Best North American Ski Destinations

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Oyster’s got its ski suit and earmuffs on — we’re ready for ski season! We have been working tirelessly scoping out all the best ski destinations for you to hit the slopes in style. These hotels are the best of the best, whether it is value, luxury, kid-friendly or location you want, you will have a sleigh ride to remember. Check it out!

Vancouver, Canada

In a bustling coastal metropolis that uniquely offers views of both the mountains and the sea, a boutique hotel is just what you need to come home to in Vancouver. These small, intimate properties make you feel relaxed; whether you decide to stay on the women’s-only floor at The Georgian Court Hotel or indulge in the subtle earth tones, floor-to-ceiling windows, and decadent marble bathrooms at the Loden Hotel.

Whistler, Canada

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A luxurious escape from the madness of the touristy parts of Whistler, the 77 suites at Nita Lake Lodge evoke sophisticated, mountain-town style, with high, vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and beautiful balconies with gorgeous views. Decor is effortlessly elegant, playing on simple, contrasting colors, like clean, white linens and dark wood trim.

An on-site European restaurant features organic and sustainable food. More dining options can be found in Creekside — just a short walk away — and a free shuttle carts visitors to Whistler regularly. Guests can swim in the Nita Lake — it’s cold, but entirely possible in the summer — and other lakes that are all within a 10-minute walk.

Vail, Colorado

Good news: it is possible to get a good deal in one of the most expensive ski towns in the country. Vail has a lot to offer, and with these hotels it’s worth the trip.

Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa is located in a serene, creek-side spot in Vail Village, which you can’t beat. The indoor/outdoor pool at Marriott’s StreamSide at Vail is uncommon, and you’ll be able to enjoy the full kitchens, fireplaces and homey mountain decor.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The stunning panoramic views of the Tetons make homey The Sassy Moose Inn worth the trip. It has a genuinely homey vibe throughout; its quaint on-site spa and log cabin decor will help you feel like you’re in your own living room. Its proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort make it a great, casual destination for anyone seeking to be surrounded by the great outdoors (and the occasional moose).

Breckenridge, Colorado

As one of the higher-end properties in Breckenridge, The Crystal Peak Lodge has a great winter location on Peak 7, right on the Breck-Connect Gondola line.

Upscale details can be found throughout, including exposed wood beams in the open common area and stone fireplaces in the big, individually owned condos. There are two Jacuzzis on-site, and guests have free access to One Ski Hill Place’s amenities, including the indoor pools, the two-lane Mine Shaft Bowling alley, and media rooms.

Park City, Utah

The luxurious 170-room Stein Erikson Lodge offers ski-in, ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort and has a design style that could be described as “wilderness chic.”

Deer Valley is the ultra-luxe area of Park City, with glamour similar to that in Aspen. The heated sidewalks are lined with high-end restaurants and shops, the resorts are top-notch and perks such as free ski valets and free shuttles to the slopes from the parking lots are season-long luxuries.

Lake Placid, New York

This alpine-style Best Western has a great location across from the Olympic Center and just blocks away from downtown Lake Placid and Mirror Lake beach.

The cozy living-room-like lobby, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness center, free breakfast and game room are added bonuses at this family-run hotel that’s one of the more budget-friendly options in town. It’s walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants and bars, and has free breakfast in a spacious dining area.

Aspen, Colorado

Overshadowed by trees, the Annabelle Inn can be hard to spot on the first drive-by. But the rustic lodge stays true to its unflashy roots with nicely updated mountain-lodge-style decor in the lobby, including tons of old, unfinished barn wood (even the ceilings), comfy leather couches and a cozy stone fireplace.

The layout of the Annabelle is unlike any other in the Aspen area, with a four-story, courtyard-style layout exposing all the stairways and walkways to the elements. The central focus of the inn, the courtyard, is a serene area with a wonderfully landscaped water and stone feature, and pretty flower pots.

On the fourth floor, overlooking the courtyard, a ski-lift swing (Aspen’s take on a porch swing) is a great spot to take in the beautiful mountain views. The two outdoor Jacuzzis also offer mountain views (though just a peek), and serve as prime spots for post-slope relaxation — the upper Jacuzzi area features ski videos every evening, an added perk for ski junkies.

The main draw of the quaint, historic The Peery Hotel is its downtown location, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. The rooms have Tempur-Pedic beds with quality linens and romantic white canopies, iPod docks and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.