This Yuletide season why not start an exciting new tradition by visiting a ski resort with your loved ones? These 10 resorts have plenty of snow and Christmas cheer.
1) Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
If you want tradition, then you’ll love Stowe Mountain Resort. The town of Stowe was founded in 1794 and is full of quaint and picturesque New England features such as winding roads, steeples, and covered bridges. Stay at the Stowe Mountain Resort or the nearby Von Trapp Family Lodge, which hosts snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. Movie buffs will recognize the Von Trapp family as the inspiration for “The Sound of Music” family.
2) Bretton Woods Ski Resort, New Hampshire
This Omni Mount Washington resort was built in 1902, and the Spanish Renaissance Revival hotel boasts a spot on the National Register of Historical Places. A featured Holiday Traditions Package includes lodging, breakfasts, a hand-selected wreath, and a group sleigh ride. This lodge really reflects the season with plenty of hot cider to go around and chestnuts roasting on the open fire.
3) The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
If you want a five-star Christmas skiiing vacation, look no further than The Resort at Paws Up. Guests will have their own luxurious cabin, and Christmas activities include an outdoor skating rink, cross-country skiing, horse-drawn buggy rides, and your own personal Santa.
4) Shanty Creek Resorts, Michigan
Shanty Creek Resorts are a great option for those who want to emphasize the spirit of giving. The resort gives everyone free lift tickets on Christmas day in a “Ski Free With Santa” promotion; in exchange for the estimated $150-$200 value per ticket, Shanty Creek Resorts asks that guests bring canned good or other nonperishable food items to donate to The Father Fred Foundation, a local organization that distributes food to needy families in nearby Traverse City.
5) Skytop Lodge, Pennsylvania
Skytop Lodge is located in the Poconos, famed vacation getaway and home to the “Dirty Dancing” family lodge. Come winter-time, the resort gets into season with winter picnics beside a bonfire, visits from Santa, candy cane hunts and most impressive of all: a life-size gingerbread house. Last year’s edition was made of 1,000 pounds of gingerbread and 500 pounds of frosting.
6) Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, Maine
Some resorts can be quite expensive, but Sugarloaf Mountain Resort offers discounted travel packages for as little as $119 per night. The package includes a lift ticket that provides access to the resort’s 158 trails of varying difficulty.
7) Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
Located in South Tahoe, California’s largest ski resort features 94 trails covering 4,800 acres. Christmas activities include a parade, ice sculpture making, and carolers.
8 ) Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
This Teton Village resort has some of the best skiing around, and a fantastic Christmas celebration that begins December 16. Make your own Christmas ornament, enjoy caroling, and take a sleigh ride that ends at a cozy bonfire.
9) Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
The HoliDaze festival begins in Vail December 18 and has everything you could possibly want from seasonal celebrations. Carolers, ice-skating shows featuring former Olympic champions and world-class professionals, and there’s even a menorah lighting ceremony for those who celebrate Hanukkah.
10) Zermatt Resort, Switzerland
Maybe for Christmas this year you really want to get away – like to another country. This beautiful alpine village sits beneath the Matterhorn and features 100 runs with 74 ski lifts to provide a skiing experience for all skill levels. Automobiles and other polluting vehicles have been banned, so transportation is courtesy of a quaint little red train. If you happen to stay here on Christmas Eve, you will get to enjoy the many church bells tolling.
If you’d like a white Christmas this year, then try a winter skiing vacation full of activities and fun for the whole family. Imagine the Christmas-morning memories yet to be made, nestled in a rustic lodge somewhere with Santa seemingly only moments away! Book your holiday trip now to enjoy a Christmas you’ll never forget.
Justin is an avid travel blogger with extensive experience as a travel consultant. He enjoys sharing travel insights on various websites. Learn more essential travel information.
