Skiing and riding is only one part, albeit a key part, of planning a ski vacation. Your ski accommodations can be just as important as choosing where to ski. However, finding the right ski hotel 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. Check out the list below and then 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 historic ski hotels in North America should begin 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, with the original Mount Washington Hotel opening in 1902. Over the years it’s played host to some of the world’s most prestigious guests. Omni Hotels & Resorts purchased it in 2015, and today the Omni Mount Washington Resort stands as one of America’s most historic ski hotels. Highlights include the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, a 25,000-square-foot 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, New York has been family-run since the 1930s. The spirit of the Winter Olympics runs throughout both Lake Placid, which has hosted two Winter Olympic games, and Mirror Lake Inn Resort, which is owned by two-time Olympian Andrew Weibrecht. Mirror Lake Inn and Spa is a destination in and of itself. 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 that features day spa packages, a salon, and a fitness center. Prices start at $349, with a number of room and suite options. Many of their packages also include skiing. Whiteface Mountain is conveniently located just 20 minutes away.
Midwest
Inn at Bay Harbor, Petoskey, Michigan
The 4-star Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection is on the waterfront of Lake Michigan, yet within a 20-mile drive of both 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 116 guest rooms feature private, furnished balconies, and have added perks like refrigerators and minibars. Rates start at $185 per night. Book directly and save 20 percent. Skiing and riding at these two sister ski resorts is as good as it gets in the Midwest, plus, 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 can enjoy a complimentary dog bed and bowl during your stay. Prices start at $650 and go up from there during the ski season. In 2024, Lumière with Inspirato received one of the early official Michelin Key ratings — a new hotel rating system presented by the same company that’s famous for doling out Michelin stars to restaurants.
Telluride’s terrain is absolutely legendary and has always been revered as some of the best of Colorado. In fact OnTheSnow users rated Telluride the best ski resort in North America for the 2023-24 ski season.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, Colorado
The Arrabelle at Vail Square enjoys a slopeside location in the heart of the recently revitalized Vail Square. It’s 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, The Arrabelle at Vail Square gives a nod to the grand hotels of Europe. Bonus: Skiers and riders are a short walk from one of North America’s most iconic ski resorts, Vail Mountain. Just hop on the gondola, located steps away, and enjoy a memorable ski day at Vail Resort. After a long day of skiing, come back to treat yourself at the RockResorts 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. 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.
Discover more great Aspen hotels in our article here.
Alta Lodge, Alta, Utah
Alta Lodge‘s atmosphere is altogether relaxed, intimate, and informal. Its luxury is all in the vibe and its primo location allowing guests to ski right to the lifts of the famous Alta Ski Area. Afterward, relax in front of the lobby fireplace, meet friends for afternoon tea and cookies, or unwind in the Sitzmark Club Bar. Daily breakfast and a four-course dinner are included with your stay. There’s a long-standing tradition of group dining, 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 you may even find new skiing partners.
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 flair in its decor choices, like shiplap walls, leather furnishings, and soft fur throws. This Jackson hotel delights foodies thanks to FIGS, serving Lebanese-Mediterranean cuisine alongside handcrafted cocktails and a great wine list. It was recipient of Wine Spectator’s 2024 Award of Excellence. Rates at the Hotel Jackson start around $499 per night including breakfast.
Hotel Jackson has a partnership with XO, which offers guests exclusive discounts for direct private charter flight services.
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. Highlights include an outdoor pool, a private chef, and in-room massage packages offered by appointment. Washington School House Hotel is within walking distance from Park City’s in-town ski lift, featuring access to incredible ski terrain at Park City Mountain Resort and nearby Deer Valley. The Washington School House Hotel was recently given Michelin’s two key designation, which is given to hotels that offer an exceptional stay.
We’d be remiss not to mention some of Park City’s many other great hotels. Deer Valley skiers can enjoy five-star accommodations at either the Montage Deer Valley or Stein Eriksen Lodge, awarded ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel 2023’ by the World Ski Awards. Over at Park City Mountain, the Waldorf Astoria is the only luxury hotel with slopeside access to the mountain.
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, California
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is mid-mountain at Northstar California, located just 10 minutes away from Lake Tahoe. Its ski-in/ski-out location at Northstar California gives skiers and riders access to 3,170 acres of ski terrain to play on. Guests can also take advantage of mountain concierge services and access to a fun Village at Northstar experience. Luxurious guestrooms, suites, and residences at The Ritz Carlton feature in-room gas fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views. Spa treatments are themed around water and woods at the resort’s large slopeside spa. Dine on-property at Manzanita or take the free intermountain gondola down to the Village at Northstar for access to the ice rink, fire pits, shopping, dining, and numerous bars. Rates start at $560.
Canada
Fairmont Tremblant, Mont Tremblant, Canada
Fairmont’s first-class hotel, featuring a distinctive French flair and personalized services, sits at the foot of the majestic Tremblant peaks with ski-in/ski-out access. Headlining the luxury hotel is the award-winning Choux Gras culinary brasserie and five-star Moment Spa. All total it has more than 300 guestrooms, suites, and condos. Mont Tremblant, the highest peak in the Laurentians, and Mont Blanc, offer up 104 trails served by 14 lifts. The combination of village charm and excellent skiing and riding makes the Fairmont Tremblant a great ski-in and ski-out hotel. Prices start around $220 per night.
Fairmont Château Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Canada
The Fairmont Tremblant isn’t the only fantastic Fairmont hotel in a ski destination. The luxury hotel brand actually has two hotels in the Banff area. The Fairmont Château Lake Louise, surrounded by towering mountains, sits directly on Lake Louise, 10 minutes from Lake Louise Ski Resort. Then just 45 minutes south, in the town of Banff, sits the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs. The 739-room castle is in the heart of Banff National Park, located just 15 minutes from Mt. Norquay and 25 minutes from Sunshine Village. This is a destination resort in and of itself, as evidenced by its 12 restaurants and bars. You could spend an entire weekend here and not visit them all.
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 of 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
April 15, 2025
