With the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang beginning on February 9th, we have winter sports fever. From skiing and snowshoeing to ice climbing and winter wildlife safaris, now is the perfect time to enjoy activities best done in snowy weather. See our picks for our favorite hotels that offer winter sports, including a remote retreat in the Swiss Alps and a family-friendly mountain lodge in Jackson Hole.
Contact Indagare for assistance planning a winter sports-focused trip. Indagare can match you with the hotel that is right for you, plan guided touring and arrange exclusive, behind-the-scenes access.
Schloss Elmau, Germany
The drive through a nature reserve that leads to Schloss Elmau is straight out of a fairy tale. Rolling hills, silent forests, snowy meadows—and then, a knoll that gives way to Elmau, sitting, like Sleeping Beauty’s castle, in a valley below. The luxe resort is the perfect base for exploring Germany’s expansive Bavarian region and is conveniently located near downhill ski slopes, cross country trails, glacier skiing and a snowboard park. After the adrenaline wears off, retreat to the grand hotel where the famed, 32,000-square-foot spa awaits as well as multiple restaurants that serve a range of cuisine, from traditional German to Thai.
Related: The Top 10: Multigenerational Trips
Deplar Farm, Iceland
Located on a former sheep farm in a Narnia-like wonderland on the Troll Peninsula, the 13-room Deplar Farm blends into the dramatic mountainous landscape. Renowned as one of the best heli-skiing properties anywhere, Deplar has two helicopters that shuttle guests to any of the surrounding peaks, many of which tower at 3,000 feet above sea level, and the expert guides lead skiers down runs commensurate with their ability. Iceland is known for summit-to-sea skiing, so skiers finish runs by the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean. In addition to heli-skiing, thrill-seekers can surf the Arctic Ocean, horseback ride, snowmobile, embark on boat tours to see puffins and whales and go skeet shooting. Afterwards, the intimate lodge beckons with its spa, game room and outdoor pool where the Northern Lights can be spotted flickering across the expansive sky.
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek
Designed to evoke the splendid National Park lodges of the American West, the secluded Ritz-Carlton manages to be both timeless and completely up to date. The hotel boasts an on-mountain location with a gondola so skiers can easily access all of the terrain of Beaver Creek. Vail, which boasts over 5,000 acres of skiable trails, is also only a 20-minute drive away. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, intrepid guests can go ice-climbing, horseback riding and snowshoeing in the pristine wilderness. The hotel also offers a fun roster of in-house activities for adults and children alike, such as painting classes, jewelry making and scavenger hunts.
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Cheval Blanc Courchevel
One of the world’s most glamorous ski hotels, Cheval Blanc Courchevel melds lavish décor and luxurious service with a menu of high-octane winter activities. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of Courchevel, the ski in/ski out property offers such thrilling adventures as heli-skiing, off-piste skiing and extreme altitude paragliding, all with a velvet touch: guests are kept warm on hot air balloon rides with Loro Piana cashmere throws and dog sledding trips end at an igloo where Moët & Chandon is served. For those who simply want to ski and snowboard across Courchevel’s vast terrain, attentive ski valets warm boots every evening, prepare your equipment for the slopes and send you off with gourmet goodies.
Related: Member Postcard: Alpine Skiing
Equinox Resort, Vermont
Nestled in Vermont’s Green Mountains, the storied Equinox Resort boasts interiors that strike a wonderful balance of classic elegance and contemporary luxury. The hotel is perfectly situated near a range of top winter activities: two downhill ski resorts and cross-country trails are just a short drive away, and dog sledding, snowmobiling and tubing as well as off-roading in Land Rovers can be easily arranged. At the end of the day, guests gather around the resort’s open-air fire pit to share stories of their adventures and appreciate the quiet wilderness, just a few hours’ drive from New York and Boston.
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The Point, Adirondacks
Ensconced in the pristine wilderness of New York’s Adirondacks, the lavish and adults-only Point resort evokes the Great Camp lodges of the Gilded Age. The interiors are gorgeous, with towering wood beams, canopy beds, sumptuous fabrics and panoramic windows overlooking Saranac Lake. In the peaceful winter months, guests can enjoy activity-filled days of downhill skiing at nearby Whiteface Mountain, ice skating on the lake, ice fishing, curling and cross-country skiing, all capped off with snow barbecues by the fire pit at night. Lake Placid, a 45-minute drive away, has hosted two international winter games and travelers can tour the Olympic Museum, watch future Olympians train on ski jumps and ride the bobsled and luge runs. For families, Lake Placid Lodge is a more relaxed, kid-friendly option in the area.
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Montage Deer Valley
This five-star ski lodge blends the grand ski palace tradition with a distinctly Western atmosphere and modern amenities. Located directly on the slopes, guests can easily access all of Deer Valley’s skiable terrain right from the hotel’s doorstep. The Montage can also organize snowboarding in nearby Park City, snowmobiling, ice skating, sleigh rides and visits to the Utah Olympic Park, where kids can ride the alpine coaster and zip line. The hotel also houses family-friendly activities such as bowling and arcade games in Daly’s Pub, and adults will love the hotel’s bright orange Veuve Yurt for après-ski Champagne cocktails.
Related: Deer Valley Dining Guide
Rosa Alpina, Dolomites
Family-owned and run for three generations, Rosa Alpina is one of those wonderful European hideaways where tasteful design, fantastic cuisine and heartfelt hospitality come together to create an extraordinary place. Set against the craggy majesty of the Dolomites, Rosa Alpina is an intimate base for exploring the region’s incredible winter sport offerings. Here, guests can heli-ski, snow shoe and ice climb across the varied terrain, plus explore charming Italian mountain villages. The hotel has two mountain cabins located just at the top of the Piz Sorega gondola, where guests can enjoy lunch prepared by an onsite chef—a welcome respite after an action-packed day.
Related: The Top 10: Ski Lodges
The Little Nell, Aspen
Aspen’s most coveted address, The Little Nell, offers stylishly designed guest rooms and residences with a prime ski in/ski out location at the base of Ajax Mountain, as well as easy access to Aspen’s shopping, dining and nightlife scenes. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the chic hotel offers snow cat tours, snow biking and snowmobiling, plus exclusive excursions like skiing with Aspen Ski Patrol to close down the mountain and heading out on the slopes before they open to the public. Children will love nearby Snowmass Mountain, where they can go tubing, play at the 24,000-square-foot Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center and ski the bunny slopes (Ajax is for intermediate and advanced skiers only).
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Riffelalp, Zermatt
The arrival at Riffelalp sets the stage for an incredible adventure—travelers take Zermatt’s Gronergrat train to the Riffelalp station where they are whisked by snowmobile to the property by the resort’s friendly staff. With direct ski access and a host of amenities, this remote resort draws active families looking to make the most of the region’s dynamic winter activities. Here, guests can embark on daily ski and snowshoe excursions, as well as more daredevil pursuits like paragliding and heli-skiing. After a busy day of activities, travelers will love the hotel’s spa, indoor/outdoor pool and bowling alley.
Related: Adventure Travel With Kids
Four Seasons Jackson Hole
Zigzagging along the base of Rendezvous Mountain, with large picture windows opening onto stunning panoramas of the Tetons, the Four Seasons is Jackson Hole’s most luxurious slope-side resort. Jackson Hole is known for its expert terrain, but even non-skiers will find a wealth of winter activities in the charming Western town. The hotel can arrange snow coach tours, snowshoeing excursions and wildlife safaris to spot elk, moose and bears in nearby Yellowstone National Park. The sprawling resort is a luxe haven to return to after a day of activities and is home to an excellent restaurant, Westbank Grill, an outdoor pool and pampering spa.
Related: Jackson Hole: Five to Know
