Image courtesy The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Winter can be as magical and yes, romantic, as a storybook setting -- it just depends on how and, of course, where you choose to spend it. And doesn't nestling under a plaid flannel blanket with your favourite book and a mug of steaming hot chocolate as snow gently falls outside your window sound like the perfect way to spend this chilly time of year? So we found the best winter lodges in North America -- for the après-ski crowd or those who simply enjoy the finer elements of that lifestyle -- to jet off to once the first snow falls. In fact, after one stay, we bet you'll even look forward to this most wonderful time year.
1. The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Aspen, Colorado
At the base of the snow-capped Aspen Mountain, you'll find this brightly lit 19th-century manor retreat for ski and spa. Enjoy being surrounded by four world-class mountain ranges, with endless options for ski and snowboarding at every skill level. As if straight out of a postcard of a winter wonderland, you can traverse the snow-strewn resort by horse and carriage. And no stay is complete without a visit to the Remède spa, complete with oxygen lounge, steam caves and cold plunges. Indulge in a Rocky Mountain Ritual signature full warming body treatment, which includes exfoliation and an aromatherapy bath, hydrating cream and and is capped off with a 30-minute massage using a warmed moisturizer. It's the best retreat from the cold outdoors this season.
Where to Find:
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
315 East Dean St.
Aspen, Colorado
1-970-920-3300; stregisaspen.com
Image courtesy of Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, Quebec
2. Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, Quebec
Montebello, Quebec
What could be more Canadiana winter royalty than booking a stay at a chateau in La Belle Province? This majestic locale -- that bills itself as the world's largest log cabin -- in heart of the Montebello village carries with it a certain rustic and charming je ne sais quoi. The red cedar log chateau is home to all-around luxe living, from Aux Chantignoles, where guests can dine on authentic French cuisine that's local to the region, to the world-renowned spa. Following your afternoon on the slopes, head to the Seigneurie Bar for a cocktail, a favourite among the après-skiers.
Where to Find:
Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, Quebec
Montebello, Quebec
1-819-423-6341; fairmont.com/montebello
Image courtesy of The Lodge at Glendorn
3. The Lodge at Glendorn
Bradford, Pennsylvania
You'll fall for this rustic retreat tucked away in Northwest Pennsylvania from the moment you set foot inside its wooden interiors. And it helps that you're greeted with warm, fresh-baked cookies and wine, served by a cozy fireplace, upon entering its doors. This 12-cabin lodge is housed close to the Allegheny National Forest, making it a true and serene forest-lined oasis. Catch a snowmobile ride up to the mountains, then make your way back as night falls for a plate of s'mores served with rich hot chocolate. If you make your stay a much-needed spa weekend getaway --we recommend the Wine Lovers Body Treatment-- you'll leave wondering if there's any other way to spend the winter. (Answer: no.)
Where to Find:
The Lodge at Glendorn
1000 Glendorn Drive
Bradford, PA
1-800-843-8568; glendorn.com
Image courtesy of Nita Lake Lodge
4. Nita Lake Lodge
Whistler, British Columbia
It may be nearly impossible to find a view without the majestic Whistler Mountain peering out from the background of this lakeside boutique resort. This charming ski resort sits atop the glacier-fed Nita Lake and offers 77 suites for your luxurious stay in this mountain town. Dine on locally sourced fare at AURA for breakfast or dinner served lakeside. Or should you fancy a Swiss cheese fondue, there's the fittingly titled Fix Fondue Hut, served at Nita Lake Lodge's on-site café, Fix. Book a hot stone massage at the resort spa to counter the effects of a day on the hills. And make it a complete winter wellness retreat with an ancient Kundalini massage treatment (featuring organic Ila products) and early-morning Loka yoga. Namaste, friends.
Where to Find:
Nita Lake Lodge
2131 Lake Placid Road
Whistler, BC,
1-888-755-6482; nitalakelodge.com
Image courtesy of Blantyre
5. Blantyre
Lenox, Massachusetts
This Tudor-style 1902 manor is the equivalent of a posh Downton Abbey winter getaway this side of the pond. The sweeping estate sits on 220 acres and was referred to as the "Switzerland of America" by the late American writer Cleveland Amory -- and we can see why. With its old-world styling, complete with furniture imported from England, the main house looks as if it's been transported from another era. It's the perfect refuge after cross-country skiing Blantyre's wooded trails. Oh, and there's an entire hot chocolate menu on hand at the dining hall. This is next-level winter escape.
Where to Find:
Blantyre
16 Blantyre Road
Lenox, MA
1-844-881-0104; blantyre.com
Image courtesy of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
6. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper, Alberta
Tucked into the forested Jasper National Park, the Great Canadian Lodge, as its known, is literally one of the of the quaintest locales in Canada. It's picturesque mountain setting, complete with majestic views of the Canadian Rockies, served as the backdrop for the classic 1954 film River of No Return, and temporary abode for the film's star -- Marilyn Monroe, who spent the summer in Jasper while filming in 1953. After a day on the slopes, seek warmth in the cedar chalet and enjoy afternoon tea in the Emerald Lounge. Apart from soaking up the stunning views of the surrounding Lac Beauvert during our last visit, we caught up with local wildlife, elk and a family of deer, on the property.
Where to Find:
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Old Lodge Road
Jasper, AB
1-780-852-3301; fairmont.com/jasper
Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Truckee, California
This is not your typical California getaway, and during the winter months the mountain resort plays host to world-class skiers from around the globe. Pack your skates along and take advantage of the 9,000-sqaure-foot ice rink situated in the heart of the mountain village. Then decamp for your five-star lodge to cozy up by the fire pit on the terrace and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Marshmologist, for an endless supply of s'mores. Happy camping!
Where to Find:
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court
Truckee, CA
1-530-562-3000; ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LakeTahoe
Image courtesy of Stowehof Inn & Resort
8. Stowehof Inn & Resort
Stowe, Vermont
For winter lodging done glamorously, Vermont's Stowehof Inn, nestled on 26 acres atop a hill, is a grand mountainous setting straight out of a movie (literally -- the 1981 film The Four Seasons starring Alan Alda and Carol Burnett was filmed on location on the resort). Surrounded by breathtaking views of the snow-covered Mt. Mansfield and the Green Mountains, this old-world ski resort boasts premier rooms complete with canopy beds and wood-burning fireplaces, so you can roast marshmallows in your plush robe without ever having to step outside. There's always tomorrow for skiing.
Where to Find:
Stowehof Inn & Resort
434 Edson Hill Road
Stowe, VT
1-802-253-9722; stowehofinn.com
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