A deluge of winter swept through North American for 2014, creating some of the best ski conditions on record for many of our top hotels and resorts. That’s assuming you were able to get to many of them given the numerous flight cancelations and road closures that made the journey the hardest part. Unlike reader surveys that pass the vote to the masses, our editors select all winners based on criteria of overall design, in-property amenities from restaurants to spa selection, accessibility to the mountain, stylishness of clientele and overall service standards.
10. Four Seasons Resort Vail
Why we picked it…. There was something always a bit off about the local hotel scene in Vail that’s now remedied with this purist luxury ski property.
We Love its Tyrolean-inspired exterior and walk-able location to the central village as well as the Vista Bahn chairlift.
We could live without the cookie cutter décor that minus the tumbled stone fireplaces could by anywhere in the world.
9. Washington School House Hotel �" Park City
Why we picked it…. Gustavian antiques and “mountain-urban swank” in the center of Park City.
We Love the chic style and playful après-ski that make it the most stylish ski hotel on our list.
We could live without the journey to the actual ski slopes.
8. Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Why we picked it…. because it's the most luxurious hotel in Tahoe with prime ski-in location that’s impossible to beat.
We Love the affordable peak season rates that are 30% less than its Colorado competitors and accessibility to Reno /Tahoe Airport that rarely has weather-related cancellations.
We could live without the touristy selection of restaurants and shop at nearby Village at Northstar.
7. Hotel Quintessence �" Mont Tremblant
Why we picked it…. because its lakeside location and independent luxury make it the best ski hotel in Eastern Canada.
We Love the relaxed style and décor with windows that frame one of the prettiest winter landscapes you’ll ever see.
We could live without the walk home from the lifts in chunky ski books when you don’t have cell service to call the shuttle.
6. Lake Placid Lodge
Why we picked it…. because its lakeside location and historic undertones make it a one-of-a-kind winter experience.
We Love the array of accommodations and lakeside cabins that are some of the most romantic spaces we have ever seen.
We could live without the actual skiing experience unless your looking for mostly cross-country terrain.
5. Post Hotel & Spa - Lake Louise
Why we picked it…. There’s no greater winter visual than Lake Louise frozen over from January through April.
We Love the incredible restaurant and post-and-beam cottages that line the riverfront.
We could live without the fact that you can’t actually see Lake Louise from the hotel property.
4. Montage Deer Valley
Why we picked it…. There’s something remarkably cozy and welcoming about the resort’s design that makes the most of the somewhat removed location.
We Love the après-ski terrace and fire pits for post-slope boozing and snacking.
We could live without Deer Valley’s policy of no snowboarding that makes for a somewhat older and fragmented crowd.
3. Four Seasons Whistler
Why we picked it…. It’s made all other luxury accommodations in Whistler feel like your second choice.
We Love the fitness room and spa that open to a massive resort deck with heated whirlpools and decadent pool.
We could live without the guest room design that seems to lack character or anything remotely local in terms of style or charm.
2. Amangani
Why we picked it…. Aman service and signature style that helped make Jackson a luxury ski destination worldwide.
We Love the private ski lounge that makes you never want to leave the mountain.
We could live without having to mingle with other guests on the shared shuttle to the mountain.
1. The Little Nell
Why we picked it…. We simply cannot imagine a trip to Aspen without a stay at the Little Nell.
We Love the perfect service and constant upgrading of suites and common areas like Chair Nine lounge that was renovated for 2014.
We could live without the pool that often feels like an afterthought in winter months.
Honorable Mentions: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Nita Lake Lodge �" Whistler, Cedar House Sport Hotel - Truckee, El Monte Sagrado - Taos, Stowe Mountain Lodge, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Hotel Jerome - Aspen.
