Photo Credit: Kevin Kass/Shutterstock
Every year—without fail—we tout the virtues of Aspen, describing it as a hot (yet incredibly cold) wintertime playground for the rich and famous. That’s still true but, this year, we decided to creep out of our reliably comfortable box and explore some new ski terrain… as well as, of course, a few super-luxe hotels. These three ski resorts have style, grace and, most importantly, the exotic taste of the unknown.
AMANGANI
JACKSON HOLE, WYOMINGÂ
1535 NE Butte Rd.
Jackson, WY, 83001
Photo Credit: Amangani
Jackson Hole is home to some of the best skiing in the Rockies, offering over 2,471 acres of terrain for experts and beginners alike (hello, bunny slopes). If you’re not a skier, you’re in luck: you can take lessons, or go snowmobiling, snowshoeing or on a sleigh ride through the awe-inspiring indulgence that is Amangani—a big-sky wilderness resort—perched on a butte near Yellowstone National Park.
THE STAY
It’s hard not to be impressed by the luxurious, masculine stylings of this all-suite hotel, which—with decorations of wood, leather and stone—completely embraces the spirit of the American West. Book the 676 square foot Grand Teton Suite if you’re feeling indulgent. This stay offers a wraparound balcony overlooking the Teton Range, a living area with a metal, gas-lit and remote-controlled fireplace, a window-side daybed, sunken bath, slate shower, and double-sink redwood vanity.
THE SLOPES
There are more than 2,470 acres of slopes available here and, thanks to 400 inches of annual snowfall, you’ll be hard-pressed to spend a winter day without some snow time. In addition to the downhill and cross-country skiing options available, guests also have the opportunity to embark on one of many nature treks (the best is a half-day affair that allows you to see elk and bison—otherwise known as wildlife you won’t see in Los Angeles and guided tours, as well as more uncommon options like heli-skiing, dog sledding, whitewater rafting and fly-fishing.
THE SPA
This room offers a serious view—especially if you’re outside enjoying a dip in the heated outdoor pool or Jacuzzi, with views of the Teton and Snake River Mountain ranges. You might feel like a member of the polar bear club, but it’s worth it for such a breathtaking view. Those who prefer to remain indoors can indulge in a hot stone treatment from the nearby Snake River or a Himalayan salt scrub, check out the his-and-hers steam rooms, enjoy a private yoga or Pilates session or choose one of many offerings from the holistic program menu. You can also opt to sweat inside the redwood-lined exercise studio, where personal trainers are on hand to bend and shape you.
THE EXTRASÂ
If you’re not a cold weather enthusiast, there are still a plethora of options available at this stunning resort. Take Amangani’s BMW for a spin around Yellowstone National Park and then hunker down at the Grill for a meal of sustainable ranch meats, fresh fish and farm-to-table fare. Grab a drink at Zinc Bar, a natural paradise with sandstone columns that serves up locallybrewed beer and custom cocktails. Here, guests are also welcome to enjoy the all-new Après-Ski Soirèe culinary experience: after noshing on light bites, the resort’s resident mixologist teaches eager students to create handcrafted cocktails that showcase the region’s locally-sourced ingredients and herbs.
MONTAGE DEER VALLEYÂ
PARK CITY, UTAHÂ
9100 Marsac Ave.
Park City, UT, 84060
Photo Credit: Montage Deer Valley
THE STAYÂ
Located on the top floor of the resort, the Summit View Four Bedroom Penthouse Residence offers panoramic views of the mountain trails and alpine valleys from every window. With over 5,300 square feet of living space, this private home features four bedrooms, three large private balconies, a fully outfitted kitchen, laundry facilities, marble bathrooms with heated floors and gas fireplaces.
THE SLOPESÂ
You’ll find that the resort’s employees not only deliver your skis directly to the slopes and help you put on your high-end Atomic ski equipment in the morning, but also keep your boots warm for you overnight. While on the slopes, hit up the exclusive Après Lounge, where you can sit back in style and sip bubbly from Veuve Clicquot. Try one of the new cocktails from its ‘Montage Rich’ menu, which features the champagne house’s latest offering, Veuve Clicquot Rich. The lounge will also expand this winter to include an outdoor ski beach and will be renamed The Après Lounge and Beach Club.
THE SPAÂ
At 35,000 square feet with 29 treatment rooms, Spa Montage is the largest in Utah. You’ll relax in style with everything you could possibly dream of having in one place: a sauna, steam room, deluge shower, Jacuzzi, heated lap pool, two whirlpools, a Vichy shower, hydrotherapy room and a state-of-the-art fitness center (for those who think relaxing involves exercise).
THE EXTRASÂ
You can take a private flight aboard a Pilatus-12 to one of Utah’s national parks for the day, rent a Mercedes or even take ski lessons with an Olympian. Or, for a more low-key experience, guests can enjoy on-site bowling and live acoustic performances from people they’ve seen on The Voice. Of the multiple eateries available, we can’t resist the 200+ whiskey menu at Burgers & Bourbon. Finally, every special evening at this haute hotel should end in front of a fire pit with five different flavors of s’mores and house-made hot chocolate.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES, VAIL
VAIL, COLORADOÂ
1 Vail Rd., Vail, CO, 81657
Photo Credit: The Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Vail
Vail is, quite simply, an awesome place to ski (thanks to its 193 alpine trails within seven miles of Colorado Rockies terrain). Skiers will also find a quietly elegant and completely comfortable hotel in the relatively new Four Seasons Resort and Residences, a six-year-old locale that stays true to its mountain roots with natural hickory wood accents and limestone that highlights the furniture, fireplaces, flooring and walls. Here, you’ll be at home… only better.
THE SLOPES
Four Seasons Vail’s guests can get up the mountain before the lifts even start running, with specialized alpine touring gear for the ultimate ‘fresh tracks’ experience. Armed with a few gourmet ‘pocket-sized meals’ for a little pre-ski fuel, Paragon Guides can take you on a pre-sunrise ascent up Bald Mountain or Vail Pass for a gorgeous sunrise ski down, culminating in a big (well-earned) breakfast back at the Four Seasons. For the ultimate Instagram brag shot, a professional videographer accompanies each group. But that isn’t all: there’s also a full-service concierge team that, upon check-in, can outfit you in boots and skis courtesy of Gorsuch. A nifty little computer system sends your measurements directly to the resort’s Ski Concierge building, whereupon your boots and skis will be placed in a state-of-the-art locker that air-dries all gear. When you’re ready to hit the slopes, your pre-fitted boots will be presented warmed and your skis waxed. And for the foodies who also love to ski, once a month, the resort invites a select few guests to experience its secret, gourmet-style pop-up barbecue on the mountain, as well as an afternoon of skiing with the resort’s best instructors and management team.
THE STAYÂ
Go big or stay home, we say! Book a six-bedroom, 5743 square foot suite to feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury. It has two deep standing tubs, a full Italian kitchen, three stone fireplaces, a giant outdoor terrace and balconies, as well as 360-degree views of Vail Village and the mountains.
THE SPAÂ
Skiers will love the Four Seasons spa, which offers a snow-centric treatment menu, whirlpools, steam rooms and a year-round heated saline pool. This winter, there’s also a new spa experience that helps guests adjust to high altitude as quickly as possible. It includes a therapist consultation to learn acclimation tips and secrets, a 50-minute High Altitude Adjustment Massage, as well as an Altitude Adjustment Kit. There’s also a vintage men’s barbershop within the spa, which offers men a cut and a cold one, plus an array of treatments from its ‘Brew and Renew’ menu: services that utilize, yes, beer.
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