By Neil English
Whilst ski holidays are all about
the snow, there's nothing better than coming home after a day on the slopes
to a cosy hotel or lodge where you can really relax and enjoy being on holiday.
Here's our selection of lodging gems that will help you achieve all your holiday
goals on all budgets.
Who for? Mixed ability friends or family, not experts.
Let's go! The
North Conway Private Apartments - in North Conway of course - are renowned
for generosity of space, even by U.S standards. All come individually furnished
and boast extensive open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen areas. To top that,
all enjoy private decks with inspiring views over the forested hills of the
Mount Washington Valley. Perfect for getting stoked for hitting the slopes first
thing in the morning.
Top Tip: Take a break from skiing one day to snap up bargains at North Conway's discount outlets like Nike and Gap.
Who for? Groups of friends, families, all skier levels
Let's go! Next year's Olympic resort of Whistler offers award
winning skiing for all abilities. Match this with the Delta
Whistler Village Suites' premium class accommodation with spa facilities,
well reputed restaurants and sports bar and you have the perfect combination!
And, best of all the prices of these comfortable suites are surprisingly affordable.
Top tips: Be sure to ride skiing's newest and greatest feat
of engineering - the Peak to Peak gondola, linking Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Who For? Anyone with a love of Champagne!
Let's go! Home of the expression, Champagne powder, because
the snow is so soft and powdery, you'll know the skiing is going to be good
here. And those vintage bubbles also fit harmoniously with the traditional decor
of the elegant Steamboat
Grand Resort Hotel, its magnificent ballroom, salubrious suites, spa and
heated pool. The height of affordable luxury.
Top tips: The hotel's Cabin restaurant is fine dining on a level rarely found in American ski resorts. Take the shuttle for perfect relaxation in Strawberry Hot Springs, even these bubble!
Who for? Couples, large groups, mixed abilities
Let's go! Brand new, purpose built Mammoth
Village is proving to be a real hit and the Westin
Monache Resort with its studios and suites is the most luxurious. They're
also perfectly located, right next to the new express gondola to the main lifts.
Enjoy sundowner drinks and marvel at the expansive views from the outdoor heated
pool or hot tubs. Perfect.
Top tip: Moonlit snowmobiling tours over the deserted pistes are good for the soul. Feeling frivolous? Then head to Hawaiian-style Lakanuki's in The Village with its famous 'bikini tree'.
Who for? Groups and families with teenage children
Let's go! Rock and water features adorn the new Fox
Hotel but nothing is more striking than the emulation of Banff
National Park's natural hot springs in the form of a vast, steaming, swimming
basin housed in an elaborate cavernous rock structure. Perfect for a well-deserved
soak after a day on the snow. Then why not try the original outdoors version
on the edge of town?
Top tips: Try the world famous Margaritas in the hotel's Chili's bar. Take the free shuttle (with lift pass) to Lake Louise for awesome glacial views and skiing.
If hitting the slopes in North America seems like the perfect winter
holiday for you, check out the
latest VHOT ski deals.
Neil English is a freelance travel journalist who specialises in skiing. He regularly writes for the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday.