The best luxury winter resorts in the West
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The West is the best place to spend the winter. Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
For some, beating the winter blues means chasing adrenaline down a steep, snowy slope. For others, it means a day at the spa.
No matter what you're looking for this season — a staycation to splurge on or an out-of-state getaway with outdoor recreation (alongside luscious amenities) — you're sure to find a few throughout the West.
Here are six of the chicest luxury resorts:
Sun Mountain Lodge
Winthrop, Washington
Situated on 1,500 acres of forest land next to the North Cascades National Park, this resort provides easy access to all kinds of recreation, including snowshoeing, ice fishing and backcountry skiing.
- The main lodge features sweeping views of Gardner Mountain, and the private one-bedroom cabins are intimate and cozy.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Truckee, California
This is the only resort in the area with exclusive ski-in, ski-out access and mountain concierge service. Room accommodations are also stellar: floor-to-ceiling windows, mountain-inspired decor and gas fireplaces.
- The heated outdoors lap pool offers a view of the crystal blue lake, while the spa draws visitors to its dry-heat lodge and eucalyptus steam room after a day on the slopes.
FivePine Lodge
Sisters, Oregon
Just 25 minutes north of Bend — not far from Hoodoo Ski Area — you'll find three dozen rustic cabins surrounded by towering pine trees and wooded trails in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest.
- Inside each suite, a claw-foot tub, conveniently located by a stone gas fireplace, awaits for relaxation.
Amangani
Jackson, Wyoming
This ultra-exclusive resort in Jackson Hole turns into a winter wonderland in the colder months with some of the finest snowpack in the country.
- Grand Teton National Park and the largest ski area in the state are just a short drive away, but the property's many amenities and adventures — like dogsledding, snowmobiling and outdoor infinity pool — are worth checking out, too.
Enchantment Resort
Sedona, Arizona
Snowbirds traveling south for winter can still catch white peaks on red-rock buttes in the high desert. Find your own oasis by booking a private pool suite or host the entire family in a hacienda.
- New offerings, including winery and helicopter tours, coupled with the resort's dozens of hiking and biking trails, means there's a fun activity for everyone.
The Hythe
Vail, Colorado
A short walk from the mountain lift is Hythe's premier après-ski sanctuary: a year-round heated outdoor pool, complimentary s'mores fireside and live music.
- At the spa, a CBD body wrap combined with a visit to the Himalayan salt therapy room makes for a near-perfect recovery. Be sure to check out the whirlpool bathtubs in each room, too.