Anyone can book a stay at a condo or hotel room for a ski vacation. But finding a unique ski cabin or vacation rental guarantees looks of envy when you share your vacation photos with friends. So we’ve chosen a selection of unique hotels, vacation rentals, and other accommodations near ski areas. From the east to the west, these are some of the most unique accommodations near ski resorts.
East
If you want camping without the work, then look no further than Getaway. Getaway has a number of tiny cabin outposts throughout the U.S., including New England. Getaway Blake Brook is located 90 minutes from Boston, and within an hour’s drive to a number of ski areas including Gunstock and Mount Sunapee, while Getaway Eastern Catskills is located two and a half hours from New York City, and is just 30 minutes from Windham Mountain Club. Cabins come fully equipped with a queen bed, shower, AC and heat, stove, refrigerator, and an outdoor area with a fire pit and grill grate. Getaway has outposts just outside of many other major cities, including L.A., Boston, Seattle, Minneapolis, New York City, and more.
The glamping theme continues at Lumen Nature Retreat, a new glamping experience in Woodstock, New Hampshire. Open year-round, Lumen Nature Retreat is home to 35 Nordic cabins and A-Frame luxury tents spread over 20 acres. After a day skiing at nearby Loon Mountain (located 8 miles away), take advantage of Lumen’s private saunas.
Canada
We use the term hotel loosely here, as Hotel de Glace, in Quebec City, features beautifully ice-sculpted rooms and suites for a luxurious night’s stay from January through March. The hotel is 20 minutes north of Quebec City, a jump off to Le Massif, Mont Ste. Anne, and Tremblant. After a day of skiing or riding, unwind at the hotel’s Nordic relaxation area featuring outdoor hot tubs and a sauna. Each room has a thermal insulated mattress, Arctic sleeping bags, and insulated bed sheets and pillows. The room temp stays between 23-27 F regardless of outdoor temperatures, but the hotel does everything it can to keep you comfortable. Getting cold feet about your decision? Staff provide a comprehensive orientation for your stay.
Midwest
Looking for unusual group accommodations? Try Mt. Bohemia, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Stay in a Yurt right on the mountain. These yurts are located at the bottom portion of Claim Jumper, so you can ski out your front door in the morning. The yurts sleep ten (bunk beds and pull-out couch), though you’ll need to bring your own linens and towels. Yurts include a bathroom, shower, sink, heat, electricity, and WiFi. There’s a two-night minimum for winter reservations. Note: No pets or smoking.
West
The Mesa Studio Earthship, located near TAOS Ski Valley, is about 45 minutes from the slopes and 15 minutes from the city of Taos. It offers the chance to experience off-grid living with modern amenities included. The Earthship generates its own electricity and rainwater, and stays at a comfortable 72 degrees year-round without using any fuel or electricity. It also includes Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV along with a full kitchen, washer, and bathroom with a deep stone tub. There’s nearby skiing at TAOS Ski Valley, and not far away at Angel Fire and Red River. Note: The exact location will be provided after booking.
Each of the four designs at the Green O, an adults-only hotel in Greenough, Montana, offer views of the glacier-carved Blackfoot River Valley but with total privacy. Green O guests can choose from 12 sophisticated luxury accommodations, known as Hauses, with 4 distinctive designs: Tree Haus, Green Haus, Round Haus, or Light Haus. All meals are included in the nightly rate. At the center of the Green O is a freestanding private restaurant venue (the Social Haus), which includes a lounge area, dining area, open kitchen concept, and chef prepared meals. Ski or snowboard at Lost Trail, Discovery Ski Area, and Snowbowl. The Green O is only 38 miles from Missoula International Airport with a free shuttle available.
In California, one of the quirkiest, most unique accommodations near a ski resort is Railroad Park Resort, located 25 minutes from Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Railroad Park Resort is just that, a humble throwback resort property tucked in the mountains featuring cabooses turned into cabins. Each caboose is one-of-a-kind, with fun touches and amenities. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the dining car, where the train theme continues in an 1893 passenger car.
Pacific Northwest
Idaho is famous for its potatoes, and you can stay inside a giant one in Boise at the Big Idaho Potato Hotel, which has been transformed into a getaway for two. The six-ton potato was recycled from the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour after traveling the country for 7 years, where it saw 48 U.S. states. It sits just south of downtown Boise and includes a custom-built bed, power outlets, a mini-fridge. and old records that you can play. The Big Idaho Potato Hotel comes with one bed, one bath and a Jersey cow who will be your fuzzy pet for the stay. It’s only 19 miles from Bogus Basin.
In downtown Bend, near Mt. Bachelor, guests go back to school at McMenamins’ Old St. Francis School, a 1936 Catholic school turned hotel with a pub, brewery, movie theater, and soaking pool. The property is in the heart of Bend, and is a lively spot, playing host to live music and unique events. Don’t miss the Broom Closet, a speakeasy-style bar unlike any ski town bar you’ve been into. If you’re traveling with a larger group, then check out the Parish House, the property’s two-story, five-bedroom house that sleeps 6-10 people. McMenamins has other unique historic properties throughout Washington and Oregon.
Header image: ©Getaway House
February 15, 2024
