6 Winter Games Getaways to Unleash Your Inner Olympian

The Sochi Winter Games are nearly over, but fervor is at a fever pitch (let's just say I've been Googling "where to learn bobsleigh").
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The Sochi Winter Games are nearly over, but fervor is at a fever pitch (let's just say I've been Googling "where to learn bobsleigh"). Keep the spirit alive and let the Games guide your travel plans with these six Olympic destinations that boast luxury accommodations in addition to sporting events.

6 Winter Games Getaways
St. Moritz, Switzerland(01 of06)
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Playing host twice, in the second ever Games in 1928 and the first post-World War II in 1948, St. Moritz is one swish ski town. Stay at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains and have easy access to the ski runs, in addition to sumptuous accommodations, scrumptious dining (say, Swiss specialty, rösti) and spectacular spa treatments such as “The Alpine Rejuvenation.” The are boasts the world’s oldest and natural bob run, a 1722-meter ice channel. Guests ride in the third and fourth spots on a four-person bobsleigh for a 75-second ride upwards of 135 kilometers per hour.
Lake Placid, U.S.A.(02 of06)
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Another two-time host (1932, 1980), Lake Placid offers all kinds of activities to would-be Olympians, including an annual Winter Challenge which offers visitors a chance to try and compete in a number of sports such as skeleton, ski jumping, hockey, curling, speed skating and more. Those over the age of 13 can also get two-hour biathlete training. The place to put yourself up is The Whiteface Lodge. Made of timber milled onsite, the rustic property features a spa, outdoor hot tubs, 56-seat theater, seasonal skating rink and innovative dining (including a fully gluten-free menu—so much for carb loading!).
Turin, Italy(03 of06)
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Host city to the 2006 Winter Games, Turin offers an urban experience in addition to an alpine one. Olympic venues were spread out across neighboring towns, so it’s smart to rent a car to explore that various ski resorts in the Vialetta region. However, the Olympic Stadium is just three kilometers from the centrally located Principi de Piemonte hotel. A stay here lets one intersperse sport activities, such as figure skating lessons at the Torino Olympic Park rink with arts, culture, fine dining and shopping.
Salt Lake City, U.S.A.(04 of06)
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The Games landed in Salt Lake in 2002, with nearby Park City holding a majority of the events, with three ski resorts in its vicinity. A visit to the Utah Olympic Park is a must, and offers training camps to learn how bobsled, luge or skeleton. Work up the courage for that with a comfortable stay at the Waldorf Astoria Park City, which offers a relaxing spa, as well as a restaurant serving up stiff drinks. Perks include a private gondola to access Canyons Resort.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy(05 of06)
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Cortina claimed the 1944 Olympics, but the turmoil of WWII kept them from happening, and in lieu they were awarded 1956. They were the last games where figure skating was held outside and the first to be broadcast to an international audience. Less than two hours from Venice in the Dolomites mountain range, the area boasts 72 runs served by 38 cableway systems—opt for a Dolmiti Superski pass and even more terrain is available to you. Lesser known winter activities such as snow kiting, snow driving and K-Trak snow-biking are also there for the trying. The place to stay is Cristallo Hotel Spa, with its serious dining, serious spa treatments and serious accolades—“Italy’s Best Ski Hotel 2013” at the World Ski Awards, for one.
Vancouver, Canada(06 of06)
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Site of the last Olympiad, Vancouver has three local ski hills (one of which you can take a public bus direct to), and the larger Whistler-Blackcomb Resort a two-hour drive away which hosted many of the main alpine and sliding events. There, the Whistler Olympic Park offers a Experience Biathlon program every weekend, public bobsleigh and skeleton rides, amongst all the alpine bounty. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers ski-in/ski-out access and a ski valet. There’s also a spa for recouping and restaurants, including The Grill Room, for refueling.

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