is a real treat to the eyes. The lodge was built in a new "Vermont-Alpine" style, still embracing the serenity of nature. There are 312 rooms that resemble luxurious summer camps. They are framed by oversized windows and outdoor balconies so people can enjoy the remarkable mountain landscape at all times.
Ridgway Hut, Colorado
The views of the high, rugged peaks directly above the hut are stunning. The experience will definitely be one to remember – in the winter, water is obtained by melting snow. The hut, located at 10,200 feet, accommodates eight people via padded bunk style-beds. There is a photovoltaic stove and lamp, wood stove, firewood, cookware, and utensils. Staying there will surely be a unique adventure.
Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon
How about swimming at 6,000 feet in a heated pool surrounded by snow-capped summits? Try the mountain hot tub and sauna afterwards. Stay in the Silcox Hut above the main lodge. It is ideal for families who want a private overnight hideout.
Sun Valley Lodge, Idaho
This is an iconic lodge in the area. It was the first destination ski lodge in the U.S. built 80 years ago. It was recently renovated. There are 108 new and much larger guestrooms, a 20,000-square-foot destination spa, a state of the art gym and yoga studio, and a glass enclosed outdoor pool. Rooms are classy and designed in a contemporary but classic lodge design. You'll like the wool carpet, fireplace, spacious bathrooms, and golden granite walls.
The Kennicott Glacier Lodge, Alaska
The Kennicott Glacier Lodge sits in the center of the ghost town of Kennicott, so close to the namesake glacier that you can hear the ice flow, creak and pop. From the 190-foot-long porch, take in panoramic views of the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains.
Bull of the Woods Yurt, New Mexico
The Bull of the Woods Yurt is just about two miles away from Taos Ski Valley. Hikers, backcountry skiers, boarders and snowshoers like it for the easy access to fantastic terrain. The yurt lies along the ridge between Wheeler Peak (13,161 feet) and Gold Hill (12,700 feet). You may ski into the high alpine slopes for remarkable background and vistas of pristine wilderness. Thrill-seekers love to take advantage of the extended verticals.
Lost Trail Lodge, California
Your adventure starts before you get to the lodge – you can't drive there; it is completely snowbound. Park 4 miles away and ski or snowshoe your way to the front door. The lodge is perfect for a secluded trip a romantic getaway and anything in between. It is located totally of the beaten path and is off the grid – two wells supply water and propane fuels water heaters, parlor stoves and ovens. You can rent just one of four rooms or the entire place.
The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado
All 52 guest rooms, 26 premium guest rooms, 8 suites and 6 signature suites feature a unique floor plan and gas log fireplaces, and most have private balconies. They all overlook Aspen Mountain, the Red Mountain range or Continental Divide. The Little Nell was a recipient of the 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Stein Erikson Lodge, Deer Valley Resort, Utah
This is one of Utah's finest lodges. Specially selected textiles and textures vary from room to room, offering visitors a unique atmosphere to relax and enjoy themselves. The exclusive design style is what separates the lodge and sets it apart from all other resorts. Make sure you have time to enjoy the 23,000-square-foot spa with a sauna, steam room and hot and cold plunge baths.
Whiteface Lodge, New York
Go on a quiet, restful weekend vacation in the Adirondacks and enjoy all the exciting activities that make Lake Placid a great winter getaway. You'll love the outdoor hot tubs and ice skating rink, in addition to the spa, movie theater and the game room. The lodge offers a complimentary children's program, Kamp Kanu. It's an on-site adventure camp that keeps the kids entertained while the parents have fun on their own.
Bell Lake Yurt, Montana
This is a classic backcountry yurt – isolated, primitive and close to thousands of acres of backcountry ski terrain, some of the best in the entire state. The approach to the yurt with 8,500 feet in elevation is about 2.5 miles. It sleeps up to eight people who can enjoy the view of the 2,000-foot couloirs spilling from the summit of Branham Peak just outside the front door.
Rusty Parrot, Wyoming
This is a family-run 32-room lodge that is designed with the traveler—not the tourist – in mind. It has won the AAA Four-Diamond award for 19 years in a row. And this is just one of its many acknowledgements. Every room is different but they all have the best linens (many guests have even bought them after staying), luxury amenities, Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Baths have large deep tubs for soaking. You can reserve a room with a fireplace and/or a jetted tub.
Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont
Consider staying at the Trapp Family Lodge for an authentic European experience in the U.S. The unique, four-season resort specializes in European-style accommodations and cuisine. You get all that in addition to remarkable mountain views, chic facilities, and typical winter adventures. The lodge is located on 2,500 acres overlooking the classic and iconic New England village of Stowe.
Beaver Creek Lodge, Colorado
The lodge was designated a "Top 50 Ski Hotel" by Conde Nast Traveler and a "World's Best Hotel" by Travel + Leisure. It features 68 spacious suites with mountain chic décor and original artwork. Spend the time after enjoying alpine adventures in the iconic Rockies by curling up by the fireplace on a leather sofa. The three-bedroom condos even have whirlpool baths.