Combining your love for the outdoors and luxury vacations can go hand in hand at these 8 lodges and resorts around the world. From the mountains of Alberta to the icy cold forests of Sweden these travel destinations boast miles of groomed snowshoeing trails, world-class dining, luxury accommodations, and incredible views (from both the trail and your hot tub). To help you choose where to take your next snowshoeing vacation (and other winter activities!), we’ve created this guide to some of the world’s best resorts, taking into account exceptional snowshoe trails, ease of access, and jaw-dropping amenities, so that you’ll have a great time, whether you’re planning a getaway for your family or just you and your partner.
Whiteface Lodge – New York, United States
Located in the Adirondack Park on the shores of Lake Placid in New York State lies a mountain resort lodge so beautiful it will take your breath away. With its wood beamed exterior, cast-iron fireplaces, and tastefully decorated suites, Whiteface Lodge offers couples, friends, and families an exceptional getaway. With a year-round outdoor heated pool, three hot tubs and a spa, your muscles will feel brand new after a day snowshoeing in the powder. For the avid snowshoers looking for groomed trails, the nearby Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Center at Whiteface Club offers the finest groomed set track in Lake Placid. For those wanting to explore the wilderness, strap on your snowshoes and head out onto the miles of snowshoe-only trails deep in the Adirondack woods.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa – Colorado, United States
What says romance better than a rustic upscale resort and spa located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains? Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa is the perfect getaway for couples looking to escape their busy lifestyles and spoil themselves in the beauty of Colorado. Featuring four choices for dining, including an upscale pub that pours craft beers and an impressive wine cellar dining experience you can be assured there is something to please everyone. The 18,000 square-foot spa that offers a couple’s suite, 15 spa options, and overlooks the beautiful ranch only makes this resort more spectacular.
With nearly 6,000 acres of meadows and woodland including 20 km of marked snowshoe trails and spectacular views of the mountains, this is the perfect getaway for the avid snowshoer. Be sure to check out of the evening snowshoe options that are offered throughout the winter, as well as the cross-country ski trails. This working ranch has won an insane number of awards, from Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Award in 2019 and Opentable’s Diner’s Choice in 2020.
Sun Mountain Lodge – Washington, United States
Nestled in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountain Range in Washington State, Sun Mountain Lodge offers exceptional dining, accommodations, and snowshoeing opportunities. With four types of lodging to choose from – including personal cabins – couples and families can decide whether they want a private patio, whirlpool tub, gas fireplace or all of the above. Carefully decorated with Northwest inspired artwork, handmade furniture and luxurious sheets, you may never want to leave your room. But if you do, there’s no shortage of snowshoeing with more than 25 km of marked trails in the immediate area as well as three other trails systems close by. Whether you are a beginner or expert, there is a trail to suit your needs making Washington the perfect choice for a snowshoeing vacation.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Alberta, Canada
A popular luxury mountain resort located in the heart of Banff National Park surrounded by Victoria Glacier and a shimmering emerald lake … the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada is one of a kind. Choose from a mountain or lake view, or indulge in a luxury suite. Either way these beautifully furnished rooms offer spectacular views and luxury amenities. There is no better way to explore than snowshoeing to the intimate corners of Lake Louise, with trails ranging from 1km to 9km. Adventures await with opportunities to explore frozen waterfalls, trek across the frozen lake, and take in majestic views of the Rocky Mountains. We highly suggest taking a trip to Bow Summit with your snowshoes and forge your own path while marveling at the views of the Bow Valley.
ICEHOTEL – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits you at the ICEHOTEL in Sweden where couples can cozy up in -7C degree ice rooms. But don’t worry, the ICEHOTEL offers warm accommodations as well. Most guests who visit the ICEHOTEL choose to spend a night in a cold room: your choice of a deluxe suite or artist suite and spend the rest of the time in the very warm and inviting chalet. Featuring a variety of restaurants and the famous ICEBAR – where everything is made of ice – this hotel is a unique resting place after a day of snowshoeing. The ICEHOTEL offers guided snowshoe treks, which are worth taking. It’s only an hour’s drive away is Abisko National Park, which is known for its world-class snowshoe trails, so it’s worth renting a car to do some day trips. Abisko is also a great viewing point for the Northern Lights, which are visible on most clear nights in the winter.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Saariselka, Finland
Situated deep in the wilderness, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is Finland’s best kept secret. This one-of-a-kind retreat offers the opportunity to see the Northern Lights while lying in the comfort of a private, heated glass igloo. Along with an opportunity to spend a night (or more) in a glass igloo, this resort offers superior log cabins outfitted with private saunas and fireplaces. For a couple looking for some romance, be sure to book the queen suite cabin, which includes a luxurious bathroom and private outdoor hot tub. For a more traditional view of the Northern Lights, strap on those snowshoes and trek out into the deep powdery snow on any clear night. With more than 200 km of tracks, and 30 km of them illuminated for nighttime treks, you can simply set out from your cabin with snowshoes on.
Halcyon Hot Springs – British Columbia, Canada
Close your eyes and imagine sitting in a cascading pool of fresh hot spring water, surrounded by the view of Arrow Lake and the snow-capped mountain peaks. Welcome to the village and spa of Halcyon Hot Springs in Canada’s British Columbia – a perfect destination for couples or friends to explore the trails during the day and relax at night. You don’t have to travel far to find some of the finest snowshoe trails in the area; strap on your snowshoes at the resort and head directly to some of the best backcountry trails. Take a short trip to Revelstoke Mountain and take the gondola up to the beautiful snowshoe trails through the sub-alpine forests of the Selkirk Mountains.
Rabbit Hill Inn – Vermont, United States
Known as one of the best adult romantic getaways in Vermont, Rabbit Hill Inn offers an unparalleled experience in terms of accommodations and snowshoeing opportunities. In fact, this inn actually won Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards in 2019! Room amenities range from fireplaces to two-person whirlpools to covered porches to sundecks, and all include elegant furnishings and luxury linens. Your stay includes a candlelit breakfast and afternoon tea, and packages can be added that include experiences like fine-dining dinners or special touches like champagne and chocolates, if you choose. The property itself is 15 acres and offers 8 kms of trails for snowshoeing. Exploring the surrounding area is easy with more than 75,000 acres of public and forest parkland, all available just moments from the Inn’s front door, making this an ideal snowshoeing vacation destination.
