For many folks, a winter holiday simply isn't complete without a trip to the slopes. But waking up at dawn to catch the first lift, frozen hands and numb toes aren't everyone's cup of tea.
That's why hotel search trivago.com has found 8 resorts that offer those much-loved snow-covered slopes as well as so much more -- creating a perfect winter getaway for both skiers and non-skiers.
The Omni Homestead - Hot Springs, Virginia
Courtesy: The Omni Homestead
Nestled in the snow blanketed Allegheny Mountains, the elegant Omni Homestead has welcomed 22 US Presidents, and is home to the largest private hot springs in Virginia. Skiers can explore 45-acres of trails, while non-skiers soak in the spectacular outdoor hot springs and adult-only Spa Garden. The Omni Homestead also boasts a movie theater, 15 unique shops, a family game area, indoor and outdoor pools, as well as it's an ice skating rink, snow tubing facilities, and daily snowmobile tours. Whether or not you spend your day hitting the slopes, relaxing at the Mountain Lodge with a steaming cup of hot cocoa and s'mores is truly the best way to wrap up a fun-filled day at The Homestead.
Les Airelles - Courchevel, France
Courtesy: Hôtel de Charme Les Airelles
Hôtel de Charme Les Airelles combines grandeur with tradition as a picture-perfect ski chalet, nestled in the wooded Jardin Alpin in the village of Courchevel 1850. This luxury mountain hotel boasts a slope-side location with access to Les Trois Vallées, famed as the largest ski area in the world. While the ski amenities are of course spectacular, the lounge, library, fireplaces, and spa will be more than enough to keep non-skiers occupied. Adventure-seekers can explore Courchevel by horse, snowmobile, snow shoe, or helicopter, and everyone can enjoy après-ski at its finest with their selection of the finest liqueurs and rarest spirits.
The Fairmont Banff Springs - Banff, Canada
Courtesy: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
First built in the 19th century, Canada's "Castle in the Rockies" is located in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Site Banff National Park, within walking distance of the charming town of Banff. Beloved of celebrities and royalty for more than 125 years, the Fairmont Banff Springs not only offers access to all three of Alberta's "champagne powder" ski hills, it's also the perfect setting to explore the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice cap in the Canadian Rockies. Non-skiers won't want to miss taking a canyon ice walk or learning to steer a dog sled team, and the ice fishing, curling and various other mountain sports will keep even the most hard-core winter sports fanatics well satisfied. No visit to the Fairmont Banff Springs would be complete without visiting Banff's world-famous hot springs, and guests of the hotel can also enjoy the pulsating waterfalls and mineral pool at the hotel's Willow Stream Spa.
The Cambrian - Adelboden, Switzerland
Courtesy: The Cambrian
The Cambrian prides itself as a design hotel in a stunning setting, incorporating furnishings from the likes of B&B Italia and Porada with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps - a true winter paradise. Each of the 71 rooms and suites contain king-size beds, flat screen televisions, DVD players and complimentary Wi-Fi. If non-skiers can pry themselves out of their luxurious quarters, they can spend their vacation snow tubing, winter hiking, building an igloo, ice climbing, night sledding, and for the true daredevils, snow paragliding. Don't forget to try The Cambrian's "New Alpine" cuisine: traditional mountain dishes with a modern twist.
St. Regis Aspen Resort - Aspen, Colorado
Courtesy: St. Regis Aspen Resort
The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a magnificent mountainside manor within walking distance of Aspen's famous ski slopes. Ski-inclined guests receive a complimentary ski pass when booking three nights or more, leaving non-skiers to sleep in before indulging in a day at the Remède Spa - named the Best Spa in the world by Travel + Leisure. Bibliophiles can relax with a glass of wine in the hotel's newly built library, and adventure seekers can spend a day exploring Aspen on snowshoes. At the end of the day, indulge in one of the St. Regis' three premier restaurants featuring carefully selected seasonal ingredients and an extensive wine list.
Cristallo Spa & Golf - Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Courtesy: Cristallo Spa & Golf
Cristallo Spa & Golf is the only five star hotel in the picturesque Dolomites mountain range, located just two hours from Venice in the exclusive town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Guests looking for more than access to the slopes can expect hand-painted wall panels, embroidered carpets and silk bedcovers combined with state-of-the-art technology, hydro-massage Jacuzzi bathtubs, and breath-taking views from their guest rooms. Adrenaline-seekers in search of non-skiing action can head to the nearby Olympic bobsleigh track, but the hotel's world-class spa is the real draw. Spend your winter holiday enjoying personalized fitness exercises and taking advantage of the two floor spa overlooking the Tofane Mountains.
Montage Deer Valley - Park City, Utah
Courtesy: Montage Deer Valley
Sitting atop the magnificent Empire Pass, the ski-in/ski-out Montage Deer Valley is just steps from more than 200-acres of spectacular alpine terrain, and connected to an extensive network of cross-country ski trails that will let winter enthusiasts put the "ski" back into "après-ski." Have fun off the runs by getting lessons in skeleton, luge, or bobsled at the nearby Utah Olympic Park, or explore snow-capped peaks by dog sled or hot air balloon. There are even three lakes nearby for some blue-ribbon fly fishing -- who said fishing had to be a summer activity? Take some time to pamper yourself with Altitude Therapy Treatments at the Spa Montage, and then spend some time with the family playing vintage arcade games, bowling, or a friendly round of pool in the Montage's gastro pub.
Four Seasons Whistler - Whistler, Canada
Courtesy: Four Seasons Whistler
The Four Seasons Whistler, the largest ski resort in North America, is so much more than a skier's paradise -- it's actually the home of the most extraordinary game of golf known to man, snow golf. A round starts with 18 holes played on any one of the resort's 3 championship courses, continues in a helicopter with your personal PGA pro, and ends with your longest drive ever -- 8,000 ft. at the top of a glacier. But if neither golfing nor skiing is in your holiday plans, the resort offers a snow cat tour (with fondue dinner), ice skating, ice climbing, winter fishing, and even bird watching. The après-ski lifestyle is alive and thriving in Whistler, with creative cocktails, restaurants starring regional meats and wild-caught fish, and relaxation at Travel + Leisure's #1 Spa in Canada.
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