Industry News
We have had a look for our SnowBrains readers at the best, most exclusive ski lodges in North America. If it’s ski valet, creature comforts and beautiful alpine chalet design you are after, look no further. We have the top 9 ski lodges listed here for you.
Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada
The Fairmont Banff Springs is located at the base of Rundle Mountain, just a few minutes from downtown Banff. This iconic hotel is situated in a magical-looking castle tucked into a forest and dates back to 1888. The hotel has 745 rooms and suites, a large spa, a heated outdoor pool, two hot tubs, an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor skating rink, bowling alley, private campfire pits, a kids’ club, and 13 restaurants and cafés. It has been voted Alberta’s Best Resort every year from 2005 to 2008 and again in 2020.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Canada
Continuing on with the Fairmont family we also have the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in the Top 9 North American Ski Lodges. The hotel is located right next to the Blackcomb gondola, offering unrivaled ski access in Whistler. The Fairmont has 519 rooms and five different restaurants. The Fairmont Health Club Outdoor features a 60 ft. heated lap pool, an indoor-outdoor heated leisure pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, a sauna, as well as two winter barrel saunas, two steam rooms, two tennis courts, complimentary yoga classes, and an 18-hole golf course. The hotel also offers a “gold-level” experience with premium services, such as a private lounge, complimentary afternoon tea, private check-in, and other premium services and amenities. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was voted ‘Best Resort in Canada’ by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine in October 2021 in their annual 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Four Seasons Whistler, Canada
Vying for first place in the best Whistler hotel stakes every year is the Four Seasons hotel in Whistler. This stunning hotel has a total of 273 rooms and suites with gas fireplaces and balconies with stunning views. The resort is in a more modern mountain-chalet design than the Fairmont hotels which may suit those with more minimalist tastes better. The Four Seasons Whistler features a spa, a heated outdoor pool and three hot tubs and services include Ski Concierge.
The Arabelle Vail, CO
The Arabelle boasts an unbeatable location in Vail Mountain right next to the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village. This four-star hotel features an open-air ice rink during the winter, personal butler service, ski and boot valets, an outdoor rooftop lap pool, hot tubs, an award-winning RockResorts spa, a restaurant, and an aprés bar. The Arabelle has only 62 luxurious rooms, each equipped with spacious bathrooms, stone fireplaces, and scenic balconies. Guests return to this hotel not just for its top location in Vail but its European charm and atmosphere.
The Little Nell & Residences Aspen, CO
Located right next to the Silver Queen gondola and Little Nell chair is the Little Nell & Residences. The property features 92 hotel rooms and suites, all equipped with a fireplace. The hotel also has privately owned residences that are available. Little Nell is the only ski-in and ski-out hotel in Aspen. There is a large health spa, a heated rooftop pool as well a hot tub, and a large aprés terrace. This boutique-sized resort offers an exclusive ski concierge team and two incredible restaurants, two bars, and two cafes.
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Telluride, CO
This ski-in and ski-out Auberge property boasts stunning views across Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The Madeline consists of 96 rooms and 29 condos and offers a large spa with a hair and nail salon, an ice skating rink, an outdoor pool, s’mores firepits, and a ski concierge of course. The hotel features a world-class restaurant, a funky bar, and an in-house Starbucks cafe.
Montage, Deer Valley, UT
This incredible ski-in and ski-out resort features 154 rooms, 66 suites, as well as private penthouse residences. It boasts an incredible 35,000-square-foot spa, a bowling alley, a vintage arcade, and an outdoor pool. The hotel has four restaurants, bars, a champagne and caviar bar, and cafes. There is of course a ski valet and aside from warm boots they also have hot apple cider and fresh cookies for you when you return. The hotel is very child-friendly yet luxurious and oozes alpine warmth in style.
Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe, CA
This mid-mountain resort offers ski-in and ski-out access to the Northstar California ski resort. The resort has dramatic views across the mountains from its 153 rooms and 16 suites, each featuring gas fireplaces and deep soaking bathtubs. There are three restaurants, a lake club, a large 17,500-square-foot spa, and two heated outdoor pools. An inter-mountain gondola carries guests to the Village at Northstar where there is also an expansive ice rink. The hotel has two restaurants, two bars, and a cafe. Naturally, guest services include ski valets.
Stein Eriksen, Deer Valley, UT
Named in honor of famed skier Stein Eriksen, this 170-room luxury lodge offers ski-in/ski-out access to the Deer Valley Mountain Resort. The hotel is a nominee in Ski World’s US Best Ski Hotels 2022. The hotel has a gorgeous spa, two restaurants, a coffee shop, a 56-seat movie theater, an entertainment center, and game room, a pool with a waterfall feature and hot tub, and a gorgeous outdoor aprés terrace with fire pits.
We hope our Top 9 has put you in the right mood for the 22/23 ski season and has you day-dreaming about a luxury ski holiday at one of these gorgeous ski lodges.
