There’s nothing more romantic than heading to the mountains for a high alpine respite with your dearest. A romantic ski trip provides couples with privacy they can’t experience on other vacations, plus a laundry list of winter activities to experience side-by-side and, of course, plenty of opportunities to cozy up to the fireplace together.
With the year’s most romantic day on the horizon, we compiled a list of the best ski resorts for romance.
Telluride Ski Resort
Telluride, Colo. — If escaping to a remote box canyon with your sweetie sounds like your kind of romantic getaway, Telluride Ski Resort will fulfill that aspiration within your first glimpse of this incredibly beautiful mountain town. Boasting some of Colorado’s most breathtaking views and several on-mountain dining options that perfectly exploit the natural scenery, Telluride is the quintessential place to clink celebratory glasses to one another. Alpino Vino is a lovely little on-mountain dining hütte, reminiscent of a dining experience in the Dolomites of Northern Italy. Here you and your honey can cozy up with sheep skin blankets and experience an exceptional international wine list, with San Juan mountain views to match. Bon Vivant, an open-air, on-mountain dining patio, is another romantic spot to enjoy European Alpine fair, world-class wine and scenery.
Where to stay: The Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge is a tribute to the retired Franz Klammer, an alpine ski world cup champion out of Austria who won two world championships and a gold medal for downhill at the 1976 Olympics. Located in Mountain Village, this 5-star accommodation features every luxury available including out of this world hot tubs, in room fire places, and much more. This Fairmont property also includes access to a critically acclaimed spa and if you’re looking to unwind with your love, consider this one of the best hotels in the history of mountain romance.
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resorts
Aspen, Colo. — Ski by day at one of Aspen Snowmass‘ four resorts and dine by night at one of Aspen’s world-class restaurants with your significant other. Aspen/Snowmass offers a complete experience for the couple who craves it all on their ski vacation. On Aspen Mountain sweethearts can enjoy a well-earned glass of champagne at the world’s highest champagne bar, The Oasis, presented by the Little Nell hotel. This mobile champagne bar is towed behind snowcats and relocated to a new slope every weekend in the springtime.
On Aspen Highlands couples must make a reservation at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro where they can enjoy traditional Swiss/Austrian cuisine and you guessed it: more champagne. On a sunny day sit on the outdoor patio and soak in the Elk Mountain views and the warm Colorado sun. Buttermilk is not only the perfect ski resort for beginner and early intermediates, but the resort’s Tiehack summit offers some of Aspen’s best photo opportunities. At Snowmass, lovebirds will enjoy cozying up at the Ullr Nights bonfire or dancing the night away in the Elk Camp lodge.
Where to Stay: St. Regis Aspen is perfect for couples who are looking for an elegant Aspen hotel convenient to downtown dining and shopping. Don’t miss an afternoon of relaxation at the award-winning Remède Spa.
Beaver Creek Ski Resort
Avon, Colo. — Glide around the Beaver Creek village ice rink hand in hand or grab an intimate—and memorable—dinner at Beano’s Cabin, which requires a romantic snowcat-drawn sleigh ride to access the high-alpine restaurant. Beaver Creek’s self-contained village is ideal for the couple looking to take the guesswork out of their romantic ski vacation. The village features a slew of incredible dining experiences, on mountain and off. Sure to keep energetic significant others busy, Beaver Creek offers plenty of activities like Nordic skiing at McCoy Park. Fine-dining lovebirds will enjoy an evening at the Ritz Carlton’s Spago.
Where to Stay: Nothing says romance like a AAA, Five Diamond experience at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch. Guests are not only rewarded with top-notch amenities but ski in, ski out access.
Banff Lake Louise Ski Resorts
Banff, AB, Canada — When you first visit Banff Lake Louise you’ll quickly understand why Canada has made serious efforts to protect the surrounding wilderness. Nature-lovers and lovers alike will be in awe of nearby Banff National Park’s pristine beauty. The park offers winter tours, and there’s nothing like experiencing nature in its purest form with the one you love. Banff Lake Louise ski resorts are great for a couple with differing levels of ski or snowboard ability. Sunshine Village is great for beginners and intermediates, while advanced intermediates will likely prefer Mt. Norquay, and advanced and expert skiers and riders can get their adrenaline kicks at Lake Louise. If you’re in town during Valentine’s Day, don’t miss Lake Louise’s Valentine’s Day Torchlight Dinner and Parade.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, founded in 1890, is located on the shores of the magnificent, emerald-blue Lake Louise and offers guests world-class amenities and idyllic ambiance.
Lech Ski Resort
Lech, Austria — Remote, exclusive, quaint and romantic are all things that describe a Lech ski vacation. Located in a box canyon abutted by Flexen Pass, this Alpine resort is a favorite among celebrities for its exclusivity and natural beauty. Just getting there is a romantic experience. Visitors drive, or take a bus, through steep valleys and 9,000-foot peaks which provide an unforgettable entrance. Because of its remoteness, you’ll hardly experience lift lines, which is not the case at nearby St. Anton, or even sister resort, Zürs. The skiing is truly world-world class both on-piste or off. Advanced and expert couples shouldn’t miss the chance to ski the “White Ring” off-piste ski routes together. Lech is a ski area that spares no expense—the chairlifts are heated and the many intermediate (blue or red) runs are manicured to perfection. The charming village features an ancient and beautiful Gothic church worth a visit.
Where to Stay: Hotel Bergkristall, a charming traditional chalet, boasts some incredible Arlberg mountain views from its sun-basked patios. Couples will love taking their apres-ski on Hotel Bergkristall’s deck with a glass of fine wine in hand and a plate of world-renowned, local cheese.