There’s nothing quite like the magic of winter, with its snowy-scapes and cozy fires. And, there's no better place to experience the season then at the luxury hotels who know it best. Each year, glamorous resorts pull out all the stops to create the ultimate winter offerings, attracting guests and locals alike to their wondrous abodes. This is year is no exception, as hotels from all over the country have created one-of-a-kind winter experiences that will make you wish winter was all year long.
Waldorf Astoria Park City has created "Snowman Alley,” an on-property winter wonderland area dedicated to snow sculptures. The hotel offers a snowman creation kit to children staying at the hotel (buttons, eyes, nose + extras like pipe, scarf, hat, mustache headbands, etc.). If the family shows pictures of the completed snowman to the concierge (tagged on instagram a bonus), they get a marshmallow treat. The WAPC social media team will pick the best snowman each month and feature it on their account.
In the heart of Banff National Park, The Fairmont Banff Springs is a historic castle that truly comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. From mid-November on, the Fairmont Banff Springs is a fairytale like Christmas wonderland with its Christmas at the Castle Programming. From indulgent dinners to guided wilderness walks; from craft workshops to bedtime stories; from skating at the Castle to the grand New Year’s Eve Gala; from a fully deck out Santa’s Suite; there’s a little magic in every turn at the Castle.
Viceroy Snowmass has put together the ultimate winter experience, where guests can become like Santa and fly high above the snowy mountains. The experience, called "Fly Me to the Moon" includes a full-moon flight across the Rockies in a Piper Aircraft. Additionally, guests who book this experience will begin the evening with a dinner at TORO to kickstart the evening, followed by private transportation to the airport for the full-moon flight, and return to a curated flight amenity in-room upon arrival back to the hotel.
In Austin, a life-size gingerbread dining room at Westin Austin Downtown has captured the hearts of local and guests alike. The giant gingerbread room is an extension of the hotel’s restaurant, Stella San Jac, and will serve items off their holiday menu. This cozy and oh-so-sweet display is available for lunch and dinner reservations and seats up to 12 people (last year’s house only sat six!). The hotel will be donating a portion of all proceeds to Back on My Feet, a local non-profit that combats homelessness through the power of running, community support, and essential employment and housing resources.
Sunriver Resort is resplendent with natural beauty and endless activities, and winter is when the resort shines. Activities include snowshoeing, skiing at nearby Mt. Bachelor, cross-country skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and so much more. In addition, guests will find award-winning spa facilities and services, nine Northwest-inspired restaurants and cafes and more. The historic resort, which was home to WWII training facility Camp Abbott, features lodge style rooms, suites, vacation homes and condominiums to either rent or purchase. Whether guests stay for a day, a week, or a lifetime, they are sure to find an escape filled with adventure, relaxation, inspiration and ultimately, unforgettable memories. This winter, Sunriver Resort is offering a Mt. Bachelor Ski Package. This lodging package includes two adult single day lift tickets, roundtrip daily shuttle to Mt. Bachelor (just 20 mins away), and access to the fitness and aquatics center for that aprés-jacuzzi we all need on a ski vacation.
There’s more to winter than skiing - you just have to know where to look. New this winter, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek has partnered with Walking Mountains Science Center to offer a brand new Cats of Colorado Snowshoe Package. Certified Interpretive Guides will escort guests on a four hour snowshoe tour on U.S. Forest Service trails throughout the Vail Valley looking for scats, tracks and furs from local cats including the mysterious Lynx, one of the most elusive wild cats in North America (this area of Colorado is one of the only places they live). Guests could also see moose, fox, elk, deer and more.
