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Travel bucket list ideas:

Last updated: 25 July, 2023

It’s hard not to love a skiing holiday – regardless of where you stay – but a picturesque setting, a convenient location near the slopes, tasty food, a soothing hot tub, or even just a warm welcome from the hotels’ family owners, can turn a good skiing holiday into a great one that you’ll never forget.

We asked ski writer and passionate skier Nicola Iseard to recommend her favourite ski hotels in North America, taking all of these things into account. We all love a ski-in, ski-out, but sometimes there’s more to it than that.

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Earl Grey Lodge

Panorama, British Columbia, Canada

This family-run, chalet-style B&B is set on an acre of woodland in the centre of the Panorama Mountain Resort – a short walk to the lifts, a run right back to the front door, so guests can ski straight back at the end of the day. It’s a cosy ‘home from home’ experience, and the Panorama hot springs are close by for a soak.

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Edgewood Tahoe Resort

Heavenly Mountain Resort, California, United States of America (USA)

A luxurious hotel surrounded by majestic pine forest on Lake Tahoe’s south shore, a mile from Heavenly’s base station (there is a complimentary shuttle). Superlative lake vies, an excellent restaurant, top quality spa and plenty of activities for kids.

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Elk Mountain Lodge

Crested Butte, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

Built in 1919 as a miners’ lodge, this boutique B&B is located two blocks from Crested Butte’s main street, Elk Avenue. Guests hop on the free shuttle to the ski hill, six minutes’ drive away.

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Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Posh, castle-esque hotel set on tree-lined grounds outside the bustle of Whistler’s main village – yet the slopes are just a five-minute walk away. The hotel’s pool complex is irresistible, with indoor-outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, and eucalyptus steam rooms – plus plenty of lounging space with mountain vista views. Great for families.

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Fairmont Tremblant

Mont Tremblant, Quebec, United States of America (USA)

Landmark ski-in, ski-out hotel at the heart of the Mont Tremblant action, with the pedestrian village on one side, and a high-speed chairlift on the other. The pool complex is fantastic: indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and mountain views aplenty. Great for families.

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Four Seasons Jackson Hole

Teton Village, Wyoming, United States of America (USA)

Luxurious mountain oasis with sublime views of the Grand Tetons. In summer, the hotel offers an array of activities from mountain biking in the Tetons to naturalist excursions in the Yellowstone National Park. In winter, the hotel has ski-in, ski-out access to the wild and gnarly Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

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Four Seasons Resort Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

A sophisticated, high-end hotel located at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, a five-minute walk from the lifts and a 10-minute stroll from the village centre. Spoils kids as much as adults in classic Four Seasons style.

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Four Seasons Vail

Vail, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

An elegant and typically lavish hotel at the foot of Vail Mountain, with the largest bedrooms in the valley and an excellent ski concierge service. The slopes are a short walk, or free shuttle ride, away.

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Gravity Haus Steamboat

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

This iconic boutique hotel, located at the base of Steamboat Spring’s main gondola and housed in one of Steamboat’s original village buildings, is the resort’s only true ski-in, ski-out hotel. There’s a strong wellness theme here, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and the slope-side restaurant and bar, Ptom’s.

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Heavenly Valley Lodge

South Lake Tahoe, California, United States of America (USA)

A wonderfully charming B&B in South Lake Tahoe, renowned for its cosiness, hospitality, and location – and just a two-minute shuttle ride (or 14-minute walk) from the Heavenly base station. There are 13 log cabin-style bedrooms that are decked out in wood and filled with cosy quilts and cushions.

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Hotel Alyeska

Girdwood, Alaska, United States of America (USA)

This large and luxurious hotel has an unbeatable location, at the base of Alyeska resort, just steps from the scenic Aerial Tram; in just three minutes guests are transported to the top of Mt. Alyeska. In winter, guests can ask for a wake-up call to view the Northern Lights.

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Hotel Jerome

Aspen, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

Housed in a beautiful red brick building on Main Street, this classy, central hotel has been an Aspen landmark since 1889. It’s in the heart of chic Aspen, and though the slopes are five blocks away (free shuttle or short walk), skiers come for the undeniably Victorian-era antique charm.

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Hotel Quintessence

Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

An intimate all-suite hotel set among landscaped grounds on the shores of Lake Tremblant, a short walk from the Express gondola. The outdoor infinity pool, with its sweeping lake views, boasts one of the best vantage points in the whole of Mont Tremblant.

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Hotel Terra

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, United States of America (USA)

Chic, eco-friendly boutique hotel sits at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It’s steps from the iconic aerial tram, the main lift to access Jackson Hole’s ski terrain.

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Limelight Hotel Snowmass

Aspen, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

Fun, laid-back luxury hotel in an excellent location: right by the Elk Camp gondola, in the heart of the Snowmass base village. Daily shuttles to nearby Aspen, Highlands and Buttermilk.

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Limelight Ketchum

Ketchum, Idado, United States of America (USA)

Hotel in a handsome brick building on the main street, a few blocks from the base station of the Sun Valley ski resort. It’s fun, unfussy luxury, and a free shuttle runs to Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain.

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Madeline Hotel & Residences

Telluride, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

A chic ski-in, ski-out hotel in the heart of Telluride, with two top-class restaurants and an array of snowy activities on offer.

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Montage Deer Valley

Park City, Utah, United States of America (USA)

A refined, family-friendly hotel on the slopes that boasts a 35,000-square-foot spa and kids’ activities galore. Located just a mile from Park City, Deer Valley is as upmarket and civilised as ski resorts get.

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Mountain Chalet Aspen

Aspen, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

America’s answer to Zermatt, Aspen is the most expensive ski resort in the country – which makes this central yet affordable B&B-style hotel a real gem. Located within walking distance of the Silver Queen Gondola, it’s one of the few remaining old-time ski lodges in Aspen (dating back to 1954).

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One Ski Hill Place

Breckenridge, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

A luxury condo-style hotel located just steps from the base of Peak 8, with direct access to four chairlifts and the gondola into town. Great for families too, with a plush spa, games room and bowling alley to boot.

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Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

An all-suite hotel with direct access to Whistler Blackcomb, just yards from the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola. A safe rather than unspectacular choice, but in an enviable location.

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Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

This seven-story, chateau-style hotel takes centre stage in Beaver Creek village, just a ski pole’s throw from the slopes. Plus hearty dinners, craft beers and an award-winning luxury spa.

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Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe

Northstar California Resort, California, United States of America (USA)

Located mid-mountain at Northstar, this high-end, mid-mountain retreat is for skiers who want to be in the thick of the ski scene – the slopes are on the doorstep, and the village a short hop on the gondola. A 17,000-square-foot slope-side spa too.

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Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch

Beacer Creek, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

A luxe Colorado mountain lodge hotel that is refined yet family-friendly, with an excellent kids’ club. Set in the posh and polished Beaver Creek resort, close to Vail.

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Snowpine Lodge

Alta, Utah, United States of America (USA)

Alta’s newest and most luxurious hotel has retained its historic character beneath chic, contemporary decor, and has a great ski-in, ski-out location.

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St Regis Deer Valley

Deer Valley, Utah, United States of America (USA)

A sophisticated, contemporary hotel with ski-in, ski-out access, a two-tier infinity pool and vast wine cellar. Ideally located in the upmarket Deer Valley resort.

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Stein Eriksen Lodge

Park City, Utah, United States of America (USA)

A luxe Scandinavian-style hotel located mid-mountain, boasting one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Utah. Families are warmly welcomed here.

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Summit Hotel

Big Sky, Montana, United States of America (USA)

Big Sky’s best accommodation, a recently-renovated ski-in, ski-out hotel right by the gonolda with great restaurants, good facilities and the right mix of rooms. Great for families.

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Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance, Utah, United States of America (USA)

Situated on 5,000 acres of wilderness at the base of Mount Timpanogos in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. It’s the ultimate rustic mountain retreat, with the added kudos of the link to Hollywood royalty. The mountainside cabins range from studios to seven-bedroom units. For those who really want a sense of wilderness alongside their skiing,

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Sutton Place Hotel

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

A condo-style hotel popular for its spacious suites and Asian-inspired restaurant. A perfect ski-in, ski-out location in a resort for advanced and expert skiers.

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Tamarack Lodge & Resort

Mammoth Lakes, California, United States of America (USA)

Perched on the shore of Twin Lakes, one mile from Mammoth Mountain ski resort, this historic lodge (built 1924) is the epitome of rustic charm. It’s excellent value for those on a budget and a shuttle runs throughout the day, making it easy for you to get to the slopes. Yosemite National Park is a 45-minute drive – another great reason to stay.

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The Blake at Taos Ski Valley

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, United States of America (USA)

A chic and intimate ski-in, ski-out hotel popular for its museum-worthy art collection and phenomenal service. Just 20 yards from Taos’ main chairlift.

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The Josie Hotel

Red Mountain Resort, British Columbia, Canada

A ski-in, ski-out hotel with bright bedrooms, a slope-side sauna and a first-rate restaurant. Red Mountain Resort is the ultimate playground for skiers who like their thrills on the steep side.

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The Little Nell

Aspen, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

Aspen’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel, with five-star credentials, savvy design, impeccable service and A-list clientele. The outdoor heated pool and hot tub overlooking Aspen Mountain.

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The Lodge at Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, United States of America (USA)

Jackson Hole is one of the most expensive ski resorts in North America, so this hotel – which offers luxury with a low price tag – is a real find. Located in the town of Jackson, the skiing takes place up at Teton Village, a 15-minute drive north. The Lodge offers a free shuttle bus to the slopes, and a courtesy car is on hand to whisk guests into the centre of town, five minutes away.

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The Lodge at Spruce Creek

Stowe, Vermont, United States of America (USA)

An award-winning eco-luxe hotel in ‘Ski Capital of the East’, with slopes that have something for all abilities. Featuring local art, spectacular views through giant picture windows, and a 21,000-square-foot spa. Good for families.

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The Sebastian

Vail, Colorado, United States of America (USA)

A boutique hotel a short walk from the main lifts in the heart of swanky Vail village. Impeccable service, wonderful art and an excellent in-house restaurant. Great summer activities too.

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The Wort

Jackson, Wyoming, United States of America (USA)

An intimate heritage hotel, renowned for outstanding personal service, cosy mountain lodge style, original artworks and a fmous in-house bar. A private ski shuttle is on hand to whisk you to the slopes at any time.

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Waldorf Astoria Park City

Park City, Utah, United States of America (USA)

An elegant hotel with its own gondola for direct access to Park City’s slopes, a beautiful outdoor pool with mountain views, and a spa with an extensive treatment menu.

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Winston Lodge

Golden, British Columbia, Canada

This intimate boutique hotel, housed in a traditional wood and stone lodge, is ideally located in the heart of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, just a few minutes’ walk from the main gondola. After skiing, guests unwind in the cosy lounge, with big sofas, stone fireplace, books shelves and board games, before refuelling at the Lodge’s buzzy bistro.

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