Cabins on Double Cabin Ski Run

Mountain Lodge Telluride

3 Cozy Mountain Lodges for a Winter Stay

It’s no secret that winter looks quite different for much of the Southwest. In many places, we’re soaking up the sun at balmy temps of 70 degrees and using salt for topping rims of our margaritas. But snow carries its own enchantment, making you feel like you’re actually in… well, winter season. When you’re craving the indoors, warming up with a fire and watching the snowfall, the Southwest also has mountain towns with cozy lodging.

Here are some mountain lodges to stay in when you’re looking for a snowy stay in the Southwest.

Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance, Utah

Tucked away in the mountains, about an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, is the ski town of Sundance. In 1969, actor Robert Redford purchased land at the base of Mount Timpanagos and created the Sundance Mountain Resort, wanting to invite a community that blended art, nature and community living. This is also the birthplace of the famous Sundance Film Festival held every January in Park City, Utah, with special screenings still being held at the resort. Essentially, this is the place to go if you’re looking for a luxury escape with the soul of an artist’s retreat

 Lodging options are rustic chic, ranging from intimate cottages tucked among the trees to spacious mountain homes with stone fireplaces, soaking tubs and views overlooking the Wasatch Range. You don’t have to drive into town for a great meal here, either. There are two main dining options, the signature restaurant being The Tree Room, which is a more upscale, seasonally flared dining that is adorned with Native American art and photography from Redford’s personal collection. The second is a more casual dining option, The Foundry Grill and Bar, which is a restored 1890s saloon believed to have been frequented by Butch Cassidy and his crew.

For adventurers, this is another great place for skiing and snowboarding, along with fly fishing in the Provo River when the weather permits. Whether you come for the powder, the peace or the creative spark, Sundance delivers a rare mix of wilderness and inspiration.

To book your reservation, visit sundanceresort.com.

Plan your trip at visitutah.com/places-to-go/utah-ski-resorts/sundance.

The Mountain Lodge

Telluride, COLORADO

The Mountain Lodge is a resort that truly sits on top of Telluride; getting into town is best done via gondola. Offering cozy, yet spacious private cabins, condominiums and suites that all have a fireplace and views of the San Juan range, you might be tempted to stay curled up here the whole time. But Telluride is a town of adventure, and The Mountain Lodge offers it right at their doorstop with hiking trails and ski terrain in the winter.  After a day of exploring, unwind in the heated outdoor pool or soak in one of the slope-side hot tubs while snow drifts down around you.

Down in Telluride, historic charm with Victorian, old-west architecture meets high-altitude thrill. Throughout the year, the town is known as an outdoor playground, with waterfalls to chase, summer festivals to dance to, shops to explore and slopes to shred.

To book a reservation, head to mountainlodgetelluride.com.

Plan your trip to Telluride at telluride.com.

The Ritz Carlton

Lake Tahoe, CALIFORNIA

Luxury lives in California, and especially in Lake Tahoe where alpine adventures meet lakeside leisure. Straddling the California and Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest freshwater lake in the country, known for its clear, vibrant waters. Overlooking this lake surrounded by the Sierra Nevadas is the Ritz Carlton, a ski-in, ski-out mid-mountain retreat right on the slopes of Northstar California Resort.

When it comes to views, even the arrival here is as scenic as it gets—a gondola ride takes you straight down to Northstar Village, lined with fire pits, boutiques and restaurants for an après-ski stroll. The recently renovated resort blends mountain charm with five-star polish, yet it’s very accommodating for families, groups and holiday gatherings. The rooms and suites exude rustic charm, with gas fireplaces, deep soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Winter brings access to Northstar’s pristine runs and a full-service ski concierge. Year-round, The Ritz-Carlton delivers the best of both worlds: adventure by day, indulgent relaxation by night. And with the Nevada border just a short drive away, guests can add a little nightlife or lakeside exploration to their mountain escape.

To make reservations and learn more, visit ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/rnorz-the-ritz-carlton-lake-tahoe/.

Plan your trip at visitlaketahoe.com.