8 new ski hotels to try this winter

Winter is here and the ski lifts are turning everywhere from coast to coast. If you’re looking to get out on the slopes this season, consider trading in that aging Airbnb in the woods for a brand-new condo or room in one of ski country’s newest properties.

At least eight hotels opened in North American ski towns in 2017, some just in time for snow. We’ve rounded them up here to see how the remodels and the brand-new builds are breathing much-needed life into the ski town lodging scene. And don’t expect antler chandeliers and cliche cowboy hats. Today’s ski hotels combine modern amenities—think extra large bathrooms and amazing hot tubs—with sleek design to take mountain chic to a whole new level.

The Lion in Vail, Colorado

Photo by Scott Cramer Photography, courtesy of The Lion

Families or friends hoping to expand out of a double hotel room should look no further than Vail’s new “alpine modern” residences, The Lion. Managed by East West Destination Hospitality, The Lion features one to five bedroom lodgings in the heart of Vail’s Lionshead village. With full kitchens, fireplaces, and spacious balconies, these condos offer groups a bit more room to spread out.

Guests can expect a giant outdoor salt-water hot tub, an indoor infinite current lap pool and hot tub, and a fitness center with a steam room. You can also take advantage of the property’s ski valet service and oversized ski lockers—just don’t forget the boot dryers on a powder day. Winter rates start at $429 for a one-bedroom.

The Anvil in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Photo by Read McKendree, courtesy of the Anvil Hotel

New hotels don’t open up often in the small town of Jackson, Wyoming, so the Anvil is something special. Brooklyn design firm Studio Tack worked with hotel owners Eagle Point Hotel Partners to transform a 1950s ski hotel in Jackson’s historic downtown into a hip 49-room lodge complete with a cafe, retail shop, and wood-fire Italian restaurant.

With a dark blue and rugged mountain aesthetic, the Anvil appeals to an outdoorsy crowd looking to discover everything Wyoming has to offer. The property’s new Explorer’s Club offers curated experiences for different types of outdoor travelers, whether a visitor wants to see Yellowstone by snowmobile or take a dog sled ride to a nearby hot springs. Winter rates start at $135 per night.

Edgewood Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe

Courtesy of Edgewood Tahoe

The new $100 million Lodge at Edgewood in South Lake Tahoe opened in June after two years under construction. The property boasts 154 rooms, 169,000 square feet, a spa and salon, a 200-seat bistro, a ballroom, an adventure center, a kids camp, and a lakefront swimming pool.

Although the hotel offers amazing golf and swimming amenities in the summer, the property doesn’t skimp on winter. In-room gas fireplaces, courtesy valet parking, a heated pool, aprés ski nightly, a ski valet, and complimentary transportation to and from Heavenly Mountain are extra perks.

Hotel Talisa in Vail, Colorado

Courtesy of Hotel Talisa

A $60 million renovation has transformed the former Vail Cascade Resort & Spa into the Hotel Talisa, a luxury 285-room mountainside property that boasts a ski-in/ski-out location right next to Vail’s chair 20. Hotel rooms feature free-standing soaker tubs, mountain views, and a chic grey and blue color scheme.

Guests can expect a kid’s club program, a market, restaurant, and bar, and a spa that features access to the resort’s 58,000-square-foot athletic club. As a kickoff to winter, the just-opened property will offer après everyday, weekly complimentary mini beauty treatments, a s’mores butler, and a pillow menu to match guests with their favorite types of pillows. Winter rates start at $699 per night.

The Inn at 500 Capitol in Boise, Idaho

Courtesy of the Inn at 500 Capitol

Boise, Idaho, may not be your typical small ski town, but with Bogus Basin just 30 minutes away, it qualifies. Take advantage of a urban ski trip and head to the newly opened Inn at 500 Capitol, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. Many of the rooms come with private balconies, fireplaces, and butler’s pantries and are decorated with local artwork.

This winter, the Inn at 500 Capitol has teamed up with Bogus Basin to offer a $350/night ski package that includes two lift tickets, après-ski treats and drinks delivered to the guests’ room (all rooms have fireplaces, so cozy up), and ski storage at the property. Winter rates without the ski package start at $205 per night.

The Blake in Taos, New Mexico

Courtesy of The Blake

The Blake Hotel opened late last season as part of an extensive revitalization of Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico. 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 location can’t be beat—you’re steps away from the slopes—and the Blake provides a serene, modern take on upscale ski lodging. The four-story, 145,000-square-foot building offers a convenient ski concierge, a heated year-round outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a spa and wellness center, and a restaurant that serves downright delicious food. Rates start at $259 per night.

The Limelight 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 opened last season—also boasts a range of amenities that set it apart from other ski town hotels. A six percent 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.

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 value-oriented 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.