Once autumn starts winding down, eager snowbirds from all over begin gearing up for another winter of fresh powder skiing, mountainside hot tub soaks, and warm fireplace (with warmer cocktails). The key is to find a mountain hotel that offers all of this, and more, to get the best possible experience. After all, there’s more to winter than snowsports, drinking, and hot tubs (I know, who would have thought?).
There’s no shortage of mountain hotels out there, but we definitely abide by the belief that not all mountain hotels are created equally. I’d rather stay somewhere that has the charm of the old West, with all of the fixings of a modern luxury stay—wouldn’t you? I also don’t want to stay in a chain hotel, pretending my bathtub is a sexy, swanky hot tub.
To help you pick the perfect destination this year, we went through our long list of partner hotels and surfaced the ones we think will give you an unforgettable experience. Guaranteed, these mountain hotels below won’t leave you out in the cold. Quite the opposite, they’re going to light you up big time this winter.
1. Hotel Jerome
Hotel Jerome opened its doors in 1889, at the height of Aspen’s silver boom and was, back then, considered the social hub of Aspen. That aspect hasn’t changed one bit. It’s still very much the social hub of Aspen, and Hotel Jerome has a longstanding reputation for being a place where great stories are both born and told.
Over the years, droves of cowboy caravans, 10th Mountain Division soldiers, and famed author Hunter S. Thompson have passed through the doors to partake in the ambiance. In many ways, you won’t get a taste of the true Aspen experience if you don’t stop by for at least one drink at the famed J-Bar (although we recommend you just get a room here).
While the long history and frontier charm have remained, the accommodations and amenities have been updated to fit the luxurious crowds that want the cowboy story without the cowboy bedroll. Everything from the sleek lobby to the spa have been given a “Stetson-to-pointed-toe” revamp that caters perfectly to the A-listers and adventure-lovers alike.
2. Sopris House
Sopris House might appear small, but it’s filled to the brim with larger-than-life Colorado charm. Most notable is the original tin ceiling, which has been part of the property since it’s founding construction in 1882, as well as countless other mountain lodge touches: antler chandeliers, buffalo heads hanging on the walls, and a real-deal saloon with pool table and juke box.
There are only four rooms total, but each has brings something unique to the table. For example, one room has a roll-top tub while another has a library with reading nook. You can count on every room having its own steam shower and heated floor, which makes it a perfect place to warm back up after a winter hike, ice climbing, or epic skiing run.
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3. Gravity Haus
Based in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Gravity Haus stands as a bastion for the modern adventurer and built on a mission to create a globally conscious community. This community consists of people who care as much about the planet as well as their personal growth (and staying at a completely kickass hotel). It thrives during any season of the year, but you get the feeling that it was built with winter and snowsports in mind.
You can get to the Breckenridge location—their flagship property with a front door to Main Street—in under two hours from Denver. There are 60 rooms total, each designed for relaxation and rejuvenation above all else, which is necessary for athletes who spend all day ripping up the slopes with gainers and flips. It’s also necessary for the casual snowsports enthusiast who just wants to spend a glorious day on the runs.
Or, if you’re more inclined, hit the dry sauna or soak in the mountainside Japanese-inspired onsen. Then, get ready for another perfect day on the mountain. And one of our favorite things about Gravity Haus is their purpose-driven mission. When you stay here, which is easily one of the most kickass winter mountain hotels around, you’ll become part of a globally conscious community dedicated to creating a healthy planet and foster personal growth.
Don’t forget to check out their on-site restaurant either, it’s legit.
4. Dunton Town House
We’ve never been shy about our love for Dunton Destinations. They have some of the best properties around, like Dunton Hot Springs and Dunton River Camp. When it comes to the perfect mountain hotel to experience winter, they deliver yet again (as they always do) with Dunton Town House.
Like its sister properties, there’s an ambient cowboy-prospector vibe that permeates every corner of the Dunton Town House, however it has a much more distinct bed and breakfast feeling as well. This quaint house has stood in Telluride since 1860 and offers guests five different rooms to choose from, and it brings together the worlds of city and mountain seamlessly.
If you’re looking to hit some shops, grab a bite, and explore the town you’re embedded right in the mix of it. However, Dunton Town House is only a short trip from the slopes as well. Everything is only minutes from their front door.
5. Caldera House
Jackson Hole is a primetime destination for people looking to score the perfect mountain hotel escape, and Caldera House stands ready to welcome you with open arms only a short ways away from Grand Teton National Park. It’s loved by adventure seekers for it’s access to nature, but also because there are dedicated staff members who will build custom excursions to suit your taste.
Head out dog sledding one day, experience the beauty of nature from a seat in a small Cessna, go snowmobiling, or cross-country ski (or just regular ski). Let your mind run wild with the possibilities, and they’ll help get you set up.
After a long day, the hotel’s relaxing boutique environment will revitalize you—soul, body, and mind—for another day of exploration. Hit up Old Yellowstone Garage for a hearty meal, soak in the hot tubs, get a massage, and wind down for the night in your room.
6. Amangani
Another of our favorites near Grand Teton National Park, Amangani is the perfect place from which to enjoy the mountains blanketed in fresh snow. Of course, it’s also a great place from which to go out and enjoy the fresh snow skiing. However, the three-story sandstone and redwood mountain hideaway, sitting at the foot of the Teton range, can only be described as dramatically beautiful. It holds a powerful back-to-nature vibe that will take hold of your heart.
Explore the winter wildlife with an experienced guide on a snowshoeing expedition through backcountry ares, tracking animals like moose, elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, and coyotes. Adrenaline junkies will love the heli-skiing, which spans six runs and 12,000 to 15,000 vertical feet of terrain. Don’t knock the dog sledding, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling either. Everything you do will open you up to the stunning beauty of the land as only Jackson Hole can deliver.
7. Tourists
Tourists has an easy-going, feel-good vibe and character that’s derived from the classic American roadside motor lodge. The property has been majorly upgraded since the days of the classic American roadside motor lodge though to accommodate the needs of the 21st century traveler (thank God, and no offense to roadside motor lodges). This 48-room property expertly brings together nature, woodland trails, riverbank vistas, and creative design in the guest rooms, with sculpture installations, and rustic aesthetics.
Consider your room both haven and trailhead. It’s a place from which you can spend the day basking in relaxation or preparing your gear for an exciting adventure on the Appalachian Trail. They also offer a host of experiences, broken down by vibes: chill, educational, handmade, strenuous, evening, and more. It’s a great destination for road trippers, without the grimy road trip experience—roadside lodges have never looked and felt so good.
8. Scarp Ridge Lodge
What do you get when you mix one-part European ski chalet with one-part Colorado Rocky Mountain culture? Spoiler alert, it’s Scarp Ridge Lodge. Like many of the hotels we cover in Colorado, this began as a saloon (are you seeing a trend?). The hotel still retains its Wild West face to this day, and the inside still sports reclaimed iron amenities and cowboy culture vibes.
However, there’s a strong departure where it counts. After all, I don’t think cowboys swam in saltwater pools or lounged in rooftop hot tubs (though I’m sure they would have loved that). It’s a great starting point for those who want to head out to get a taste for some of the most exclusive skiing in the world. There are only six rooms total, and they book quickly. Don’t miss your chance to stay at this mountain hotel during the winter. Pets welcome too!
9. Stein Eriksen Lodge
If you’re looking for epic skiing, it’s kind of a no-brainer to stay at the place that’s literally named after Olympic alpine skier Stein Eriksen. Stein Eriksen Lodge, located in Deer Valley, Utah, holds a nostalgic Norwegian heritage and European chalet elegance, and it’s become a true legend in the skiing community.
You’ll get access to some of the best slopes in Park City, less than half a mile away. Plus, it’s Utah’s only Forbes Five-Star hotel and spa, which means you’ll get unparalleled service at home base when you’re done with the slopes. Rest up in an oversized leather chair, enjoy the roaring fires, or treat yourself to a lavish spa treatment. It’s how Stein would want you to unwind (obviously).
10. Montage
Another top tier mountain hotel, Montage is located only six minutes away from Stein Eriksen Lodge. Given the proximity, it also has access to some of the best skiing in Park City, paired with jaw-dropping views of the region. And while the views are amazing, the hotel’s interior works hard to steal the spotlight from Mother Nature.
Each room is decorated with rich wooden accents, warmed by personal fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows. If that wasn’t enough to grab your attention, there’s a 35,000 square-foot spa (yes, you read that right—35 thousand) designed to give you a grand finale after a long day on the slopes, whether you’re enjoying the outdoor hot tub or a toxin-cleansing Vichy shower (Google this and tell me it doesn’t look amazing).
11. Lumière with Inspirato
Upscale, alpine, and luxurious: Lumière with Inspirato is a mountain hotel not to be missed if you’re looking to really tear up the slopes. It’s perched 9,540 feet in Mountain Village (aka Telluride) and it offers ski-in, ski-out access to Telluride Ski Resort directly from the front doors at the base of Lift Four and Lower Boomerang ski run. Boom.
What’s more, they have on-site Black Tie ski services, like ski valet, boot warmers, personalized fittings, and equipment rentals. When you’re done, retreat back into this cocoon of coziness for some après-ski snacks and beverages (that’s French for, after-ski snacks and beverages). You can also warm up in their decadent hot tub, or grab yourself an in-residence spa treatment.
12. Sonnenalp Hotel
In the early years of the 20th century, a small bed and breakfast opened in Germany that would one day inspire the Sonnenalp in Vail. However, back then, Vail wasn’t even a city. The German founders dreamt of bringing their legacy of European hospitality to the U.S. though, and finally found their opening in the early days of 1960s Vail.
Even though the two hotels are a world apart, they share a welcoming spirit cultivated by a history of family ownership and management that makes staying at the Sonnenalp an unforgettable resort experience. It’s surrounded by evergreen trees, framed by the mountains, and each room offers views of either Gore Creek or Vail Village.
13. The Sebastian
One of Vail’s newer boutique hotels, The Sebastian offers guests a luxurious yet approachable take high-mountain comfort. From the handsome woodwork throughout the hotel to the modern, chic pool and hot tub lounge, you’ll get a pleasant feeling of old-world and new-world colliding.
It’s also got great ski access located at the foot of Vail Mountain, at Gondola One. Plus, they have an adventure hotels concierge dedicated to getting guests into warm ski boots and immediately onto the gondola. And if you need a quick tune up, they’ll have cookies and hot chocolate ready for you. I mean, come on, free cookies and hot chocolate? Sold.
14. Viceroy
We’ve covered Viceroy properties before, but the Viceroy Snowmass is their first to find a home at the base of one of the world’s finest ski mountains. Plus, it’s in a city with possibly the coolest name for a mountain ski destination, and only seven miles from downtown Aspen.
It’s been in operation for 10 years now, but they’ve been able to strike a good balance between relaxation and intense snow sports. You’ll run into your fair share of skiers in the lounge as they slide on and off the mountain, and you’ll likely see those same skiers unwinding at the spa or restaurant. Hell, they might even pop back and forth: sauna, beer, sauna, beer.
Wherever You Go, Luxpitality Has the Best Mountain Hotels
We can picture you already: you come back from a blustery, yet beautiful, day out in the mountains and walk to the hotel bar. You grab a fresh cocktail to warm your body, and then get prepared for an evening soak in the hot tub to loosen your muscles. You get up the next morning and wash, rinse, repeat.
This might paint a somewhat common experience to be found at the different mountain hotels on our list here, but we can guarantee that no two mountain hotels will offer you the exact same thing. Each has it’s specialty, and each offers you an unparalleled and unforgettable experience no matter where you go. Reach out to us today and we’ll get you booked with what you need.