Hotel Experiences

Find Your Chill This Winter at These 6 Cold-Weather Resorts

by Shayla Martin

Photograph by Shayla Martin

westin whistler

Embrace winter and hit the slopes in Whistler. (Photo: Marriott International)

Warm-weather travel gets a lot of hype, but nothing truly compares to a vacation in a winter wonderland. Fairy-tale vibes abound among snow-dusted pines, clear blue skies and nights spent curled up in front of a roaring fire. Adventure lovers can traverse the best slopes in the world, while those looking to recharge will enjoy hot stone massages and dips in an outdoor hot tub.

Here are six resorts to consider for your next cold-weather escape. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler — British Columbia

The Westin is synonymous with wellness, and what better place is there to stay active and well than Whistler, British Columbia? Site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest ski resorts in North America and home to Olympic Park where you can spend your days skiing, snowshoeing and snapping photos by the iconic Olympic rings.

Back at The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, take in beautiful scenery from your suite while cuddled up by the fireplace or sip après ski artisanal cocktails at FireRock Lounge. Still got gas in the tank after a day on the slopes? Swim a few laps in the heated indoor or outdoor pool; then enjoy a therapy bath at Avello Spa & Health Club to ease tired muscles.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe — California

With its mid-mountain location, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers the ease of ski-in/ski-out access to Northstar California Resort as well as expert-led ski and snowboarding classes to refine your skills.

If skiing isn’t for you, ask the resort’s mountainside concierge to coordinate ice skating, sledding, helicopter tours, tubing, snowmobiling and even snowshoe hikes under a full moon.

Guest rooms are peak luxury with gas fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and plush, signature bathrobes, while the 17,000-square-foot spa is a retreat like no other. Rich wood paneling and warm mood lighting set the scene for the ultimate decompression zone with 17 treatment rooms, a eucalyptus steam room and sauna.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort — Colorado

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Aspen has long been known as a wintertime celebrity playground, but thankfully it is the sort of destination that lives up to its reputation as the picture-perfect winter village.

In addition to world-class slopes blanketed with fresh snow, there’s fine dining at more than 100 restaurants, upscale shopping and the 14-minute Silver Queen Gondola ride to the 11,000 foot summit of Ajax Mountain.

Home base is The St. Regis Aspen Resort, where there are more than enough winter activities to fill the whole family’s schedule. Horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog-sledding are unique wintertime offerings, and don’t forget to enjoy the daily St. Regis Rituals of bloody mary tastings at 11:15 a.m. and Champagne sabering at 4:45 p.m.

The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain — Canada

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Just two hours northwest of Toronto is Blue Mountain ski resort, an idyllic winter escape a world away from city life.

The pet-friendly Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain is all calming neutrals and giant windows, and contemporary guest rooms feature the Westin Heavenly Bed, fireplaces and kitchenettes ideal for longer-term stays.

Get your heart pumping at the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio and heated outdoor pool, or coordinate with hotel staff to hit the 364 acres of skiable terrain, the Woodview Mountaintop Skating rink or try a guided snowshoe excursion.

While there isn’t a spa on property, the award-winning Scandinave Spa is nearby with a Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam room and thermal waterfalls.

Vail Marriott Mountain Resort — Colorado

It’s hard to beat Colorado when it comes to heavenly ski destinations, and Vail is another city to add to the list. Tucked into the base of Vail Mountain is Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, where winter adventure awaits in the form of green to triple black diamond ski runs, fat bikes and a heated outdoor pool.

The hotel is steps away from Lionshead Village, a pedestrian-only area of shops, restaurants and an outdoor ice-skating rink. Guest rooms are the ideal mountainside home away from home with stone fireplaces, marble bathrooms, balconies and leather rocking chairs.

The St. Regis Deer Valley — Utah

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Simply stated, the decor at The St. Regis Deer Valley is absolutely stunning. From the stone columns and massive fireplace in the lobby to the guest rooms outfitted with pillow-top king beds and marble soaking tubs, the resort is the picture of alpine grandeur.

Enjoy ski-in/ski-out access via a funicular that transports guests to the top of the slopes, or warm up at The St. Regis’ private ski beach (a sprawling terrace with lounge chairs and a fire garden). Remède Spa is a soothing, 14,000-square-foot haven with private spa suites for couples, therapeutic treatments featuring ingredients like CBD and shea butter, and outdoor whirlpools.