With the winter months upon us, the urge to sit beside a warming log fire with a mug of thick hot chocolate in hand after a long day on the slopes is becoming increasingly prevalent. To answer the call of snow-capped mountains, Mr & Mrs Smith have put together their collection of the most elegant winter wonderland stays, which feature luxe lodges, gingerbread house charm, and ski-in ski-out locations.
By Mr & Mrs Smith
AMANGANI – Jackson Hole, United States
The back-to-nature appeal of this all-suite wilderness retreat makes it perfect for a winter wonderland vacation in the renowned skiing spot of Jackson Hole. Every suite has mountain views, but the Grand Teton Suite is blessed with the most dramatic panoramas of the snow-covered valley and magnificent distant peaks.
Amangani operates a ski lounge in Teton Village, where you can borrow kit and take lessons on Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s terrain. If you grow tired of skiing, the hotel can also arrange snow-moiling, snow-shoeing and horse-drawn sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge. After an adventure-filled day, take a relaxing dip in the heated outdoor pool or whirlpool tub, before cosying up in front of a crackling fireplace with one of Zinc Bar’s huckleberry martinis.
Smith Extra: Breakfast for two on each day of your stay
PORTETTA – Courchevel, France
Open only throughout the winter season, the ski-in, ski-out setting of Portetta is just one of the highlights of this charming mountain retreat. Enjoy spectacular sunrise views over the mountains on the only south-facing terrace on the slopes, before embarking on one of many snow-themed activities, including skiing, paragliding, snow-scooting, skydiving or helicopter tours.
Elegantly luxurious, with stylish oak interiors, Portetta also boasts outdoor bar Fire & Ice, which is lit by flaming torches and finished off with faux-fur furnishings – the perfect place to enjoy a post-slope mug of mulled wine.
Smith Extra: A bottle of Savoie wine
TREEHOTEL – Norrbotten County, Sweden
Snooze atop the tall pine tree forest of Norbotten County in Sweden for a true winter wonderland experience. All of the rooms at Treehotel have magnificent views of Lule River, and the novel hideout is complete with Scandinavian-chic interiors and rustic Nordic cuisine, creating an authentic wintery retreat.
To sprinkle even more wintery magic onto your stay, why not enjoy a campfire feast or a husky-drawn sled ride. Oh, and don’t forget to charge your camera to capture any potential Northern Lights sightings!
Smith Extra: A free two-hour session in the tree sauna, including snacks
THE SEBASTIAN – VAIL, Colorado Rocky Mountains
A slope-side ‘adventure concierge’ is just one of the offerings that make a stay at The Sebastian – Vail so wonderful. The hotel also has plenty to keep the kids entertained, including the Battle Mountain Kids Camp, s’more kits and snowman-making sets.
The mountain-side hotel ensures you are fully prepped for an activity-filled day, with snacks, fresh fruit, and bottled water in the rooms and a heated swimming pool to help relax tired muscles following a day on the slopes.
Smith Extra: One-day bike rentals for two with summer stays, or a one-day ski rental package for one with winter stays
ZABORIN, Niseko, Japan
Zaborin offers the best of both worlds – cosy privacy amidst the meadows, with some of Asia’s best ski slopes a short drive away. Each of the 15 individual villas is complete with its own private indoor and outdoor spring-water onsen baths.
Traditional kita kaiseki meals are served nightly, made using ingredients picked and caught by the on-site chef in the nearby lake and forest, following which you can retire to the candlelit lounge for tea or sake.
Smith Extra: A bottle of local sake from Niseko brewery
With Mr & Mrs Smith you’ll enjoy best-price guarantee, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com.
