5 Incredibly Cozy Lodges For Your Winter Escape

by  Tyra Sutak | Jan 12, 2017
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort

A roaring fire in the fireplace, snow gently falling outside your window, and somewhere in the distance, sounds of laughter drift from a nearby ice skating pond. There’s nothing quite like a winter wonderland getaway, and the United States is filled with exceptionally beautiful places to escape when the snow starts to fall. From the ultimate ski lodge to a mountain retreat whose previous guests include old Hollywood royalty, to a Colorado Rocky Mountain property that’ll take your breath away, check out these five incredibly cozy lodges for your winter escape.  

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash, Colorado

This sprawling property is surprise gem, tucked into the natural beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Modern, but highlighting an authentic rustic western design, Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash, sits on 6,000 acres of breathtaking landscape where guests can enjoy a variety of complimentary outdoor activities, like snowshoeing, nordic skiing on the property’s groomed trails, ice skating, fat biking, and horseback riding. This beautiful destination has everything you need to cozy up in for a winter escape, including an on-site coffee shop, a tavern, restaurant and saloon, and a wine cellar. Guests can also enjoy complimentary yoga classes and a handful of relaxing offerings at the spa. Book your accommodations in one of the 31 guest rooms in the main lodge, or reserve one the adorable cabins speckled throughout the woods on the property.

Sun Valley Lodge in Sun Valley, Idaho

Originally opened in 1936, the Sun Valley Lodge has been the go-to place for travelers looking to have the ultimate winter ski vacation. This historic gem has attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Marilyn Monroe, and Clint Eastwood; with the gorgeous scenery of the nearby mountains seen from the lodge’s outdoor heated pool, it’s easy to see why. Situated at the base of Sun Valley Resort’s Dollar Mountain, and just a stone’s throw from Bald Mountain, the lodge is the ideal place for a true ski getaway. Here, the walls feature photographs of some of the celebrities that have passed through its halls over the years, and if the lodge’s Duchin Lounge could talk, they would tell stories of exceptional cocktails and conversations had by some of the most celebrated artists of the 1900s. Today, Duchin Lounge is still serving throwback drinks with views of the property’s stunning outdoor ice rink. This gorgeous and historical lodge offers nightly room rates that begin around $400 in the busy season of the winter, but the proximity to the ski lifts, and the beauty and history of the building make it well worth the splurge.

Killington Mountain Lodge in Killington, Vermont 

Killington, Vermont is home to the largest ski area in the eastern U.S. Located in Central Vermont, the town dates back to the 1700s, and today, is home to a handful of vacation rentals and lodges, including the Killington Mountain Lodge. A step inside reveals a freestanding fieldstone fireplace, which is the perfect place to warm up after a day on the slopes. Even better, there's an outdoor pool with swim-up fire pit, a movie room with free popcorn, an après ski menu, and unbeatable mountain views. The lodge offers shuttles to transport guests to and from the nearby Killington Ski Resort’s lifts—making a ski day easy and convenient.

Rainbow Ranch Lodge in Gallatin Gateway, MT

Montana’s vast landscape should be explored throughout all seasons, but looks exceptionally gorgeous blanketed in fresh snow each winter. In the heart of the state’s Rocky Mountain range sits the beautiful Rainbow Ranch Lodge — a year-round destination designed to highlight the endless outdoor adventures found in the area. This property oozes comfort and warmth, making it the ultimate place to enjoy a winter escape. Outside of the lodge, guests will find an outdoor playground full of winter activities, like fly fishing on the Gallatin River, horseback riding, and downhill skiing at nearby resorts: Big Sky and Moonlight Basin. Inside, guests can take advantage of the on-site spa services and Montana-inspired cuisine including dishes highlighting locally sourced ingredients, like elk, trout, and venison. Bonus: The property is budget-friendly with weekend rates in the winter beginning at $165 per night.

Timberline Lodge in Government Camp, Oregon 

Although this wasn’t the location that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, the exterior of the Timerberline Lodge in Oregon was stunning enough to be featured in the film version of the story. Located on the south slope of Mount Hood, the Timberline Lodge offers a handful of accommodations including rustic rooms inside of the main lodge, luxury condos, and the Silcox Hut: an overnight hideaway 7,000-feet above the main lodge where guests can enjoy privacy, meals, and round-trip transportation. Inside of the rooms at the historic main lodge, guests have the option to reserve one of many that come with a fireplace. Outside, guests can take advantage of some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country at the Timberline Ski Resort, which has one of the longest ski seasons in America. History, views, and excellent outdoor activities keep this property booked far in advance, so make your reservations early.

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