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The 38 Essential Ski Town Hotels, March '14

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We are kicking off Hotels Week with a bang by releasing a new edition of Curbed Ski's Hotel 38 map, our answer to the question, "Where should I stay in ski country?" Just in time for you to make those summer ski town plans, we've curated the top ski town hotels from East to West, from Stowe to Tahoe, and all the way North to Whistler. While largely of the luxurious nature, we've also made sure to include a range, from classic top-notch hotels like the The Little Nell, to boutiques like the Lumiere and Dunton Hot Springs, and to B&B's loaded with personality like the Glacier Wall Inn and Vermont's Pitchen Inn. In this edition, the iconic Sun Valley Lodge has been nudged off the list as it undergoes a major renovation, although we can't wait to check out the new digs. We've also cut the Resort at Squaw Creek after a few lackluster reviews and comments that the hotel is in need of an upgrade. In their place, Curbed Ski would like to welcome Mammoth's Westin Monache Resort and the Goldener Hirsch Inn, a small luxury boutique hotel in Deer Valley. Keep in mind that the order follows not from best to worst, but simply from east to west.

For those of you readying your pitchforks because your favorite isn't included, wouldn't it just be more productive to tip us for next time? We'll be updating this map periodically, so if we blew it not including your favorite hotel in ski country, let us know your beef with our list by e-mailing us here.

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Omni Mount Washington Resort

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One of the last great New England lodges, the Mountain Washington Resort opened in 1902 and hosted the founding of the World Bank and the IMF during World War II. Now with family-friendly skiing a quick drive away at Bretton Woods, the hotel remains a year-round fixture of the White Mountains. Old-world touches like the Great Hall sitting room and the Cave – a former speakeasy – are still around, while fine dining at Stickneys and Donald Ross championship golf course count as stellar modern upgrades.

The Pitcher Inn

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In the quaint Vermont town of Warren and only minutes from the slopes of Sugarbush, the Pitcher Inn was crafted out of a renovated Civil War-era lodging home for passing wagon drivers. Its eleven individually-appointed guest rooms, stellar American cuisine in its 275 Main restaurant, and the non-stop energy of GM Ari Sadri all helped the hotel make it on Condé Naste Traveler’s Best List of places to stay worldwide. For those obsessed with rustic Vermont charm, look no further.

Stowe Mountain Lodge

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When it opened in 2008 with 300 guest rooms, the Stowe Mountain Lodge brought the full-service amenities of a resort hotel more commonly found at Western ski areas back to New England, including the hotel’s alpine cabin architecture, stone-framed fireplaces, top-notch service including ski, golf, and fly-fishing “sherpas,” loaner Mercedes, and stellar outdoor pool and hot tub. Its success has been enough to garner the attention of National Geographic and more than a few other publications.

Topnotch Resort & Spa

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With "over the top" food at the family-friendly restaurant The Roost, a new look, a clean and friendly spa, and classic Vermont charm, the Topnotch Resort is a stellar retreat after a day winding through Stowe's trees and soft snow. Guests rave about the roomy fitness center, tennis, and seasonal horseback riding. An outdoor heated pool and hot tub help, too.

Lake Placid Lodge

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Opened in 2005 in the style of the grand Adirondack lodges, the Lake Placid Lodge sits lakefront on Lake Placid, home of the 1980 Winter Olympics, and about thirty minutes from skiing at Whiteface. Hand-made furniture and great food and wine await guests throughout the hotel. Service is impeccable, with countless personalized touches like champagne on arrival, afternoon snacks, and complimentary mountain bikes, yoga, snowshoes, and cross-country skis. The New York Times recommends renting one of the gorgeous hewn-log cabins with giant stone fireplaces and porcelain tubs. Seventeen are lakefront.

One Ski Hill Place

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The relatively new Rock Resorts establishment with ski-in/ski-out service at the base of Breckenridge has quickly become a hit. With a collection of apartment-style residential units, One Ski Hill Place gives families a chance to spread out a bit more. A bowling alley, movie theater, two hot tubs, two pools, and a summertime “Fun Park” with a host of kid-focused diversions should keep vacationing families satisfied. Service is great and the in-house T-Bar with plenty of TVs has become a favorite for lunch or après during ski season.

Sonnenalp Resort of Vail

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Love Vail Village’s imitation-Alps charm? Then Vail’s giant faux-Austrian lodge - The Sonnenalp - is where you should stay. The spacious rooms are all outfitted with classic Bavarian décor and the white stucco walls that are a hallmark of Germanic Alps lodges. The breakfast buffet gets notably high marks, as does the fondue at Swiss Chalet. While not slopeside, it is within 200 feet of Vail Village’s main pedestrian mall. Guests recommend rooms facing the ambling creek or Vail Mountain itself.

The Sebastian Hotel

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A luxury boutique hotel, The Sebastian caters to everyone from honeymooners (try the Luxury Plaza Room) to families who want a bit more space (there are one, two, three, and four-bedroom suites). Since the hotel is not slopeside, a private ski valet (called Base Camp) is set up at the base of the mountain near Gondola One to store boots and skis, and staff are always willing to transport skiers by private shuttle. To top it off, the heated pool and four outdoor hot tubs make The Sebastian one of our favorite spots in Vail.

Four Seasons Resort Vail

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The Four Seasons brings their legendary standards of service to Vail Village with a central location that’s walking distance to anything you’d need to get to in town. Guests rave about the spacious bathrooms, uber-comfy beds and cozy in-room fireplaces, along with the spa (gorgeous!) and and the heated pool facing the mountain. There's a great breakfast buffet, a fun game room for families, and a ski concierge at the base of the mountain so skiers never have to struggle with gear.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

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The enormous signature ski-in/ski-out lodge of Beaver Creek houses a generous 180 guest rooms and 40 suites. The Ritz’s list of amenities is long and distinguished, too: the only Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Colorado, a 21,000 square foot four-star spa that includes a grotto, and a friendly dog (named Bachelor, naturally) you can actually rent to keep you company. Immaculate rooms great every guest, and the Bachelor Gulch Express high-speed quad chairlift is right out the back door.

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain

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This large outpost of the Westin hotel chain has direct access to skiing at Beaver Creek via a gondola and all the ski amenities you could want. Beyond the nicely appointed rooms and friendly staff, the pool is huge and visitors enjoy jaw-dropping mountain views any time of the year. Don't miss the 27,000-square-foot Spa Anjali, consistently ranked one of the top spas in the nation.

Lodge At Mountaineer Square

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If you’re coming to ski Crested Butte’s legendary steeps off The North Face and Third Bowl, the Lodge at Mountaineer Square is where you want to stay. Situated a minute walk away from the base of the mountain, the Lodge has many condo-style suites to accommodate families and those who want to be a little bit more self-sufficient, while a free shuttle brings guests to and from the largely undeveloped Old West ski town that is old Crested Butte for dinner and drinks. Service and housekeeping gets high marks, as does the trail access for mountain bikers.

Viceroy Snowmass

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The ski resort-owned Viceroy was built to bring an Aspen level of luxury Snowmass Village, and it appears to have worked. The ski-in/ski-out hotel gets high marks for service, clean rooms, and suites outfitted with Viking appliances. Delicious hot chocolate and hot spiced cider is served at the end of every ski day.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort

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This is Aspen’s most classically luxurious experience. The expansive hotel includes a stellar 15,000 square foot spa, Remède, and fine dining at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Trecento Quindici Decano. Comfortable beds, top-notch service, and a gorgeous heated outdoor pool and hot tub area bring guests back, again and again. Our tip? Upgrade to a suite for the ultimate in luxury.

Hotel Jerome

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The site of the legendary J Bar which inspired an Eagles song, this hotel holds the distinction as the site of Hunter S. Thompson’s memorial service. As one of the first buildings west of the Mississippi to have fully electric lighting, it also made the National Register of Historic Places. An award-winning interior renovation completed in 2012 gave the hotel a gorgeous new lobby along with a great new restaurant – Prospect – while doing away with heavy old details like the red velvet that used to hang everywhere.

The Limelight Hotel

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This downtown, pet-friendly Aspen hotel was named the best hotel in America by Expedia. The rooms are large, comfortable, and well-priced with plenty of amenities including complimentary town bikes, a heated pool, and nice hot tubs. Located just steps from Aspen Mountain, the hotel also offers free shuttles to Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Don't miss the Limelight's tasty breakfast and happy hour (with pizza!) in the lobby.

The Little Nell

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Downtown Aspen’s most talked-about hotel is the only five-star, five-diamond hotel in town and the only one slopeside on Aspen Mountain. Celebs of all kind book a room to ski or simply to shop and be seen. A renovation in 2009 updated the look and feel of the rooms while another in 2012 added Element 47, a well-reviewed restaurant with an extensive wine list and chef Bryan Moscatello at the helm. The Nell prides itself on service, and will offer guests everything from a quick ride into town to dog walking. This hotel has it all.

Dunton Hot Springs

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Located in the San Juan Mountains, this resort was once a high-alpine ghost town full of 19th-century log-hewn buildings. After extensive renovation, the former homesteads are now luxurious private cabins, the old saloon houses an award-winning restaurant and bar, and a restored bath house hosts one of six hot springs on the property (luxury "glamping" sites with ensuite bathrooms are also available). It's about an hour to Telluride Ski Resort (hotel can also help arrange heli-skiing tours), but this hotel might be best enjoyed in the summer when travelers can take advantage of the Colorado backcountry's excellent hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or fly-fishing.

New Sheridan Hotel & Chop House

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Right on Main Street next to the site of Butch Cassidy’s first bank robbery, the New Sheridan is a classic example of frontier Victorian architecture which houses the town’s oldest bar. A 2008 renovation updated the cozy historical charm of the building while bringing in a stellar steakhouse and two rooftop hot tubs with views of the ski area. Since it is open to the noise of Main Street’s nightlife below, the hotel provides ‘white noise machines,’ which most reviews rank as highly useful.

Lumiere

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With just eleven hotel rooms and eighteen guest residences, the cozy comforts at the Lumiere impress every time. Helpful staff and the selection of fresh-baked goodies available in the lobby daily are highlights of this ski-in/ski-out location in Mountain Village with immediate access to the slopes at Telluride. The hotel is also a short walk from the town gondola, making it easy to ditch your car. The ski concierge is lovely, rooms are large, and the resort gets high marks for small luxurious touches, like the steam showers that transport you to water nirvana.

Hotel Terra

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This ‘eco hotel’ at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is within spitting distance of two Jackson Hole institutions – the Tram, and the Mangy Moose. Known for beautiful modern rooms, an excellent spa, and the in-house Italian restaurant, Osteria, its most dramatic feature is the infinity hot tub overlooking the base village. Best enjoyed in winter when proximity to the Tram on powder days is key, it’s also within a few miles of Yellowstone National Park.

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

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A well-noted Forbes travel writer just named this luxurious outpost one of his picks for "Hotels I Love." Service is impeccable and winter staff at the hotel's Base Camp will even buckle your ski boots (uh, no thanks). There are well appointed rooms, family-friendly amenities, and a gorgeous nature-inspired pool complex. The hotel wins on location, a short walk from the Jackson Hole gondola in the winter and close to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in the summer. Just keep in mind that impeccable service won’t make skiing the steep and never-ending vertical of Jackson Hole the slightest bit easier.

Amangani

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This modern single-story boutique hotel spreads across East Gros Ventre Butte on a remote, private bluff with spectacular views of Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons themselves. The stone and wood décor invite supreme relaxation, as does the location and the 35-meter pool with an open deck facing the Tetons. A sizable gym and spa keep visitors healthy and fit, as do the private hiking trails. The Tetons are some of the most dramatic mountains in North America, capped by the 13,775 foot jagged summit of the Grant Teton, and few other locations enjoy the Amangani’s perspective of it.

Rustler Lodge

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The Rustler is the most luxurious of Alta's hotels known for being “Interlodged,” meaning locked down when heavy storms threaten the canyon's concrete hotels with avalanches. Guests lucky enough to be closed in the night before can enjoy private powder the next morning before anyone else can get up the mountain (although, be warned: serious storms can mean Interlodge last for days). A hotel stay includes breakfast and dinner that are both superb, and rooms that are very comfortable if not a bit "rustic" compared to other ski towns.

Hotel Park City

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Guests award high marks for these luxury apartment-style accomondations in Park City. All suites, cottages, and villas have their own washer/dryer and kitchens, and many have private hot tubs. While skiing is close, it’s best for golfing, as the Park City Golf Club wraps around the resort. The pool is spacious and has gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks.

Washington School House Hotel

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One of the three original schoolhouses in 19th-century Park City, the Washington School House was turned into a B&B in 1984, and the limestone structure was renovated a second time and turned into a luxury boutique hotel in 2011. Compared with the Western rustic motif of most ski town hotels, the Washington School House Hotel has a cooler palette with a contemporary chic that creates a calm mountain oasis. There are only a dozen guest rooms, and all are a tad small, but the experience itself is intimate in all the right ways, as is the service.

Goldener Hirsch Inn

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Located mid-mountain in the Silver Lake area of Deer Valley Resort, the Goldener Hirsch Inn was voted as the Best Ski Boutique Hotel of 2013 in the World Ski Awards. This Austrian-style inn features ski-in/ski-out luxury complete with antler chandeliers and handcrafted furnishings. With only 20 rooms (all featuring king-size beds and fireplaces) this place doesn't have the huge resort-type amenities of some hotels, but it does cast a magical European charm. Just call us smitten.

Montage Deer Valley

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A recent addition to the upper crust of the ski scene, the Montage Deer Valley has earned its stellar reputation with 154 guest rooms and 66 suites. A 35,0000 square foot spa just might be one of the best in ski country, with over-the-top packages and an indoor mosaic pool. Almost all of the well-appointed rooms are larger than expected and the mountain craftsman-style decor is sophisticated and subtle. This place does luxury right.

Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley

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The “Scandinavian masterpiece” named after the legendary Norwegian pioneer of American skiing sits fifty feet from the lifts mid-mountain at Deer Valley. The only Five Diamond hotel in Utah, the Lodge gets high marks from Forbes for its spa and dining at the Gilitretind restaurant. Many of the rooms include private hot tubs on the deck, and a helpful shuttle service makes enjoying Park City’s Main Street a breeze.

Summit Hotel Big Sky

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While Big Sky might not have Vail-level amenities, décor, or luxury, if a trip to Montana’s short lift lines and radical landscapes is in order, the slopeside Summit at Big Sky is where you want to stay. The hotel and its outdoor oversized hot tub are within steps of the lifts, the rooms are comfortable, and a solid breakfast is offered every morning. While all rooms have mountain views and many have gas fireplaces, guests recommend getting one facing Big Sky’s signature summit, Lone Peak.

Glacier Wall Inn

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Situated in downtown Whitefish 15 minutes from Glacier National Park and 17 from the ski area, this award-winning chef-owned bed & breakfast is known for its immaculate recreation of 1920’s art deco style, from the claw-foot bathtubs to the furnishings to the wallpaper and great food. The gourmet breakfast is outrageously good, and every afternoon, guests can expect to return to the comfort of the main living room to enjoy complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres in front of a fire of birch and pine. Owners Rhonda Fitzgerald and Chris Schustrom are an outdoorsy pair that can point guests in the best direction for the day’s activities.

Knob Hill Inn

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After a recent renovation in the fall of 2012, the centrally located Knob Hill Inn features updated boutique charm and a modern palette that impresses guests used to Sun Valley's subtle luxury. The service is outstanding, with friendly staff willing to drive guests a short trip to the ski lifts or to a dinner reservation a few minutes away. The well-decorated rooms feature extra-comfy beds, deep bathtubs, and plenty of space for all your gear (we love the hooks for jackets!). A tasty breakfast awaits each morning, and there are even free iPads available for guests during their stay.

Basecamp Hotel

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A renovated motel that’s now a outdoorsy boutique blocks away from the casinos of South Lake Tahoe, the Heavenly gondola, and its own private beach, Basecamp’s thoughtfully designed hipster décor surprises without being too over the top. There’s even a “Great Indoors” room with a canvas tent over the king bed with a chandelier inside, along with a fake fire glowing behind a picnic table. Great communal spaces – from the marshmellow-roasting outdoor fireplace to the rooftop hot tub – encourage connections, while the young staff, showers, and dog-friendly policy all get rave reviews.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

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One of the few luxury resorts in the Tahoe area and one of the only slopeside hotels around, the Ritz Carlton at Northstar-At-Tahoe leaves nothing wanting as far as accommodations and service are concerned. A giant octagonal lobby with a 55-foot granite fireplace is a beautiful architectural centerpiece. Guests tend to complain that the mid-mountain location leads more to a feeling of isolation than needed seclusion, but the staff's friendly and accommodating service make up for any drawbacks. Overpriced overight parking is a burn, too, but huge rooms and the ski-in/ski-out location still make the Ritz a solid choice.

Nita Lake Lodge

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One of Trip Advisor’s 25 best Canadian hotels, the Nita Lake Lodge is the only lakefront hotel in Whistler, and sits 500 meters from the Whistler Creekside gondola. It’s definitely for guests who want a calm, quiet place to retreat from the day’s activities, and not for those who are coming up to get rowdy in Whistler Village. Free bike and boat rentals are available for guests who want to get out on the small lake or the area’s vast bike path network, and free shuttle rides are available into Whistler Village, which is about five minutes away.

Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler

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Despite competition from the Fairmont Chateau, the Four Seasons still holds the crown as Whistler’s preeminent luxury hotel. Located in Upper Whistler Village, the Four Seasons lives up to its pristine reputation here, with unreal service, gorgeous rooms (especially those with balconies), a great ski concierge service, and again, unreal service. There is some trade-off with the Fairmont as guests are not slopeside like their competitor is, but they’re also in a quieter part of the Village that will be better for older crowds and families. At the end of the day, though, the Four Seasons put itself above the fold thanks to its world-renowned service standards and a pretty spectacular spa.

The Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Mountain Resort

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As Revelstoke Mountain Resort becomes one of the new hot places to ski, visitors should look no further than the Sutton Place Hotel. A ski-in/ski-out property that offers 222 condo-style hotel rooms, this hotel is mere steps away from the lift and the perfect option for scoring all the powder British Colombia has to offer. They even offer heli-ski packages that start at under $900 per person.

The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth

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As the nicest accommodations in Mammoth, the Westin Monache Resort impresses guests with its four star rating and convenient village location. Good service and dog-friendly lodging are major pluses, and many rooms offer kitchenettes which help cut down on resort food costs. Try booking one of the suites and enjoy mountain views and large rooms.

Omni Mount Washington Resort

One of the last great New England lodges, the Mountain Washington Resort opened in 1902 and hosted the founding of the World Bank and the IMF during World War II. Now with family-friendly skiing a quick drive away at Bretton Woods, the hotel remains a year-round fixture of the White Mountains. Old-world touches like the Great Hall sitting room and the Cave – a former speakeasy – are still around, while fine dining at Stickneys and Donald Ross championship golf course count as stellar modern upgrades.

The Pitcher Inn

In the quaint Vermont town of Warren and only minutes from the slopes of Sugarbush, the Pitcher Inn was crafted out of a renovated Civil War-era lodging home for passing wagon drivers. Its eleven individually-appointed guest rooms, stellar American cuisine in its 275 Main restaurant, and the non-stop energy of GM Ari Sadri all helped the hotel make it on Condé Naste Traveler’s Best List of places to stay worldwide. For those obsessed with rustic Vermont charm, look no further.

Stowe Mountain Lodge

When it opened in 2008 with 300 guest rooms, the Stowe Mountain Lodge brought the full-service amenities of a resort hotel more commonly found at Western ski areas back to New England, including the hotel’s alpine cabin architecture, stone-framed fireplaces, top-notch service including ski, golf, and fly-fishing “sherpas,” loaner Mercedes, and stellar outdoor pool and hot tub. Its success has been enough to garner the attention of National Geographic and more than a few other publications.

Topnotch Resort & Spa

With "over the top" food at the family-friendly restaurant The Roost, a new look, a clean and friendly spa, and classic Vermont charm, the Topnotch Resort is a stellar retreat after a day winding through Stowe's trees and soft snow. Guests rave about the roomy fitness center, tennis, and seasonal horseback riding. An outdoor heated pool and hot tub help, too.

Lake Placid Lodge

Opened in 2005 in the style of the grand Adirondack lodges, the Lake Placid Lodge sits lakefront on Lake Placid, home of the 1980 Winter Olympics, and about thirty minutes from skiing at Whiteface. Hand-made furniture and great food and wine await guests throughout the hotel. Service is impeccable, with countless personalized touches like champagne on arrival, afternoon snacks, and complimentary mountain bikes, yoga, snowshoes, and cross-country skis. The New York Times recommends renting one of the gorgeous hewn-log cabins with giant stone fireplaces and porcelain tubs. Seventeen are lakefront.

One Ski Hill Place

The relatively new Rock Resorts establishment with ski-in/ski-out service at the base of Breckenridge has quickly become a hit. With a collection of apartment-style residential units, One Ski Hill Place gives families a chance to spread out a bit more. A bowling alley, movie theater, two hot tubs, two pools, and a summertime “Fun Park” with a host of kid-focused diversions should keep vacationing families satisfied. Service is great and the in-house T-Bar with plenty of TVs has become a favorite for lunch or après during ski season.

Sonnenalp Resort of Vail

Love Vail Village’s imitation-Alps charm? Then Vail’s giant faux-Austrian lodge - The Sonnenalp - is where you should stay. The spacious rooms are all outfitted with classic Bavarian décor and the white stucco walls that are a hallmark of Germanic Alps lodges. The breakfast buffet gets notably high marks, as does the fondue at Swiss Chalet. While not slopeside, it is within 200 feet of Vail Village’s main pedestrian mall. Guests recommend rooms facing the ambling creek or Vail Mountain itself.

The Sebastian Hotel

A luxury boutique hotel, The Sebastian caters to everyone from honeymooners (try the Luxury Plaza Room) to families who want a bit more space (there are one, two, three, and four-bedroom suites). Since the hotel is not slopeside, a private ski valet (called Base Camp) is set up at the base of the mountain near Gondola One to store boots and skis, and staff are always willing to transport skiers by private shuttle. To top it off, the heated pool and four outdoor hot tubs make The Sebastian one of our favorite spots in Vail.

Four Seasons Resort Vail

The Four Seasons brings their legendary standards of service to Vail Village with a central location that’s walking distance to anything you’d need to get to in town. Guests rave about the spacious bathrooms, uber-comfy beds and cozy in-room fireplaces, along with the spa (gorgeous!) and and the heated pool facing the mountain. There's a great breakfast buffet, a fun game room for families, and a ski concierge at the base of the mountain so skiers never have to struggle with gear.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

The enormous signature ski-in/ski-out lodge of Beaver Creek houses a generous 180 guest rooms and 40 suites. The Ritz’s list of amenities is long and distinguished, too: the only Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Colorado, a 21,000 square foot four-star spa that includes a grotto, and a friendly dog (named Bachelor, naturally) you can actually rent to keep you company. Immaculate rooms great every guest, and the Bachelor Gulch Express high-speed quad chairlift is right out the back door.

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain

This large outpost of the Westin hotel chain has direct access to skiing at Beaver Creek via a gondola and all the ski amenities you could want. Beyond the nicely appointed rooms and friendly staff, the pool is huge and visitors enjoy jaw-dropping mountain views any time of the year. Don't miss the 27,000-square-foot Spa Anjali, consistently ranked one of the top spas in the nation.

Lodge At Mountaineer Square

If you’re coming to ski Crested Butte’s legendary steeps off The North Face and Third Bowl, the Lodge at Mountaineer Square is where you want to stay. Situated a minute walk away from the base of the mountain, the Lodge has many condo-style suites to accommodate families and those who want to be a little bit more self-sufficient, while a free shuttle brings guests to and from the largely undeveloped Old West ski town that is old Crested Butte for dinner and drinks. Service and housekeeping gets high marks, as does the trail access for mountain bikers.

Viceroy Snowmass

The ski resort-owned Viceroy was built to bring an Aspen level of luxury Snowmass Village, and it appears to have worked. The ski-in/ski-out hotel gets high marks for service, clean rooms, and suites outfitted with Viking appliances. Delicious hot chocolate and hot spiced cider is served at the end of every ski day.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort

This is Aspen’s most classically luxurious experience. The expansive hotel includes a stellar 15,000 square foot spa, Remède, and fine dining at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Trecento Quindici Decano. Comfortable beds, top-notch service, and a gorgeous heated outdoor pool and hot tub area bring guests back, again and again. Our tip? Upgrade to a suite for the ultimate in luxury.

Hotel Jerome

The site of the legendary J Bar which inspired an Eagles song, this hotel holds the distinction as the site of Hunter S. Thompson’s memorial service. As one of the first buildings west of the Mississippi to have fully electric lighting, it also made the National Register of Historic Places. An award-winning interior renovation completed in 2012 gave the hotel a gorgeous new lobby along with a great new restaurant – Prospect – while doing away with heavy old details like the red velvet that used to hang everywhere.

The Limelight Hotel

This downtown, pet-friendly Aspen hotel was named the best hotel in America by Expedia. The rooms are large, comfortable, and well-priced with plenty of amenities including complimentary town bikes, a heated pool, and nice hot tubs. Located just steps from Aspen Mountain, the hotel also offers free shuttles to Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Don't miss the Limelight's tasty breakfast and happy hour (with pizza!) in the lobby.

The Little Nell

Downtown Aspen’s most talked-about hotel is the only five-star, five-diamond hotel in town and the only one slopeside on Aspen Mountain. Celebs of all kind book a room to ski or simply to shop and be seen. A renovation in 2009 updated the look and feel of the rooms while another in 2012 added Element 47, a well-reviewed restaurant with an extensive wine list and chef Bryan Moscatello at the helm. The Nell prides itself on service, and will offer guests everything from a quick ride into town to dog walking. This hotel has it all.

Dunton Hot Springs

Located in the San Juan Mountains, this resort was once a high-alpine ghost town full of 19th-century log-hewn buildings. After extensive renovation, the former homesteads are now luxurious private cabins, the old saloon houses an award-winning restaurant and bar, and a restored bath house hosts one of six hot springs on the property (luxury "glamping" sites with ensuite bathrooms are also available). It's about an hour to Telluride Ski Resort (hotel can also help arrange heli-skiing tours), but this hotel might be best enjoyed in the summer when travelers can take advantage of the Colorado backcountry's excellent hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or fly-fishing.

New Sheridan Hotel & Chop House

Right on Main Street next to the site of Butch Cassidy’s first bank robbery, the New Sheridan is a classic example of frontier Victorian architecture which houses the town’s oldest bar. A 2008 renovation updated the cozy historical charm of the building while bringing in a stellar steakhouse and two rooftop hot tubs with views of the ski area. Since it is open to the noise of Main Street’s nightlife below, the hotel provides ‘white noise machines,’ which most reviews rank as highly useful.

Lumiere

With just eleven hotel rooms and eighteen guest residences, the cozy comforts at the Lumiere impress every time. Helpful staff and the selection of fresh-baked goodies available in the lobby daily are highlights of this ski-in/ski-out location in Mountain Village with immediate access to the slopes at Telluride. The hotel is also a short walk from the town gondola, making it easy to ditch your car. The ski concierge is lovely, rooms are large, and the resort gets high marks for small luxurious touches, like the steam showers that transport you to water nirvana.

Hotel Terra

This ‘eco hotel’ at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is within spitting distance of two Jackson Hole institutions – the Tram, and the Mangy Moose. Known for beautiful modern rooms, an excellent spa, and the in-house Italian restaurant, Osteria, its most dramatic feature is the infinity hot tub overlooking the base village. Best enjoyed in winter when proximity to the Tram on powder days is key, it’s also within a few miles of Yellowstone National Park.

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

A well-noted Forbes travel writer just named this luxurious outpost one of his picks for "Hotels I Love." Service is impeccable and winter staff at the hotel's Base Camp will even buckle your ski boots (uh, no thanks). There are well appointed rooms, family-friendly amenities, and a gorgeous nature-inspired pool complex. The hotel wins on location, a short walk from the Jackson Hole gondola in the winter and close to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in the summer. Just keep in mind that impeccable service won’t make skiing the steep and never-ending vertical of Jackson Hole the slightest bit easier.

Amangani

This modern single-story boutique hotel spreads across East Gros Ventre Butte on a remote, private bluff with spectacular views of Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons themselves. The stone and wood décor invite supreme relaxation, as does the location and the 35-meter pool with an open deck facing the Tetons. A sizable gym and spa keep visitors healthy and fit, as do the private hiking trails. The Tetons are some of the most dramatic mountains in North America, capped by the 13,775 foot jagged summit of the Grant Teton, and few other locations enjoy the Amangani’s perspective of it.

Rustler Lodge

The Rustler is the most luxurious of Alta's hotels known for being “Interlodged,” meaning locked down when heavy storms threaten the canyon's concrete hotels with avalanches. Guests lucky enough to be closed in the night before can enjoy private powder the next morning before anyone else can get up the mountain (although, be warned: serious storms can mean Interlodge last for days). A hotel stay includes breakfast and dinner that are both superb, and rooms that are very comfortable if not a bit "rustic" compared to other ski towns.

Hotel Park City

Guests award high marks for these luxury apartment-style accomondations in Park City. All suites, cottages, and villas have their own washer/dryer and kitchens, and many have private hot tubs. While skiing is close, it’s best for golfing, as the Park City Golf Club wraps around the resort. The pool is spacious and has gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks.

Washington School House Hotel

One of the three original schoolhouses in 19th-century Park City, the Washington School House was turned into a B&B in 1984, and the limestone structure was renovated a second time and turned into a luxury boutique hotel in 2011. Compared with the Western rustic motif of most ski town hotels, the Washington School House Hotel has a cooler palette with a contemporary chic that creates a calm mountain oasis. There are only a dozen guest rooms, and all are a tad small, but the experience itself is intimate in all the right ways, as is the service.

Goldener Hirsch Inn

Located mid-mountain in the Silver Lake area of Deer Valley Resort, the Goldener Hirsch Inn was voted as the Best Ski Boutique Hotel of 2013 in the World Ski Awards. This Austrian-style inn features ski-in/ski-out luxury complete with antler chandeliers and handcrafted furnishings. With only 20 rooms (all featuring king-size beds and fireplaces) this place doesn't have the huge resort-type amenities of some hotels, but it does cast a magical European charm. Just call us smitten.

Montage Deer Valley

A recent addition to the upper crust of the ski scene, the Montage Deer Valley has earned its stellar reputation with 154 guest rooms and 66 suites. A 35,0000 square foot spa just might be one of the best in ski country, with over-the-top packages and an indoor mosaic pool. Almost all of the well-appointed rooms are larger than expected and the mountain craftsman-style decor is sophisticated and subtle. This place does luxury right.

Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley

The “Scandinavian masterpiece” named after the legendary Norwegian pioneer of American skiing sits fifty feet from the lifts mid-mountain at Deer Valley. The only Five Diamond hotel in Utah, the Lodge gets high marks from Forbes for its spa and dining at the Gilitretind restaurant. Many of the rooms include private hot tubs on the deck, and a helpful shuttle service makes enjoying Park City’s Main Street a breeze.

Summit Hotel Big Sky

While Big Sky might not have Vail-level amenities, décor, or luxury, if a trip to Montana’s short lift lines and radical landscapes is in order, the slopeside Summit at Big Sky is where you want to stay. The hotel and its outdoor oversized hot tub are within steps of the lifts, the rooms are comfortable, and a solid breakfast is offered every morning. While all rooms have mountain views and many have gas fireplaces, guests recommend getting one facing Big Sky’s signature summit, Lone Peak.

Glacier Wall Inn

Situated in downtown Whitefish 15 minutes from Glacier National Park and 17 from the ski area, this award-winning chef-owned bed & breakfast is known for its immaculate recreation of 1920’s art deco style, from the claw-foot bathtubs to the furnishings to the wallpaper and great food. The gourmet breakfast is outrageously good, and every afternoon, guests can expect to return to the comfort of the main living room to enjoy complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres in front of a fire of birch and pine. Owners Rhonda Fitzgerald and Chris Schustrom are an outdoorsy pair that can point guests in the best direction for the day’s activities.

Knob Hill Inn

After a recent renovation in the fall of 2012, the centrally located Knob Hill Inn features updated boutique charm and a modern palette that impresses guests used to Sun Valley's subtle luxury. The service is outstanding, with friendly staff willing to drive guests a short trip to the ski lifts or to a dinner reservation a few minutes away. The well-decorated rooms feature extra-comfy beds, deep bathtubs, and plenty of space for all your gear (we love the hooks for jackets!). A tasty breakfast awaits each morning, and there are even free iPads available for guests during their stay.

Basecamp Hotel

A renovated motel that’s now a outdoorsy boutique blocks away from the casinos of South Lake Tahoe, the Heavenly gondola, and its own private beach, Basecamp’s thoughtfully designed hipster décor surprises without being too over the top. There’s even a “Great Indoors” room with a canvas tent over the king bed with a chandelier inside, along with a fake fire glowing behind a picnic table. Great communal spaces – from the marshmellow-roasting outdoor fireplace to the rooftop hot tub – encourage connections, while the young staff, showers, and dog-friendly policy all get rave reviews.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

One of the few luxury resorts in the Tahoe area and one of the only slopeside hotels around, the Ritz Carlton at Northstar-At-Tahoe leaves nothing wanting as far as accommodations and service are concerned. A giant octagonal lobby with a 55-foot granite fireplace is a beautiful architectural centerpiece. Guests tend to complain that the mid-mountain location leads more to a feeling of isolation than needed seclusion, but the staff's friendly and accommodating service make up for any drawbacks. Overpriced overight parking is a burn, too, but huge rooms and the ski-in/ski-out location still make the Ritz a solid choice.

Nita Lake Lodge

One of Trip Advisor’s 25 best Canadian hotels, the Nita Lake Lodge is the only lakefront hotel in Whistler, and sits 500 meters from the Whistler Creekside gondola. It’s definitely for guests who want a calm, quiet place to retreat from the day’s activities, and not for those who are coming up to get rowdy in Whistler Village. Free bike and boat rentals are available for guests who want to get out on the small lake or the area’s vast bike path network, and free shuttle rides are available into Whistler Village, which is about five minutes away.

Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler

Despite competition from the Fairmont Chateau, the Four Seasons still holds the crown as Whistler’s preeminent luxury hotel. Located in Upper Whistler Village, the Four Seasons lives up to its pristine reputation here, with unreal service, gorgeous rooms (especially those with balconies), a great ski concierge service, and again, unreal service. There is some trade-off with the Fairmont as guests are not slopeside like their competitor is, but they’re also in a quieter part of the Village that will be better for older crowds and families. At the end of the day, though, the Four Seasons put itself above the fold thanks to its world-renowned service standards and a pretty spectacular spa.

The Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Mountain Resort

As Revelstoke Mountain Resort becomes one of the new hot places to ski, visitors should look no further than the Sutton Place Hotel. A ski-in/ski-out property that offers 222 condo-style hotel rooms, this hotel is mere steps away from the lift and the perfect option for scoring all the powder British Colombia has to offer. They even offer heli-ski packages that start at under $900 per person.

The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth

As the nicest accommodations in Mammoth, the Westin Monache Resort impresses guests with its four star rating and convenient village location. Good service and dog-friendly lodging are major pluses, and many rooms offer kitchenettes which help cut down on resort food costs. Try booking one of the suites and enjoy mountain views and large rooms.