Fresh air, the smell of pine trees covered in snow, and powder days on the slopes are some of the major draws to visiting a mountain town during the wintertime. Amidst those towering mountain climbs, it’s easy to picture skiers and snowboarders shredding the runs and enjoying all the fun, but there’s plenty of other winter play to be had, no matter how sporty you are. Whether you’re a masterful snowman builder, adventurous snowshoer, graceful ice skater, or expert lounge-by-the-fire type, there’s a winter retreat calling your name from the mountain top of these great ski destinations.
Vermont
Winter in the Green Mountain State pretty much translates to world-class skiing and with 914 acres of trails right in its backyard, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester is the perfect place to experience it all. Guests enjoy easy access to the slopes of Bromley and Stratton Mountains, sledding and ice skating at the resort, and shopping designer outlets downtown. Kids can build their own snowman in the resort’s enchanting snowman garden, roast s’mores by the fire or have “snow” much fun leaving behind mysterious footprints in the snow with Monster Trax snowshoes.
Vail
Vail is a legendary ski destination that is on most skiers’ bucket lists, and Manor Vail Lodge is the ideal choice for a ski adventure right in the heart of Vail Village. Just steps from 5,317 acres of skiable terrain, the lodge features two heated outdoor swimming pools and four hot tubs inviting guests for a relaxing soak after (or in place of) a day in the snow.
Just one block from Vail’s 10-passenger gondola “One” (complete with WiFi and heated seats) and a five-minute walk from Vail Village, Tivoli Lodge is another excellent choice for a visit to Vail. After a day on the slopes, guests can head back to the lodge to warm up and enjoy complimentary fresh-baked cookies, hot chocolate, hot cider and tea—an afternoon tradition. And they’ll find a wide array of other winter fun nearby, from snowshoeing to tubing, ice skating and more.
Oregon
Located in the heart of Bend, Riverhouse on the Deschutes offers guests easy access to great skiing, snowboarding and other snow-related activities. Just 30 minutes from the second largest single-mountain ski resort in the U.S., Mt. Bachelor is known for its dry snow along with having a long ski season. In addition, Mt. Bachelor offers snowshoeing with a forest ranger and downhill tubing as another way down the slopes. For those looking to explore the charming town of Bend, throw on a pair of skates and take advantage of Bend’s outdoor ice-skating rink before returning to the resort to enjoy the heated pools and spas or a game of shuffleboard in the lounge.
Wyoming
Located at the base of Jackson Hole’s Snow King Mountain and a few blocks from downtown, Snow King Resort boasts breathtaking views of the Teton Mountain Range and features a wide variety of onsite activities and amenities. With three world-class ski resorts to choose from in Jackson Hole, Snow King Resort is right in the epicenter for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter recreation. From dogsledding to wildlife tours to snow tubing, there are so many ways to quench your thirst for adventure in Jackson Hole.
Utah
Head to YOTELPAD Park City and immerse yourself in the largest ski area in the U.S., with 7,300 acres of terrain and more than 330 trails. Whether you are traveling with a group of friends or family members, YOTELPAD Park City features smartly designed accommodations complete with kitchen walls and space-optimizing fold-away beds. Guests can spend the day downhill skiing, snowboarding, winter ziplining and Main Street shopping, then wind down in the mountain-view pool and hot tub.
California
Just steps from Forest Suites Resort, the Heavenly Village Gondola whisks guests to South Lake Tahoe’s largest ski area, with 34 miles of wide-open cruisers perfect for young and novice skiers balanced by double-black diamond canyons with 1,600-foot plunges for thrill seekers. Off the slopes, guests can spend endless hours tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating, or gather in the resort’s game room for pool, foosball, arcade-style video games and an XBOX game center.
Further south, just 90 minutes from sunny Los Angeles is Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, centrally located by a variety of wintertime attractions that are perfect for snow sports enthusiasts and wintertime fans of all ages and all abilities. Whether you’re in the mood to hit the slopes or shop, Lake Arrowhead has plenty of winter activities for friends and family members alike including ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, snow play, snow tubing, and so much more. After a day of outdoor fun, slip away for a relaxing massage at Spa of the Pines, then rejoin family or friends for roasted s’mores.
