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