The adventurous have always found romance in the high country, but these peaks have come a long way from the days of rickety outposts. Here are four alpine escapes that provide the ultimate in upcountry luxury.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
With more than 200 trails, 17 mountain restaurants and an average of 360 inches of snowfall per year, Whistler is consistently rated North America’s best ski destination. Soak it all in at the palatial Fairmont Chateau Whistler, situated at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in British Columbia. Fairmont Gold Rooms come with private check-in, a personal concierge and access to the Gold Lounge, where après-ski means cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in front of the fireplaces. Rooms from $259. – Allan Lynch
Hotel Park City
Park City, Utah, is one of the most sought-after mountain escapes in the U.S., thanks to the 2002 Olympic Games and the tabloid frenzy that is the annual Sundance Film Festival. The hottest address in town is Hotel Park City. Park City Mountain Resort’s new Silver Star lift gives guests immediate access to top-rated terrain, and when night falls, you’re just steps away from the bustle of historic Main Street. Other pluses: cozy gas fireplaces and jetted tubs in every room, a heated outdoor pool and the wilderness-inspired Alpine Spa. Celeb guests include David and Courtney Cox Arquette and Sean and Robin Wright Penn. Rooms from $699. – Jackie D’Antonio
The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera
Longtime visitors to Vail complain that the Valley has become too crowded of late. But you won’t notice here. Rooms have luxe touches like vaulted ceilings and fireplaces. But the best amenity is space: The lodge sits on 6,500 acres just north of Vail Mountain, giving it an intimate vibe that can’t be found closer to town. The slopes are a mere 15-minute drive away, or stay put and soak up the solitude while snowmobiling through Colorado backcountry or sipping hot chocolate on a starlit sleigh ride. Rooms from $250. – Melissa Lamkin
Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa
There’s something timeless about New England winters, with blazing embers in stone fireplaces and snow piled up on window ledges. Stoweflake Resort blends classic charm with modern amenities: The activity desk rents the latest equipment from snowshoes to skis, Winfield’s Bistro puts a creative twist on continental cuisine (they’ve won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence nine years in a row), and the Spa at Stoweflake sets the standard in the region. Stay in the main inn, or spread out at the Meadows at Stoweflake, where town homes come with kitchenettes, fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Rooms from $280. – Susan Moynihan
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