Skiing and riding is one part, albeit a key part, of the equation when planning a ski vacation. Your ski accommodations can be just as important as choosing where to ski. However, finding the right ski accommodations on the right weekend is easier said than done, especially if there’s snow in the forecast. But we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up a few of the top hotels in the most iconic ski towns in the U.S. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the best ski town hotels, but it’s a little taste of the best of the best. Head to OnTheSnow’s lodging page to book your hotel.
The Best Hotels in Ski Towns
East
Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Any list of iconic, historic ski hotels in North America often begins with the Omni Mount Washington Resort. The Mount Washington Hotel, and more broadly Bretton Woods, has a history that dates back long before skiing started in America. The original Mount Washington Hotel broke ground in 1900, and was completed in 1902. Over the years its played hosts to some of the world’s most prestigious guests, and is no less prestigious today. Omni Hotels & Resorts purchased it in 2015, and today the Omni Mount Washington Resort stands as one of America’s most historic ski hotels as a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide. Highlights include the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, a 25-square-food spa, and several restaurants and bars, including The Cave, a prohibition-era speakeasy.
Mirror Lake Inn and Spa, Lake Placid, New York
Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, N.Y. (home of two Winter Olympics with skiing and snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain with its 3,430 feet of vertical) has been family-run since the 1930s. Two-time Olympian Andrew Weibrecht is the current family owner. You’ll experience all that the iconic ski town of Lake Placid has to offer in an ideal location. The View restaurant offers a AAA Four-Diamond dining experience, while The Cottage Restaurant is great for comfort food like hearty soups and filling sandwiches. There’s also an award-winning spa here that offers day spa packages, a salon, services just for men, and a fitness center. Prices start at $329, with a number of room and suite options, while many of their packages include skiing.
Midwest
Inn at Bay Harbor, Petoskey, Michigan
The 4-star Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection, is on the waterfront, within a 13- to 19-mile-drive of Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands. The hotel features amenities like concierge services and ski storage, while the Cabana Bar, one of the hotel’s four restaurants, is a good dining bet. The 113 guestrooms feature private, furnished balconies, and have added perks like refrigerators and minibars. Skiing and riding at these two sister ski resorts is as good as it gets in the Midwest. Book directly and save 20 percent. Bonus: You can ski both Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands on the same ticket.
West
Lumière with Inspirato, Telluride, Colorado
Lumière with Inspirato is a small, cozy and luxurious boutique hotel in Telluride Mountain Village. It offers boutique residences with 5-star amenities, and features convenient ski-in/ski-out access and plenty of personalized services. Book an après-ski massage or relax in a soaking pool, hot tub, and sauna after a day of skiing or riding. Lumière with Inspirato is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your pup who will enjoy a complimentary dog bed and bowl during your stay. Prices start at $550 at Lumière with Inspirato and go up from there during the ski season.
Telluride’s terrain is absolutely legendary and has always been revered as some of the best of Colorado. The region receives on average more than 300 inches of snow annually and offers more than 2,000 skiable acres for all ability levels. This is what ski dreams are made of.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, Colorado
The Arrabelle at Vail Square’s slopeside location in the heart of the recently revitalized Vail Square has quickly earned a reputation as the spiffiest address to stay in Vail after opening in 2008. From the Great Room to the lavish guestrooms to the rooftop pool, expect a nod to the grand hotels of Europe. The skiing and riding is on Vail Mountain so little more needs to be said. Just hop on the gondola, located steps away, and enjoy a memorable Vail day. After a long day of skiing, come back to treat yourself at the Rock Resorts Spa at The Arrabelle.
Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado
The Little Nell has long been a special hotel at the foot of Aspen Mountain. The five-star Aspen hotel is a standard of personalized service, and has it all, from a full-service spa to some of the most luxurious amenities you’ll find at a ski hotel to easy ski-in/ski-out access to the mountain. A stay here also comes with access to its Ski Concierge service that can help you get on the mountain before anyone else. Check out the Little Nell’s popular après-ski bar, The Wine Bar (formerly Chair 9), a posh, art deco-style lounge with a live dj spinning 4,000 vinyl records.
Alta Lodge, Alta, Utah
The Alta Lodge atmosphere is relaxed, intimate and informal. The luxury is all in the vibe and its primo location allowing guests to ski right to the lifts at Alta. You’ll relax in front of the lobby fireplace, meet friends for afternoon tea and cookies, or unwind in the Sitzmark Club Bar. Breakfast and a four-course dinner daily are included with your stay. There’s a long-standing tradition of group dining here or you can choose a private table if romance or getting some quiet time is more your style. Group dining encourages making new friends, and often finding skiing partners with similar interests and abilities. The Lodge is located at 8,600 feet at the base of the famed and fulfilling Alta Ski Area, which is just 32 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Palacio de Marquesa, Taos, New Mexico
With only eight rooms at the Palacio de Marquesa, it’s almost your own private ski lodge in Taos, New Mexico. The luxury mountain getaway at this iconic ski resort in Northern New Mexico specifically honors the women of Taos through its designs, including its color palette of bright silver and soft ivory tones. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, which can be delivered right to your room, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your canopy bed facing a roaring fireplace.
Hotel Jackson, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Stay in the center of the action in Jackson Hole at Hotel Jackson, a 55-room boutique hotel located a few feet away from Town Square. Hotel Jackson exudes plenty of Western flare in its decor choices, like shiplap walls, leather furnishings, and soft fur throws. The hotel that will also delight the hungry crowd after a day of skiing at FIGS, serving Lebanese-Mediterranean cuisine alongside a handcrafted cocktail. The hotel has a partnership with XO, which offers guests exclusive discounts for direct private charter flight services. You’re a beer bottle’s toss from the classic Mangy Moose bar where Jackson’s nightlife rocks. Rates are about $494 per night including breakfast.
Washington School House Hotel, Park City, Utah
Stay in a 19th-century schoolhouse converted into an intimate 12-room boutique hotel at the Washington School House Hotel. There’s an outdoor pool, a private chef, in-room massage by appointment, and it’s all walking distance from Park City’s in-town ski lift, with access to the best at Park City Mountain Resort and nearby Deer Valley.
Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, California
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is located mid-mountain and just 15 minutes away from Lake Tahoe. Its ski-in/ski-out location at Northstar California offers delightful grooming and snowmaking, with mountain concierge services and a fun experience when the lifts close for the day. Luxurious guestrooms, suites and residences have in-room gas fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows. Spa treatments are themed around water and woods at a large slopeside spa. Dine at Manzanita on-site, and access the Village at Northstar with its ice rink, fire pits, shopping, dining and nightlife via an intermountain gondola. Rates start at $639.
Canada
Fairmont Hotel, Mont Tremblant, Canada
Fairmont’s first-class hotel sits at the foot of the majestic Tremblant peaks, boasting ski-in/ski-out access. You’ll find a distinctive French flair and personalized services at the Fairmont Tremblant, with headliners that include the award-winning Choux Gras culinary brasserie and five-star Moment Spa. The mountain – actually two of them – Mont Tremblant—the highest peak in the Laurentians—and Mont Blanc open up 104 trails served by 14 lifts. The combination of village charm and excellent skiing and riding makes the Fairmont a top North American choice. Prices start at about $289 per night. The Fairmont Tremblant is also part of the Ikon Pass.
Four Seasons Resort, Whistler
In a ski destination marked by amazing hotels, the Four Seasons Whistler is a standout. Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Four Seasons Whistler is just a short walk to Whistler Blackcomb. After an incredible day skiing, treat yourself to the spa or take a dip in the heated pool. Four Seasons Whistler’s Braidwood Tavern is a cozy, warm après-ski spot, which the Four Seasons describes as “evoking the warmth of your uncle’s cabin,” and with a globally-inspired menu of comfort food, local craft beer, and stunning cocktails. End your day with dinner at Sidecut, the Four Seasons’ extravagant dining experience focusing on prime hand-cut steaks.
Header image ©Four Seasons Resort, Whistler
November 07, 2023
