Whether you’re drawn to the towering peaks of the Rockies or the cozy charm of New England’s villages, you’ll find that each destination in this guide has been carefully selected based on its unique appeal and the latest statistics. According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, domestic winter travel in the USA saw a 6.5% increase in 2022, reflecting a growing interest in winter retreats. Let’s explore these top snowy getaways, packed with detailed information, outbound links, and contact details for further inquiries.
Top Snowy Mountain Resorts
The Best Snowy Mountain Resorts in the USA
When discussing the best snowy mountain resorts, Aspen, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, are often at the top of the list. Aspen is renowned for its luxurious atmosphere, attracting celebrities and winter sports enthusiasts alike. The four major ski areas—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass—collectively offer 5,527 acres of skiable terrain. Snowmass, the largest, boasts 3,332 acres and receives an average of 300 inches of snowfall annually. This makes Aspen a paradise for skiers and snowboarders.
Aspen also excels in hospitality. The Little Nell, a five-star hotel, offers ski-in/ski-out access, fine dining, and a wine cellar with over 20,000 bottles. Room rates during peak season average around $1,500 per night. For more information, contact:
– The Little Nell
Address: 675 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: +1 970-920-4600
Email: reservations@thelittlenell.com
Website: thelittlenell.com
On the other hand, Jackson Hole offers rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is famous for challenging slopes like Corbet’s Couloir, a narrow chute with a 10-meter drop. The resort spans 2,500 acres and receives an average of 459 inches of snow annually. Visitors to Jackson Hole can also explore Yellowstone National Park on a snowmobile or relax in the Granite Hot Springs.
For accommodation, the Four Seasons Resort offers luxury with rooms starting at $1,200 per night during peak season. Contact:
– Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
Address: 7680 Granite Loop Rd, Teton Village, WY 83025
Phone: +1 307-732-5000
Email: reservations.jac@fourseasons.com
Website: fourseasons.com/jacksonhole
The Resorts Offering the Best Skiing and Snowboarding
For those focused on skiing and snowboarding, Park City, Utah, and Lake Tahoe, California are must-visit destinations. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski area in the USA, offering 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. The resort’s elevation ranges from 6,800 to 10,000 feet, and it receives 355 inches of snow annually. Nearby, Deer Valley Resort, known for its upscale amenities and perfectly groomed slopes, is another top choice.
In Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort offers 4,800 acres of skiable terrain with stunning views of Lake Tahoe. The resort’s highest point, at 10,067 feet, provides skiers with a breathtaking backdrop. Squaw Valley, another Tahoe favorite, offers 3,600 acres and was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics.
For accommodation in Lake Tahoe, consider:
– The Resort at Squaw Creek
Address: 400 Squaw Creek Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Phone: +1 530-583-6300
Email: reservations@resortsquawcreek.com
Website: destinationhotels.com/squawcreek
The Best Non-Skiing Activities at These Resorts
Skiing isn’t the only draw at these resorts. In Aspen, visitors can take a snowcat ride up to Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro for a gourmet meal with views of the Maroon Bells. The bistro is known for its festive atmosphere and champagne toasts.
For those more inclined toward culture, the Aspen Art Museum offers contemporary art exhibitions in a building designed by Shigeru Ban. Admission is free, making it a perfect cultural stop.
In Jackson Hole, wildlife safaris are a unique way to experience the region. These tours offer sightings of elk, bison, and even wolves in their natural habitats. For a relaxing experience, the Granite Hot Springs provides soothing thermal pools open year-round.
Contact for Granite Hot Springs:
– Granite Hot Springs
Address: Granite Hot Springs Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
Phone: +1 307-690-6323
Website: granitehotsprings.com
Charming Snow-Covered Towns
Small Towns That Offer a Perfect Winter Escape
Small towns like Stowe, Vermont, and Leavenworth, Washington, offer winter escapes filled with charm and coziness. Stowe is located at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, and is home to Stowe Mountain Resort. The town itself is a quintessential New England village, with colonial-style buildings and a vibrant arts scene.
Leavenworth, Washington, offers a Bavarian village experience with over half a million lights during its Christmas Lighting Festival. The town receives 89 inches of snow annually, turning it into a winter wonderland.
For more information, contact the Stowe Area Association:
– Stowe Area Association
Address: 51 Main St, Stowe, VT 05672
Phone: +1 802-253-7321
Email: info@gostowe.com
Website: gostowe.com
For Leavenworth, reach out to:
– Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
Address: 940 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Phone: +1 509-548-5807
Email: info@leavenworth.org
Website: leavenworth.org
What Makes These Towns Unique for a Winter Visit
Stowe and Leavenworth stand out due to their unique atmospheres. In Stowe, the Trapp Family Lodge offers a historic setting with modern amenities, including cross-country skiing on its 2,500 acres. In Leavenworth, the town’s Bavarian theme extends to its restaurants and shops, creating a truly immersive experience.
For further inquiries, contact Trapp Family Lodge:
– Trapp Family Lodge
Address: 700 Trapp Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Phone: +1 802-253-8511
Email: reservations@trappfamily.com
Website: trappfamily.com
The Best Winter Accommodations in These Towns
In Stowe, the Lodge at Spruce Peak offers luxurious accommodations with ski-in/ski-out access. The Stone Hill Inn provides a more intimate experience, with just nine guest rooms set in a wooded area.
In Leavenworth, the Bavarian Lodge offers rustic Bavarian-style accommodations in the heart of town, while the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort provides a more secluded cabin experience.
Contact the Lodge at Spruce Peak:
– Lodge at Spruce Peak
Address: 7412 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Phone: +1 802-760-4782
Email: reservations@sprucepeak.com
Website: sprucepeak.com
Cozy Winter Cabins
The Coziest Winter Cab
ins in the USA
For those seeking a secluded winter retreat, the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and Lake Tahoe in California offer some of the coziest cabins. In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, cabins managed by Cabins USA feature log construction, stone fireplaces, and expansive decks with hot tubs. Rates range from $150 to $1,200 per night.
In Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Getaways company offers over 200 vacation rentals. The “Meek’s Bay Estate” provides 7,000 square feet of luxury living, while the “Mountain Shadows Cabin” offers a more intimate experience.
For bookings, contact Cabins USA:
– Cabins USA Gatlinburg
Address: 1440 Upper Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
Phone: +1 865-436-5031
Email: info@cabinsusa.com
Website: cabinsusa.com
The Best Cabin Rentals for Families or Groups
When traveling with family or groups, larger cabins with amenities like game rooms and hot tubs are ideal. In Gatlinburg, the “Big Timber Lodge” offers 7,000 square feet of space, accommodating up to 30 guests.
In Lake Tahoe, the “Sierra Pines Lodge” provides 4,000 square feet of living space, perfect for families or groups seeking luxury close to the slopes.
For reservations, contact Tahoe Getaways:
– Tahoe Getaways
Address: 10075 W River St, Truckee, CA 96161
Phone: +1 800-922-4929
Email: info@tahoegetaways.com
Website: tahoegetaways.com
Finding a Cabin That Offers Both Seclusion and Access to Activities
For those seeking both seclusion and access to activities, cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, are ideal. Gatlinburg offers proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which features over 800 miles of hiking trails.
In Lake Tahoe, cabins in South Lake Tahoe or Incline Village offer both seclusion and easy access to Heavenly Mountain Resort and other activities.
For more information, contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
– Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Address: 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: +1 865-436-1200
Website: nps.gov/grsm
Hidden Winter Wonderlands
Lesser-Known Winter Destinations in the USA
For those seeking solitude, hidden winter destinations like Ouray, Colorado, and Ely, Minnesota, offer unique experiences. Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America,” offers ice climbing and natural hot springs. Ely, located near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, is perfect for dog sledding and snowshoeing.
For more information, contact Ouray Ice Park:
– Ouray Ice Park
Address: 280 Co Rd 361, Ouray, CO 81427
Phone: +1 970-325-4288
Website: ourayicepark.com
Contact the Ely Chamber of Commerce:
– Ely Chamber of Commerce
Address: 1600 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731
Phone: +1 218-365-6123
Email: info@ely.org
Website: ely.org
The Benefits of Off-the-Beaten-Path Winter Spots
Choosing lesser-known destinations like Ouray and Ely offers numerous benefits, including fewer crowds and a more intimate connection with nature. Ouray’s Ice Park features over 200 named ice climbs, making it one of the largest man-made ice climbing areas in the world.
Ely’s Boundary Waters provides over 1 million acres of protected land, perfect for winter wilderness experiences.
Planning a Trip to Hidden Winter Spots
Planning a trip to these hidden gems requires careful preparation. Ouray’s elevation of 7,792 feet means travelers should acclimate to avoid altitude sickness. Ely’s remote location requires planning for supplies and accommodations, but the solitude and beauty make the effort worthwhile.
For accommodations in Ouray, contact the Beaumont Hotel:
– Beaumont Hotel
Address: 505 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
Phone: +1 970-325-7000
Email: info@beaumonthotel.com
Website: beaumonthotel.com
For Ely, consider staying at the Northern Lights Lodge:
– Northern Lights Lodge
Address: 1039 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731
Phone: +1 218-365-6757
Email: info@northernlightslodge.com
Website: northernlightslodge.com
FAQs
What are the average snowfall levels at top winter destinations in the USA?
Aspen, Colorado, receives about 300 inches of snow annually, while Jackson Hole, Wyoming, sees around 459 inches. Lake Tahoe averages 215 inches, making these locations ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.
Which winter destinations in the USA offer the best luxury accommodations?
Aspen and Jackson Hole are renowned for luxury accommodations. The Little Nell in Aspen offers rooms averaging $1,500 per night, while Jackson Hole’s Four Seasons Resort starts at $1,200 per night.
How can I find less crowded winter destinations in the USA?
Consider lesser-known destinations like Ouray, Colorado, and Ely, Minnesota, which offer stunning natural beauty without the high tourist numbers found in more popular locations.
What are some family-friendly winter activities in the Smoky Mountains?
The Smoky Mountains offer family-friendly winter activities such as snowshoeing, wildlife viewing, and the winter festival at Dollywood. Larger cabins with amenities like game rooms and indoor pools ensure entertainment for all ages.
How do I prepare for winter travel to high-altitude destinations like Ouray, Colorado?
Traveling to high-altitude destinations like Ouray requires acclimation to avoid altitude sickness. Arriving a day or two early, staying hydrated, and taking it easy during the first few days can help.
What are some unique winter festivals in small towns across the USA?
Leavenworth, Washington, hosts a Christmas Lighting Festival attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Stowe, Vermont, offers a traditional New England holiday experience with a lantern walk and festive decorations.
Conclusion
Winter in the USA offers a diverse array of destinations that cater to every traveler. From the luxurious slopes of Aspen to the secluded wilderness of Ely, each destination provides a unique experience backed by data and real-world examples. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, these winter getaways offer the perfect escape. Start planning your magical winter journey today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
