Amidst the world’s frost-kissed landscapes lies a once-in-a-lifetime collection of hotels that truly epitomize the magic of winter. From snow-capped mountains to frozen lakes and whimsical forests, these winter retreats offer a unique blend of luxury, charm, and unforgettable experiences. Dreaming of cozying up somewhere surrounded by a true winter wonderland? It might be time to bring that dream to life. The most captivating winter hotels in the world, where dreams come alive, and memories are woven into the tapestry of snow and ice. These hotels and resorts across the globe are ideal for making it a reality. Start planning and book now for an unforgettable trip this season.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge - Spearfish, South Dakota
You’re pretty much-guaranteed lots of snow in the Black Hills of South Dakota during the winter, and Spearfish Canyon Lodge is an ideal place to base your stay for a secluded, romantic escape. It features private cabins where you can spend your time relaxing in front of the fire or get out in the snow and enjoy more active pursuits like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Just minutes away in Mystic Miner or Terry Peak ski resorts, you’ll find downhill skiing, and the famous town of Deadwood can be reached with just a half-hour’s drive. Here, you can view Victorian-era homes that are beautifully decorated, explore museums, do some gambling, shop and dine in an Old West atmosphere.
The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough, Montana
If you’re an adventurous type who dreams of getting out in the snow and enjoying the great outdoors, there may be no better spot in the U.S. than this 37,000-acre authentic working cattle ranch in Montana. Look forward to horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides through white-blanketed forests, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, ice skating dog-sledding, tubing and snowmobiling. Afterwards, hit the spa or warm up in your vacation home tucked a forest of tall timbers overlooking tranquil rivers and creeks, rolling meadows and panoramic mountainscapes.
Icehotel - Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
While several ice hotels have opened up around the world, the Icehotel in Sweden is one of the most well-known. Requiring a dog sled ride or a snowmobile to reach, it offers the ultimate Arctic vacation in a real-life frozen castle, with temperatures inside the “cool rooms” typically hovering around 23 degrees Fahrenheit. But you’ll be equipped with an expedition sleeping bag that’s rated to 13 degrees below Fahrenheit to keep you warm. If you aren’t up for that much of an adventure, there are more traditional rooms too. This is also one of the best spots for viewing the northern lights, and you can even search for them on horseback.
Hotel Chalet Dolomites - Alpe di Siusi, Italy
Surrounded by dramatic craggy mountain peaks, Hotel Chalet Dolomites on the Alpe di Siusi is perfectly situated for skiing and other outdoor adventures, as well as enjoying the mouthwatering regional cuisine. A stay here means that you’ll be just minutes nearest ski slope and can also enjoy opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides and ice climbing, all among magnificent white-blanketed landscapes. Afterward, look forward to coming back to the hotel to warm up in the Finnish sauna.
Emerald Lake Lodge - Yoho National Park, Alberta, Canada
Emerald Lake Lodge is tucked into the heart of the Canadian Rockies inside Yoho National Park. It offers a spectacular winter retreat set across 13 acres with 24 warm and inviting cabin-style accommodations, ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing. The breathtaking scenery provides a backdrop that will make you forget all about your worries back at home. In fact, the lack of cell reception practically ensures it. Rooms feature balconies and wood-burning fireplaces stocked daily with complimentary firewood, while the lodge offers a soothing spa tub and lounge for late-night entertainment.
Kristiania Lech - Lech, Austria
Kristiania Lech is a luxury ski hotel that provides visitors with the opportunity to be surrounded by Austria’s legendary mountain landscape while enjoying the property’s exceptional service and incredible attention to detail. Each of the 29 rooms and suites is distinctly designed with striking interior combinations designed to relax and surprise, like contemporary artwork paired with antiques and chandeliers offset by billowing quilts or contemporary artwork paired with antique furnishing. You’ll also find plush bathrobes and slippers as well as views of the Alps, some from private balconies. The ski slopes are just five minutes away, and the hotel also offers winter activities like snowshoeing to mountain chalets for lunch and spiced wine, horse-drawn sleigh rides and village shopping tours.
Fairmont Banff Springs - Alberta, Canada
The Fairmont Banff Springs is a 130-year-old castle-like resort nestled in the Canadian Rockies and a veritable wonderland in the winter. Look forward to ice skating, canyon ice walks, sleigh rides, dog-sledding, ice fishing, gondola rides and helicopter tours before indulging in treatments at the Willow Stream Spa and dining at one of 11 restaurants and lounges.
St. Regis Aspen Resort - Aspen, Colorado
Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, this resort in the Colorado Rockies is just steps away from the famous powdery slopes and features a host of amenities for luxury travelers. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you’ll find miles of trails for snowshoeing and even opportunities for winter fly fishing. Or, get out on a snowmobile and explore the high country with its frozen blue crystal waterfalls and a blanket of white landscapes. The resort’s spa, specializing in soothing aromatherapy baths, exfoliation and customized massages, is the perfect place to go afterward.
