There's nothing quite like a romantic ski getaway -- and celebrating Valentine's Day with a mini ski vacation is a must for any ski enthusiast couple. The checklist for the perfect Valentine's ski getaway includes:
- A great ski resort with modern infrastructure, developed base village or town for après and shopping, as well as excellent skiing and snow quality.
- Luxury lodging: If there's ever a time to go luxury, it's for Valentine's Day. The ski resorts on our list have an array of lodging options, from mainstream luxury hotels to gorgeous boutique inns.
- Restaurant reservations: Fine dining restaurants often offer pre-fixe menus for Valentine's Day evening, but if you're celebrating the weekend before, be sure to book at least one week in advance. If you find you’re too late, ask the hotel concierge for lesser-known local haunts, or opt for walk-in seats at one of the high-end restaurant bars.
- Childcare: Bringing along the kids can be a great way to celebrate the love holiday as a whole family. If you want a night off to get a nice dinner and cruise around town, find a babysitting service if you're not bringing your own sitter along; major resorts have reputable services.
- Spa time: What's a romantic getaway without a couples' massage between slope time and après? We recommend staying at a hotel with on-site spa, some even have roof-top hot tubs with panoramic mountain views.
Be it East or West, these top ski resorts deliver for the ultimate mini ski getaway this Valentine's Day. Whether you're getting away for the weekend before or extending throughout the week, here are the top resorts to visit this February.
Park City is a world-class ski resort that has a blend of elegantly old Utah culture with modern ski resort infrastructure and amenities. It is easily accessible from Salt Lake City and has a vibrant ski town. Park City has become a place to see and be seen, especially on peak winter weekends -- those seeking a social scene will delight in bustling restaurants, shops and bars.
- Best For: Valentine’s in a lively downtown and foodie scene as well as for the young and young-at-heart.
- Ski the groomers under King Con Express first thing in the morning for picture-perfect corduroy with no crowds.
- Fine Dining: Book a table at Chimayo, which boasts elegant Southwestern fare and a cozy, intimate dining room.
- Après: Take a trip over to Deer Valley for finely crafted cocktails and a roaring stone fireplace at the Troll Hallen Lounge.
- Off the Slopes: Consider a romantic horseback riding tour through Heber Valley, located just outside Park City.
If you head to Whistler Blackcomb for your special Valentine's getaway, expect nothing less than fantastic snow quality, and hotels and restaurants doing the most to make your vacation as unique and romantic as possible. Unless you're seeking an old-fashioned mom-and-pop ski hill with T-bars and ghost town motels, Whistler is the place for a fabulous Valentine's ski getaway.
- Best For: Outdoor adventure couples for the extensive outdoor activities offered; understated luxury
- Lodging: Stay at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Center, which boasts spacious suites with mountain views and slopeside ski valet.
- Ski up high on Harmony Ridge for gorgeous views, and the glades below for secret powder stashes.
- Fine Dining: Split elk tartare and a bottle of Spanish red wine at Alta Bistro, which features sustainably sourced plates and an industrial-chic space.
- Après: at Sidecut Bar inside the Four Seasons; leather couches and elegant fireplace complement creative cocktails and occasional live music.
- Spa: Take a dip in the heated saltwater pool before booking a couples massage at the Whistler Day Spa.
- Off The Slopes: Take an afternoon snowshoe hike through old growth forest to Alexander Falls, a stunning wilderness area with cascading waterfall.
Stowe Mountain Resort is at the forefront of the destination ski vacation in Vermont, with quaint country inns, gorgeously remodeled spas, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Plenty of kid-friendly activities abound, so you can opt to spend most of your time together or steal away for a delectable dinner out.
- Best For: Valentine's getaway with kids or New England locals
- Ski on Spruce Peak early morning for empty slopes and mellow cruisers.
- Fine Dining: Book a romantic dinner at Bistro at Ten Acres, located in an 1820s farmhouse and connected to a fireside lounge and bar.
- Après at The Matterhorn with local beers on draught and pool tables.
- Spa at the Lodge at Spruce Peak, which offers extensive spas and treatments.
- Off the Slopes: Try the horse-drawn sleigh ride – the premier way to see the Green Mountain countryside.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a laid-back ski resort that attracts ski vacationers for its challenging terrain. However, Valentine's Day finds the whole community in the mood for love, whether it's lift attendants dressed in V-day flair or luxurious hotels decking out lobbies with extra candles and twinkle lights. Cozy up to roaring fireplaces, indulge in luxury spa treatments, and get wild with a night on the town.
- Best For: A destination romantic getaway or refined Wild West culture
- Lodging: Stay at the Snake River Lodge & Spa for spacious rooms and ski-in/ski-out access at the base of the resort.
- Ski at least one run off the famous Aerial Tram, or take a ride if your skills aren't advanced – the views on a clear day are breathtaking.
- Fine Dining: Ask for a table by the window at Trio, which boasts a delectable pre-fixe Valentine's menu and American bistro fare.
- Après at the Spur with spicy jalapeño margaritas and a fun-loving local crowd.
- Spa: Kick back with organic body treatments and wraps at the 17,000 square foot Snake River Lodge & Spa.
Telluride Ski Resort is a luxury ski vacationer's dream. In Mountain Village at the base of the resort, you'll find high-end resort spas, and delectable dining, while downtown Telluride boasts a historic Main Street, Victorian charm, and small-town Colorado feel. It's a popular spot for Valentine's Day dates; you can pair powder turns with mountaintop après drinks, followed by an elegant dinner at one of the favorite downtown bistros. If you have the flexibility, turn your weekend into a week for extra spa time and a trip to the hot springs.
- Best For: Classic Colorado luxury
- Lodging: Book at The Peaks Resort & Spa; enjoy world-class spa and dining, as well as slopeside access in the heart of Mountain Village.
- Ski: Stay skier's right of the Plunge Lift for some of those famous Telluride tree runs; the skier's left offers intermediates more mellow options.
- Fine Dining: Enjoy a special dinner at La Marmotte, which serves up fine French fare inside a rustic 19th-century building downtown.
- Après: Sip an old fashioned at Allred's, which offers unparalleled views of the mountainscape and a gorgeous alpine sunset.
- Spa: Relax at The Spa at The Peaks Resort with specialty treatments like the Basalt hot stone massage or customized body peel and wrap.
- Off the Slopes: Enjoy Telluride charm with a classic ice skating date at one of the downtown rinks.
