7 new ski hotels to stay at this winter

Thanks to a shorter construction season and an array of challenging zoning laws to navigate, the pace of ski town development can seem slow moving. But with most ski town economies now fully recovered from the Great Recession, a new crop of hotels is ready to open their doors.

From Sun Valley to Lake Tahoe, we’ve rounded up all the new hotels that have recently opened or will soon open in ski country. Some—like Vail’s new Hotel Talisa—are pricey remodels, while others are brand-new builds that aim to breathe much-needed life into a stagnant lodging scene.

All 7 of the hotels listed below challenge traditional conceptions of alpine design. Today’s ski hotels prioritize modern amenities—think extra large bathrooms and amazing hot tubs—over antler chandeliers and cowboy hats. That doesn’t mean you won’t see small touches of alpine-centric decor, but these new hotels take mountain chic to a whole new level.

The Limelight Hotel in Sun Valley, Idaho

Photo by Ray Gadd, courtesy of the Limelight Hotel

As the sister hotel to the popular Limelight Hotel in Aspen, the new Limelight Hotel in downtown Ketchum, Idaho brings everything we loved about the Colorado outpost to Sun Valley. With 99 spacious guest rooms, swoonworthy beds, and oversized closets, the rooms at the Limelight are modern mountain done right.

The new pet friendly Limelight Ketchum—which just opened on December 30, 2016—also boasts a range of amenities that set it apart from other ski town hotels. A 6% daily resort fee includes airport transfers, in-town transportation, daily skier shuttles to River Run, a ski valet, daily breakfast, on-property ski lockers, a fitness center, wireless internet, and access to the outdoor pool and hot tubs. Rates start at $300 per night.

The Hotel Talisa in Vail, Colorado

Courtesy of Hotel Talisa

A $50 million renovation has transformed the former Vail Cascade Resort & Spa into the Hotel Talisa, a 285-room mountainside property expected to be complete in spring 2017. With a ski-in/ski-out location, the hotel rooms will boast free-standing soaker tubs, sweeping mountain views, and plenty of amenities.

Guests can expect a kid’s club program, in-room pet treats thanks to the hotel’s pet-friendly status, a market, restaurant, and bar, and a spa that features access to the resort’s 58,000-square-foot athletic club. Rates start at $300 per night.

The Coachman Hotel in Lake Tahoe

Photo by Matthew Bolt, courtesy of the Coachman Hotel

Located in South Lake Tahoe near the base of Heavenly Mountain, the Coachman Hotel opened in March 2016 after a multi-million renovation of the original 1960s motel. Forty-two guest rooms offer Frette linens, Apple TVs, and dedicated areas for storing outdoor equipment.

But perhaps the best part of the Coachman’s extensive remodel was the addition of shared fire pits and an outdoor lounge area. Throw in a Pendleton blanket, a glass of wine, and a s’mores kit and you’ve got the makings of a perfect low-key evening. Rates start at $150.

The Field Guide in Stowe, Vermont

Courtesy of the Field Guide

This recently-opened 30-room boutique property is a short walk from downtown Stowe and only a 15-minute drive from the ski area. The Field Guide features beautifully designed interiors, a seasonal pool, and a hot tub.

The hotel also offers extra touches like complimentary breakfast baskets delivered each morning and a well-reviewed restaurant—Picnic Social—on site. Rates start at $175 per night.

Blake Hotel in Taos, New Mexico

Courtesy of the Blake Hotel

Opening February 1, 2017, the Blake Hotel is part of the extensive revitalization of Taos Ski Valley. The new 80-room hotel sits adjacent to Lift 1 and is part of a plethora of on- and off-mountain improvements made since the resort was acquired by billionaire Louis Bacon.

The new hotel will consist of a four-story, 145,000-square-foot building with ski-in/ski-out access. The property will also boast a heated year-round outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a spa and wellness center, and a restaurant. Rates will start at $259 per night.

Hotel Becket in Lake Tahoe:

Courtesy of the Hotel Becket

Under the Joie de Vivre Hotel umbrella, the Hotel Becket in South Lake Tahoe is actually two hotels in one—a renovation merged the old Park Tahoe Inn and 968 Park Tahoe to create a single, 167-room boutique property.

Located across the street from Heavenly Village with easy access to skiing, the Hotel Becket offers newly renovated contemporary rooms with recycled wood accents and pops of hot pink and mustard yellow. There’s also a ski valet service, fire pits, and even a resident Bernese Mountain Dog named Remington. Rates start at $119 per night.

Hotel Jackson in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Courtesy of the Hotel Jackson

Sure, this hotel may have opened in 2015, but its status as the first luxury hotel to be built in downtown Jackson in 15 years means it belongs on this list. The Hotel Jackson offers 58 western-chic rooms—including 6 suites—all of which feature fireplaces, spa-like bathrooms, and L’Occitane amenities.

And don’t let the downtown location deter you; there’s a free shuttle to Snow King and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the Hotel Jackson is walking distance to all of Jackson’s best restaurants.