8 Exclusive Winter Wonderland Destinations

From traversing through Switzerland’s Engadine region via ski or husky sledge with one of the world’s leading mushers to embracing lavish “apres ski” activities of seasonal spa treatments and coveted fireside sips, these world-class properties offer some of the poshest winter experiences.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch – Beaver Creek, CO

With a brand-new signature restaurant, WYLD, seasonal additions to the year-round Naturalist Program, a new puppy ambassador, ‘Scout’, and ski-in ski-out access to some of Colorado’s finest terrain, ‘tis the season to catch a breath of fresh mountain air at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, a luxurious AAA-Four Diamond resort set against the picturesque backdrop of Beaver Creek Mountain. Let the majestic Great Room set the scene for a cozy night by the fire, roast s’mores and sip hot cocoa after a day on the slopes, or melt away the stress of the holidays with seasonal spa treatments that transport guests to a place far away from daily cares and pressures. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is an ideal home away from home this winter season and beyond.

Kulm Hotel St. Moritz – St. Moritz, Switzerland

Located in the heart of the Engadine, the 5-star, Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is the ideal destination to travel to this winter, offering a wide variety of activities including snow kiting, snow shoeing, snow trekking and more. The 5-star hotel is also known for its gourmet cuisine, including its annual St. Moritz Gourmet Festival – January 27-February 3 – where guests can partake in cooking demonstrations, tastings and special culinary experiences throughout the week. For the first time in the festival’s history, on January 31^st, the hotel will offer a special gourmet experience aboard a 20-passenger PC-6 plane above the Pers glacier. Daniel Humm will be on board to serve culinary delicacies from his three-star restaurant Eleven Madison Park in New York. Bookable immediately at the event office of the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz (Tel.+41 81 836 82 04 or events@kulm.com), (CHF 1,550 per pers., incl. flight and creations by master chef Daniel Humm, as well as beverages).

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – Alberta, Canada

Travelers seeking a true winter’s embrace can turn to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, nestled in the magnificent Jasper National Park. January in Jasper is all about the legendary winter festival featuring firework displays, après ski soirees, wine and scotch tastings and ice-skating - all combined with world-class skiing and snowboarding in the Marmot Basin. After a day enjoying the crisp Rocky Mountain air, guests can disappear into the lodge's newly renovated cabins and cozy up by the fire. What's more, guests staying at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge can make the most of incredible rates, saving up to 40% on stays of 5 nights or more when they book by March 31, 2017 for stays through April 30.

Hilton Hotels in the Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C.

This winter, Hilton Hotels in the Washington, DC area are inviting travelers, families and locals to experience the winter magic in our nation’s capital through a getaway or ‘staycation’ with its Capital Coolcation package. Through Capital Coolcation, travelers and locals will find an array of perks and incentives to craft an unforgettable experience within our nation’s capital through participating Hilton properties in and around Washington DC. From package perks including themed craft cocktails and unlimited coffee & hot cocoa, to an abundance of exciting winter themed activities around town, there is plenty for travelers to experience this winter in DC with a Capital Coolcation. The package is available to book for travel dates through April 17, 2017.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof – Pontresina, Switzerland

This winter season, the historic Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina invites guests to their very own winter wonderland located right in the heart of the picturesque Engadine Valley. Guests seeking a thrilling ride through the Bernina Pass can visit the hotel for an exciting husky sledge ride in the Engadine with Siberian Huskies. Beginning with a brief overview from the Alp’s experienced musher, and continuing with a lesson out on the track created for the dogs, guests have the opportunity to become a true dog guide, with this 2-hour alpine experience. This one-of-a-kind excursion is $1,300 for one person with one sledge and $650 for two people with one sledge, price includes transportation.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler – British Columbia, Canada

Guests at Fairmont Chateau Whistler have prime access to Canada's best skiing at Whistler’s landmark ski-in ski-out property. This season, guests can take an unforgettable ice-fishing excursion to pristine, frozen mountain lakes, complete with a gourmet picnic lunch; try their hand at snow-shoeing; or take a guided mountain excursion with the Whistler Experience Guide. Returning to the hotel, the Mallard Lounge elevates the après ski experience with its Chocolate Bar, offering fireside chocolate and wine, port or whisky pairings to perfectly end the day.

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna, Austria

Settled within Vienna’s city center along the noteworthy Ringstrasse Ring Road, four historic palaces outline the 5-star Ritz-Carlton, Vienna which is known for its elegant blend of Renaissance and baroque atmosphere and annual winter décor. Guests can enjoy hot mulled wine and hearty treats while admiring the view across the snowy, seasonally decorated city. The aroma of “Glühwein” fills the air and seasonal delicacies are available to taste. The charming Ritz Stüberl, which looks back on a more than 150-year history, beckons guests to warm themselves up in its rustic atmosphere. Vienna itself is filled with cafes and bars to keep warm in when on the go and the street markets are aglow as the winter season is in full swing.

Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel – Chicago, IL

From ice skating in Millennium Park to an afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago or an evening at the theater, travelers can craft a fun-filled winter getaway in the Windy City, with the hip & historic Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel conveniently located in the center of the action. During winter, guests can take advantage of exciting offerings within, such as the Curtain Call Menu at Lockwood Restaurant & Bar to pair with Hamilton playing at the across-the-street PrivateBank Theatre. Ken Price’s award-winning ‘History is Hott’ tour encourages guests to stay indoors and discover the incredible tale and rich history of the nation’s longest continually operating hotel. Guests often find themselves curling up in the famed lobby to enjoy Afternoon Tea or Chef Mathew Wiltzius’ addicting cheese curds paired with craft cocktails.