Outdoors Winter Sports 9 Couple-Friendly Ski Resorts in the US and Canada Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler is our favorite romantic ski hotel By Stacey Lastoe Updated on 12/24/22 Fact checked by Leila Najafi Fact checked by Leila Najafi Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Leila is an L.A.-based luxury travel and lifestyle writer with over five years of experience covering destination guides, hotel reviews, restaurant openings, travel rewards programs, and buying guides. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. With the exception of a few resorts that cater to skiers only (sorry, snowboarders!), a ski vacation has broad appeal for nearly everyone who adores winter’s favorite pastime. Yet, as far as couples’ getaways go, not all are created equal. When selecting a destination to ski with your better half, you’ll probably want to seek out accommodations that aren’t teeming with families. Key considerations for choosing a ski resort and hotel that packs the romance include location, of course; plenty of families will go the extra mile to get to the powder, but not everyone will want to access the more remote enclaves. But amenities (couples massage, anyone?) and the overall vibe (think happy hours in postcard-worthy bars and giant soaking tubs) can make all the difference in landing on your ultimate cozy-for-two slopeside rendezvous. 9 Couple-Friendly Ski Resorts in the US and Canada Best Overall: Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler Best Remote: Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana Best for Romantics: The Washington School House in Park City, Utah Best Classic Ski Lodge: Tälta Lodge in Stowe, Vermont Best Boutique: Union and Post in Windham, New York Best Historic: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta Best Western Stay with Modern Essentials: Madeline in Telluride, Colorado Best Budget: The Virginian in Jackson Hole, Wyoming Best Luxury: Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado 9 Couple-Friendly Ski Resorts in the US and Canada View All 9 Couple-Friendly Ski Resorts in the US and Canada Our Top Picks Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana The Washington School House in Park City, Utah Tälta Lodge in Stowe, Vermont Union and Post in Windham, New York Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta Madeline in Telluride, Colorado The Virginian in Jackson Hole, Wyoming Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado See More (6) Final Verdict Compare the Most Couple-Friendly Ski Resorts in the US and Canada How We Chose These Resorts/Hotels Best Overall : Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It One of the best places to ski in all of Canada, this is the ideal spot in the Pacific Northwest for snowy adventures. Notable Amenities Free bike rental, frequent shuttle service to mountain and ski village Pros and Cons Pros Great spa Rooms have fireplaces Excellent in-room coffee Cons Not ski-in, ski-out Brunch can be hit or miss Resort Overview Skiing in the Pacific Northwest has its perks and one of the biggest is the climate. Although the snow may not please those accustomed to the soft, fluffy powder of the Rockies, temperatures in this gorgeous British Columbia town tend to be more mild, thanks to its proximity to the coast. The mountain—Whistler-Blackcomb—is enormous, and one of the best views of the land is via a gondola ride connecting Whistler and Blackcomb. Nita Lake Lodge isn’t a ski-in, ski-out accommodation, but you can access the chairlift via a short walk from the property’s front doors. Or, hop on the free (reliable) shuttle if you’re laden with equipment. Rooms at this boutique lodging, many of which look out onto the namesake lake, are spacious and include fireplaces for cozying up after a day on-piste. Round out the holiday with a couples massage at the on-site spa, where, in addition to having a therapist work through your knots, you can chill out in the outdoor hot tub. Best Remote : Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Big Sky, Montana is steadily emerging as a world-class ski destination, and a stay a few miles away from the mountain is rich in remote wonder. Notable Amenities On-demand concierge service available with package purchases, twice-daily housekeeping services available with Bed & Breakfast option, wood-burning stoves Pros and Cons Pros Excellent on-site restaurant, Horn and Cantle Feeling of privacy and away from it all Excursions and activities beyond skiing or snowboarding Cons Not ski-in, ski-out Accommodations may be too rustic for some Resort Overview The secret’s out: Big Sky, Montana’s skiing is some of the best you’ll encounter in the United States and Canada. Its 6,000 acres of skiable terrain do a fine job of making you feel all alone up there. While you can of course find a great steak in this town, the restaurant scene offers much more than the expected and enough to keep your appetite enthralled and your body fueled for days. Lone Mountain Ranch, open since 1915, unsurprisingly packs a ton of charm in its 148 acres. There are only 27 cabins on site, ranging in size from one-bedroom to six—the latter, a fine option for couples traveling together. Claw foot tubs, wood-burning stoves, and the sweet sound of soft snow all-around make this the ultimate option for those seeking a true in-the-woods experience. Don’t miss the Sleigh Ride Dinner, one of the most memorable dining experiences you’ll ever have. Best for Romantics : The Washington School House in Park City, Utah The Washington School House in Park City, Utah See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Park City and Canyons Mountain offer world-class skiing, and this historic property provides a world-class stay. Notable Amenities Breakfast is included, private on-site chef Pros and Cons Pros Perfectly appointed rooms Easy access to all that Park City has to offer Intimate property means lots of attention to every guest Cons Small property books up quickly, especially during busy periods On the pricey side for not being ski-in ski out Resort Overview Utah claims it has the best snow on the planet, and after just a few hours swooshing down the impressive runs of Park City and Canyons, it’s hard to argue with the oft-repeated tag line. On top of fabulous mountain conditions, add world-class dining, upmarket boutiques, and art galleries that will do their very best to turn you into a collector, and you have a recipe for an utterly divine vacation. It’s been 10 years since the total gut renovation of this 1889 limestone school building. Named after George Washington, the darling accommodation, once functioned as a school, and as The Washington School House demonstrates from top to bottom, there may be no place more unique than this. Eight rooms are housed in the historic building, and a suite across the street is just as chic as the rest of the property. Aprés ski fare is included, but you’ll have to spring for the private dining if that appeals. Best Classic Ski Lodge : Tälta Lodge in Stowe, Vermont Tälta Lodge in Stowe, Vermont See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Instead of traveling overseas to Europe for that quintessential European ski town charm, just head here, where a darling town and a fantastic mountain beckon sophisticated visitors. Notable Amenities Rooms with ample space for ski/snowboard equipment, great Wi-Fi, heated, indoor pool Pros and Cons Pros Dog-friendly rooms Indoor, heated pool Great Wi-Fi Indoor, heated pool Cons Rooms may feel too sparse for some Some rooms are on the small side Resort Overview Often likened to a quaint European ski village, Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont offers the full monty: fantastic mountain conditions (with plenty of freshly groomed trails as well as discoverable backcountry); adorable restaurants (we’re talking authentic fondue!); and enough local, craft breweries to keep you hopped and happy. While it’s not always the case that the newest game in town is also the best, in the matter of Tälta Lodge, the sentiment rings true. Fancy a muscle-relaxing swim and sauna hang after a day on the mountain? How about an aprés ski Bloody Mary by the outdoor fire pit? Tälta Lodge’s 51 rooms, seven of which are dog-friendly, lean toward minimalism, but include everything you might need for a ski trip to this part of the Green Mountain State, such as modular walls for hanging equipment and strong, reliable Wi-Fi. Best Boutique : Union and Post in Windham, New York Union and Post in Windham, New York See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It This cozy hotel just minutes from Windham Mountain Resort puts an emphasis on local touches and luxe amenities—and it's ideal for couples traveling from NYC. Notable Amenities High-definition smart TV, in-room Sonos speakers, bath amenities from Grown Alchemist Pros and Cons Pros On-site restaurant’s commitment to local and seasonal Rainwater shower heads Sonos speakers in rooms Cons Advanced skiers and riders may not need more than a couple of days on Windham Short walk to Windham Mountain Resort Resort Overview Overlooking Upstate New York’s Windham Mountain Resort would be regretful, for what this Catskills town (just two and a half hours outside of New York City) offers is solid ski and snowboard terrain a stone’s throw from a bevy of excellent dining options and rolling hills with fresh new views every which way you turn. It’s not called the “Gem of the Catskills” for nothing. The boutique Union and Post, opened in 2020, is a welcome addition to the family-run motels and rustic ski lodges found in this region. Its proximity to the mountain and dedication to craft food and drink served at its on-site restaurant make for a warm home-away-from-home feel. Well-appointed, cozy guest rooms feature locally crafted furniture and spacious bathrooms. Best Historic : Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta Fairmont Banff Springs See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It How often will you get to go skiing and return to an enormous castle afterwards? This is one of Fairmont’s finest properties from soup to nuts. Notable Amenities Large bathrooms, well-appointed fitness and aquatic center, great spa Pros and Cons Pros Feels like you’re staying in a castle Impeccable service Rooms with windows that open to mountain views Cons Not super easy to get to Too large, resort-y for some Resort Overview Banff National Park, a part of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, offers premier skiing with an exceedingly gorgeous backdrop in a designated UNESCO Heritage site. Diverse terrain to please all levels of skiers and snowboarders can be found across the region’s three ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay. An impossible number of bluebird days elevate the already laudable mountain. For ultimate ski-in, ski-out luxury, Fairmont Banff Springs gets the win. Dubbed Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies,” as if the building’s grand exterior wasn’t enough, a stay inside includes stunning accommodations, attention to details, and personalized service—the latter in spite of its impressive size, holding 757 guest rooms and suites. Unwind with a drink in The Vermillion Room, where selecting one of the signature’s cocktails is no easy feat, though you might just opt for the Bartender’s Special if you can’t make up your mind. Best Western Stay with Modern Essentials : Madeline in Telluride, Colorado Madeline in Telluride, Colorado See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Less discovered than many of its Rocky Mountain Colorado siblings, a ski vacation in Telluride not only sounds fancy, but it is, albeit with plenty of Old West peppered in for authenticity. Notable Amenities Large soaking tubs, Nespresso coffee makers, beautiful spa Pros and Cons Pros Noteworthy spa facilities Top-notch service Ski-in, ski-out access Cons Direct flights to Telluride can be pricey May be too scene-y for some Resort Overview Although seasonal flight service has made Telluride a bit easier to access, slightly more effort is required to arrive here than to any number of Colorado ski spots. One look around this Western ski town with its smattering of upscale dining and shopping just off the formidable mountain, and you’ll be glad you made the trek. Part of the Auberge Resort Collection, Madeline epitomizes the luxury ski resort. Expect alpine design with a refined flair and modern sensibility. Mountain- or village-facing balconies add to the spacious, airy feel of many rooms, and the aptly-named spa service Mountain Love Journey for Couples, complete with bubbles and bites, will set you up for another day on the slopes. Best Budget : The Virginian in Jackson Hole, Wyoming The Virginian in Jackson Hole, Wyoming See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It In recent years, Jackson has welcomed a slate of extremely high-end properties, so this gently-priced rustic lodge which maintains its Old West charm following a renovation is a real stand-out. Notable Amenities Outdoor hot tubs, complimentary coffee in lobby Pros and Cons Pros East walk to the center of town Outdoor hot tubs Won’t break the bank Cons Rooms are basic Not ski-in, ski-out Resort Overview Jackson Hole joined the Ikon Pass a few years ago, and adrenaline junkies promptly put it on their bucket ski list. This is not a mountain for the uninitiated, however, considering 90% of its terrain is designated expert and intermediate. But the payoff for thrill seekers is evidenced in the bragging rights attached to conquering the resort’s 4,139-foot vertical drop. Recent years have seen major development in the accommodations category, but in fact, overlooking the recently reimagined The Virginian is ill-advised. It’s here you’ll get a real taste of Wyoming’s Old West roots and genuine hospitality. Free Wi-Fi, an on-site liquor store, and redesigned rooms boasting rich leather furnishings are a sight for sore eyes, er, feet. Best Luxury : Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It The epitome of luxury in a town that’s no stranger to high-end accommodations, Hotel Jerome’s commitment to its history combined with its embrace of modern comforts makes it a winner. Notable Amenities Generously-sized rooms, chauffeur service to and from airport and around town, cool art Pros and Cons Pros Incredible views Hospitable, extremely helpful staff Rooms are spacious Cons Prices can tend toward sticker-shock Mounted deer head decor may not suit everyone’s taste Resort Overview Few ski resorts in North America are held in such high esteem as Aspen Snowmass. While there is a bit of a see-and-be-scene crowd here, particularly during busy holiday periods, Aspen retains its artsy origins and low-key vibes via a creative community of artists. The mountain itself competes with the best of Europe’s offerings. Hotel Jerome, also part of the Auberge Resort family of posh properties, has been around since 1889, so if it’s a taste of history set in luxe digs you’re after, you have come to the right place. Rooms and suites, some as large as 1265 square feet, feature floor-to-ceiling windows, cowhide chairs, and mounted deer, lest you forget the Old West origins. The concierge can arrange such excursions for two as a horse-drawn carriage tour or taking a snowcat to a cozy cabin in the woods for dinner—that is, if you can peel yourself away from the eminently comfortable J-Bar with its high-back, leather bar chairs, and friendly bartenders. Final Verdict Arguably, any ski resort ought to satisfy couples in search of a little fun in the snow, as most mountains tend to offer lessons or other activities for kids so that the adults can swoosh down more advanced trails in peace. However, the hotels in this roundup go above and beyond in meeting requirements most couples in search of a romantic ski vacation are after. Some, quite frankly, are less accessible, but this feature tends to make them an easier bet for couples rather than for large families. If you're not sure where to start, rest assured that a stay at Nita Lake Lodge will satisfy the ski-loving couple in search of the idyllic intimate getaway. Compare the Most Couple-Friendly Ski Resorts in the US and Canada Property Resort Fee Rates Number of Rooms Free Wi-Fi Nita Lake Lodge Best Overall No $$$ 77 Yes Lone Mountain Ranch Best Remote 15% of stay $$$$ 27 cabins Yes The Washington School House Best for Romantics No $$$$ 8 Yes Tälta Lodge Best Classic Ski Lodge No $$ 51 Yes Union and Post Best Boutique No $$ 12 Yes Fairmont Banff Springs Best Historic $40 CAD $$$ 757 Yes Madeline Best Class Act $50 $$$$ 155 Yes The Virginian Best Budget $20 $ 166 Yes Hotel Jerome Best Luxury $50 $$$$ 94 Yes How We Chose These Resorts/Hotels We evaluated dozens of ski resorts and hotels across the United States and Canada to determine the best places for couples seeking snow serenity or adventure. From Quebec to British Columbia and Vermont to Wyoming, we considered the location itself (whether it has direct flights, requires a car rental, or arrival is by small shuttle) and mountain access—ski-in, ski-out is a desirable feature, but sometimes the best properties are set just off the main mountain for the sake of serenity. We also took the hotel’s features and adult activities into account. Several of the picks are decidedly luxurious, which many couples appreciate in this kind of trip, but a number are just fantastic boutique properties promising privacy, stellar hospitality, and a place to enjoy aprés ski with live music in the background. praetorianphoto / Getty Images Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies