Nothing quite says “romantic getaway” like a ski trip. A winter ski getaway has so many elements of what makes a romantic trip: Cozy accommodations, a crackling fireplace, warm bevvys, intimate dinner experiences, hot tubs, and much more. But with so many great ski destinations to choose from, how can you narrow it down for that memorable romantic ski getaway? Let us help. Explore our round-up of the most romantic ski resorts and ski towns in North America.
The most romantic ski getaways in North America
East
Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont has been one of the most romantic resorts in the world since its beginning almost 90 years ago. All it takes is an evening stroll down Main Street in Stowe Village for that glow to begin. The village is quaint and cozy, while Mountain Road is loaded with lodging options and restaurants that will soothe and delight just like the après-ski drinks you’ll likely find along the way. Go ice skating at Spruce Peak with Mt. Mansfield as your backdrop or skate inside at the Stowe Arena in the village. Cuddle under a blanket for a sleigh ride through the woods.
Take the short ride to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory (yes, even in winter) or indulge in some samples at Champlain Chocolates. Head to the world-famous Stowe Front Four on Mt. Mansfield for some iconic New England black-diamond runs or go easy with some relaxed skiing on Spruce Peak. Look no further than the Trapp Family Lodge (yes, the Von Trapps of The Sound of Music) for a romantic stay. Take a sleigh ride, book a couples massage, or get active by enjoying their gorgeous cross-country skiing terrain. Alternatively, The Lodge at Spruce Peak is Stowe’s only slopeside ski-in, ski-out hotel.
Sugarbush Resort, located 30 miles south of Stowe, was known as Mascara Mountain in the bygone years when the handsome Norwegian Olympian Stein Ericksen called it home. Skiing Sugarbush means two mountains — Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen — each with its own feel and beautiful Vermont views. For luxury and romance, it doesn’t get much better than the Pitcher Inn in Warren, just off the mountain. The Pitcher Inn is a Relais & Châteaux luxury inn offering a couple of spacious two-bedroom suites and nine unique guest rooms. The Dining Room is casual, but elegant, while large windows frame the view to the back garden and babbling brook. The next day, give throwback Mad River Glen a whirl. As they say, “Ski it if you can.” If you’re a snowboarding couple, however, just remember that Mad River Glen doesn’t permit snowboards.
Jackson in next door New Hampshire is made for couples with its Honeymoon Bridge built in 1876 for cross-country skiers. Jackson is home to four nearby ski areas — Attitash, Black Mountain, Wildcat and Cranmore — all less than 20 minutes from the majestic Eagle Mountain House, which sits high on the hill above town. The Eagle Mountain House harkens back to the late-1800s, so you’ll be going more old school here. Check out the Romance Package, which features overnight accommodations, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of sparkling wine in your room upon arrival, and a daily breakfast in Highfields Restaurant.
If you are an intermediate or beginner skier or boarder, there’s no better place than Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The beautifully groomed slopes are mellow with gorgeous scenery of Mt. Washington. Retire to the world-famous Omni Mount Washington Resort when the lifts stop cranking. Check out any number of the hotel’s restaurants and bars for après-ski, toasting to love over cocktails, or get a couples massage in the Presidential Spa. Then dance the night away in the Prohibition-era Cave.
Voted by TripAdvisor as one of the most romantic locations in small town America, Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia offers couples a little bit of everything. Ski down from the summit on interesting, varied terrain, or go for a slower pace by booking a couple’s day at the spa. Dine at one of Snowshoe’s specialty restaurants like Appalachian Kitchen or South Mountain Grille, and then cap the night off with dessert and champagne.
Midwest
Lutsen Resort, along Lake Superior’s north shore in Minnesota, is literally across the road from the Lutsen Mountains, which rises almost 1,000 feet above the lake. Lutsen Resort’s waterfront location, iconic fireplace, and cozy lobby vibes scream romantic getaway. Minnesota Monthly Magazine calls the resort, “The most romantic resort in the state.” Lutsen offers 95 runs that tumble down 4 interconnected mountains. Its Ski and Stay Package combines lodging with your ski tickets, and is a great option for couples. Guests are offered a round-trip free shuttle service to the ski hill, located just minutes away.
The Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey, Michigan, nicknamed the “Nantucket of the Midwest,” is located between The Highlands (Formerly Boyne Highlands) and Boyne Mountain. Located 40 minutes apart, the 2 resorts offer up more than 100 ski trails, multiple lifts, and several terrain parks. However, the real headliner is the Inn at Bay Harbor’s location on the shore of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay. The views simply can’t be beat. Enjoy breakfast for two, valet parking, and access to a VIP ski locker at Boyne Mountain (based on availability) when you stay at the Inn at Bay Harbor.
Crystal Mountain, 28 miles southwest of Traverse City near Sleeping Dunes National Park, specializes in romantic accommodation options, like the Cottages at Water’s Edge, cozy bonfires, fine cuisine and pampering spa treatments. Crystal Mountain is a four-seasons resort with more than 50 ski trails, 25 km of cross-country skiing, and when the snow melts, 36 holes of championship golf. Highlights include 250 guest rooms, the award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan Legacy Art Park, and plenty of restaurant options. Stay right at the mountain – it’s all there.
West
Telluride, in Southwest Colorado, fits the bill for couples immediately upon arriving. Telluride’s mountain resort boasts some of Colorado’s most breathtaking views, along with several great on-mountain restaurants that make it the perfect place to clink celebratory glasses to one another. Alpino Vino is a wonderfully romantic small on-mountain dining hütte, where couples can cozy up with sheepskin blankets and experience an exceptional international wine list, with mountain views to match. At 11,966 feet, Alpino Vino is one of the highest elevation restaurants in North America.
Ski in and out from any number of Telluride ski-in, ski-out accommodations during the day and travel via custom-built snowcoach at night. We pick the Dunton Town House on Oak Street, steps from the gondola. The Dunton Town House has been thoughtfully decorated using a mix of custom furnishings, Tyrolean antiques, imported fabric from Tyrol, and Austrian ceramics.
Aspen has long been considered one of the most romantic ski getaways. Couples who want it all on their ski vacation will find it here. Ski by day at one of the four mountains at Aspen Snowmass and dine by night at one of its world-class restaurants. We think romance is a given if you stay at the The Little Nell, St. Regis, or Hotel Jerome, all of which we named among Aspen’s top hotels. Couples will enjoy cozying up at the Ullr Nights bonfire or dancing the night away in the Elk Camp lodge at Snowmass.
The romance continues in Colorado, where couples can glide around the Beaver Creek ice rink hand in hand at Vail’s luxurious sister resort above Avon, Colorado. For a unique intimate dinner, look no further than Beano’s Cabin, reached via a snowcat-drawn sleigh ride to access the high-alpine restaurant. Beaver Creek’s self-contained village is ideal for the couple looking to have a self-contained romantic vacation. Here, the village features numerous superb dining experiences, like Spago at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Be sure to strap on the cross-country skis high above the village at McCoy Park, one of the most stunning cross-country terrains you’ll find. If you’ve never gone cross-country skiing, it’s a fun lesson to do together, and will make you feel like you’ve earned those après-ski drinks.
For at least one day each year, on Valentine’s Day, Loveland, Colorado is the undisputed “Love Capital of the World.” Loveland has been conducting their annual Marry Me & Ski for Free Valentine’s Day Mountaintop Matrimony Ceremony and Reception for decades each Valentine’s Day. New couples are joined in matrimony while married couples can renew their vows here. The mass wedding takes place at noon sharp in Forest Meadow in a small valley between Catwalk Trees and the Chairlift Six terrain, where the snow in the Forest Meadow area is generally light and fluffy. The Honeymooner’s Après Party for all participants and their guests follows the ceremony at 1:30 p.m. at the Loveland Basin featuring music, wedding cupcakes, and sparkling apple cider. Reserve your rooms early.
Next we head to New Mexico. While skiing or snowboarding are certainly at the top of your to-do list at Taos Ski Valley, the venerable resort has so much more to offer. After a day of skiing or riding in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, relax at the Spa and Wellness Center for a couples massage, facials, and more. Finish your day with an intimate dinner at 192 at the Blake – an intimate setting with a blend of European and New Mexican decor and cuisine. If you’re traveling north on a sunny , snow-free day, consider taking a longer drive from Albuquerque via the scenic High Road to Taos. This 56-mile stretch winds through desert, mountains, and forests.
Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah is known far and wide for its impeccable service and incredible ski experience. The views are extraordinary, the food and drinks are top shelf, and the famed Utah powder has earned “The Greatest Snow on Earth” name. The mid-mountain Stein Eriksen Lodge is considered one of the best ski lodges in America, and was voted America’s “Best Ski Hotel 2023” by the World Ski Awards. The historic silver mining town of Park City is right down the road with a plethora of authentic bars, shops, and dining. For a celebratory dinner, head to Riverhorse On Main or Fletcher’s. If you’re making it a long weekend, then take a day or two to ski Park City Mountain Resort across town.
In California, it doesn’t get much more romantic than Lake Tahoe, and especially at Northstar California, where The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, located mid-mountain, welcomes guests in style. Ski-in and ski-out luxury accommodations await guests after a day on Northstar’s slopes. Couples can treat themselves at the 17,000-square-foot slopeside spa, and then enjoy a romantic dinner at Manzanita. Access to The Village at Northstar is via the complimentary inter-mountain gondola. Rent a pair of skates to take a few laps around The Village ice skating rink, but make sure you make time late in the afternoon to find a good fire pit spot for the 4 p.m. complimentary s’mores.
Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, Oregon takes ski vacation romance a step or two further with wedding packages designed for small gatherings. Fireside or mountainside weddings (and just plain romantic dreams) come true at Timberline. After a day of skiing, try to grab a window seat early at Ram’s Head Bar, where if you’re lucky on a clear day, you can enjoy a stunning view of Mt. Hood. Afterward, enjoy drinks by the massive stone fireplace.
Canada
Quebec City exudes romance, or as they say there, it’s trés romantique. Quebec City is like being in France without the transatlantic flight. Travelers can fly into Quebec City, or for New Englanders, it’s a six-hour drive from Boston. We suggest staying at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in the heart of the historic city. Skiing is just a half-hour away at Mont St. Anne and an hour away at Le Massif. Both these Canadian ski resorts have acres and acres of skiable terrain, and wonderful views of the St Lawrence Seaway. Need some extra romantic adrenaline? Ride the Luge at Le Massif, but hold on to your lunch.
The romantic European feel continues in the lovely ski village of Tremblant, located just 90-minutes north of Montreal, and which exudes the charm and beauty that reminds you of the Alps. Mont-Tremblant has cobblestone streets lined with buildings that mimic Montreal’s Old City, but with vibrant red, teal, and marigold facades and roofs. The pedestrian village lies at the foot of the highest mountain of the Laurentians and offers excellent Eastern Canada skiing. Tremblant has a distinctive joie de vivre attitude with skiing off all four sides of its Laurentian Mountains ski resort. Stay at Le Westin Tremblant in the village, located a short walk from the slopes, and headlined by a full-service spa and Tiguidou Restaurant by Oliver & Bonacini.
When you first visit Banff Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, you’ll be in awe of nearby Banff National Park’s pristine beauty. Banff Lake Louise ski resorts, known as SkiBig3, are perfect for a couple with differing levels of skiing or snowboarding ability. Sunshine Village is ideal for beginners and intermediates, while advanced intermediates will likely prefer Mt. Norquay. Advanced and expert skiers and riders can get their adrenaline kicks at Lake Louise. The world famous Banff Springs hotel stands as Banff’s, “Castle in the Rockies,” and has been stoking romance to guests for more than 130 years.
As the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb is the one-stop shop for couples who want the luxury of not needing a car. Transfer services operate between Vancouver and Whistler, so that once you arrive in Whistler Village, you’re set. Whistler has so many romantic accommodations, but it doesn’t get much more romantic than a chateau, which is what you’ll find at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, located just steps from the slopes. Enjoy a lavish spa treatment at Vida Spa, and then celebrate at any one of the Fairmont’s restaurants, like The Wildflower or The Grill Room.
We’ll end at the not-as-well-known ski resort of Panorama in British Columbia, which is a quaint alternative to British Columbia’s larger ski resorts. The skiing and facilities are extensive and crowds are non-existent. It has nearly 3,000 acres of varied terrain from long, wide groomers to steeps and chutes in the back bowls, gladed tree skiing, and special areas for first-timers. Check out the custom-built Earl Grey Lodge, located in the village. It was voted the no. 1 Best Small Hotel in Canada in 2021 by TripAdvisor users.
Photo header: @The Highlands
August 09, 2023
