We have put together a few options that offer great winter escapes for skiers and non-skiers. Whether it’s outdoor adventure, family-friendly fun, or even high-end shopping in Italy, we found a few locations in North America and Europe that will have everyone in the group excited for their winter holiday.
North America
The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods offers the largest ski area in New Hampshire with the Bretton Woods ski area less than a mile away for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Located at the base of the highest mountain peak in the Northeast, the resort offers 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding, including 102 trails and glades, three terrain parks, 10 lifts, and four high-speed quads. Guests can also enjoy 62 miles of cross-country terrain through the White Mountains National Forest, which lead to icicle-crusted waterfalls. “For the youngsters, we offer a Hobbits Ski and Snowboard School where guests ages 4-12 can learn the basics for hitting the slopes. All of this is enhanced by majestic mountain views of the Presidential Range dominated by Mount Washington, as well as attractive lodging packages for skiers and non-skiers alike,” says Craig Clemmer, director of sales and marketing for the Omni Mount Washington Resort.
Non-skiiers will have plenty to do on-property with alternative winter activities such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice climbing, tubing, and snowmobiling. For the more adventurous guests, there’s the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour, New England’s longest canopy tour with 9 zip lines descending more than 1,000 ft., plus two suspension bridges, deep-forest hiking and repelling. Kids ages 5-13 can go snowmobiling in the Kids Snowmobile Park. The resort also features an indoor climbing wall at the base lodge. Horse-drawn sleigh rides, culinary experiences, and relaxing nature-inspired treatments in the 25,000 sq.-ft. spa are also options for both the non-skier and skier alike. “At Omni Mount Washington Resort, we welcome guests of all ages, creating special experiences for every type of traveler from the adventure seekers to the spa-goers, and pride ourselves on being a top-tier multi-generational resort,” says Clemmer. Rates start at $229 per night. For more information, visit omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington.
Travelers heading to Virginia can stay at the Omni Homestead Resort, located a short drive up Warm Springs Mountain, to enjoy skiing on 45 acres of skiable trails in the Allegheny Mountains, which offers slopes ideal for both beginner and experienced skiers. Beginners can brush up on their technique with lessons at the nearby Sepp Kober Ski School. “Our slope is ideal for families, children, and beginner to intermediate skiers. With the resort accommodations close by, families can easily access the ski complex, which also has onsite food service at the Mountain Lodge. Our slope features a gentler grade ideal for a first ski experience,” says Jason Foster, marketing coordinator for the Omni Homestead Resort. This year the resort is offering the Southeast’s only Rossignol Experience Center, the resort’s ski equipment outfitter located in the Mountain Lodge providing the latest award-winning experience skis and the latest in ski innovations.
Non-skiing guests can take in many outdoor activities such as snow tubing or exploring the resort’s extensive grounds through a guided snowmobile tour. Non-skiers can also ice skate at the new Allegheny Springs rink, located adjacent to the all-weather spring-fed heated pool. “The ski complex also features dining at the mountain lodge with a full service bar and expansive deck overlooking the slope. The mountain lodge is frequently the home of special dining events. Last year we featured a beer tasting dinner series with local breweries, which we will repeat this season,” says Foster. At the end of the day, skiers and non-skiers can come together for s’mores at the fire pit on the Casino Lawn, or take part in a nightly hayride departing from the resort. For more information, visit omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia.
Europe
Those looking for skiing abroad can check out ski and snowboard enthusiasts Hotel Principe de Savoia, which offers skiers a complimentary car service to the nearby ski town of Courmayeur, located two hours from the Italian side of Mont Blanc. “Italy as a whole is an amazing skiing location, and depending on your level of skiing you have choices on places to go” says Alessandra Baldeschi, director of communications for Principe de Savoia. “If you were in Milan, it’s easier to go to the Alps, but if you have more time in about four hours you can get to Cortina.”
Guests who prefer to stay in town can take an exclusive Fashion tour, available upon request at the hotel. Fashionistas can also have the resort arrange a visit to the Atelier Versace Headquarters, where guests can shop for original evening dresses worn by the models of Gianni Versace; take a visit to the Gucci Boutique in Via Montenapoleone, where guests enjoy a private room with breakfast or cocktails; or visit the Valentino store and enjoy a VIP room with an option for the hotel to schedule a flight for guests to visit the Haute Couture Atelier in Rome or Paris. Guests can checkout jewelry at Cartier and receive a welcome in the VIP private room with the option to organize lunch or dinner in the top terrace. The resort also offers on-property afternoon tea and a rooftop pool. Rates start at $330 per night. For more information, visit dorchestercollection.com/en/milan/hotel-principe-di-savoia.
