When it comes to winter weekend getaways, it's all about making the most of the cold conditions. Once you marry magical ice and snow with cushy amenities like roaring fireplaces, access to fresh powder, or a glistening ice-skating rink, the season will feel vibrant and full of fun. Whether you're looking for a snow-filled ski retreat, an ice fishing adventure, or a cozy cabin to hide out in, these ten enchanting destinations offer something special for every type of seasonal traveler.
Mammoth, California
Although California is primarily known for its beaches, sunsets, and warm weather, there are a few spots in the state that make for a charming winter getaway. Skiing and snowboarding on the stunning Mammoth slopes seem to draw in the most visitors, but with activities like snowmobile rides, gondola excursions, and a tube park for kids, this whimsical destination has something fun to offer people of all ages. The Village Lodge is an ideal place to stay as it's located just steps away from the most festive area of Mammoth Lakes.
Lenox, Massachusetts
Originally built in 1893, this stately Italianate mansion-turned-boutique hotel feels akin to a European chalet come winter. Picture crackling fireplaces, warm wood accents, and an intimate vibe—there are just 19 rooms on property—plus scenic views of the Berkshires. A number of nearby trails are great for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.
New Paltz, New York
If Elsa from Frozen needed a new place to roost for the winter, she'd probably pick Mohonk Mountain House—that's how grand and gorgeous this lakeside resort truly is. With the hotel dating back almost 150 years (and still owned by the same family!), you can choose from more fireplaces than you can count (if you can, snag a room that has one, too), ice skating on the nearly 10,000 foot, wooden-beamed covered rink, exploring the 30 miles of groomed trails, or just hanging out in your robe in the solarium at the award-winning spa. Mohonk goes all out during the holidays, too, with daily activities like gingerbread house-making, craft workshops, a Santa photo booth and as many festive decorations as you'd find at the North Pole.
Livingston Manor, New York
Ice-fishing anyone? If you head up to the meticulously appointed, rustic-chic Arnold House in the Catskills at the end of February, you can take part in their annual Ice Derby on the property's Shandalee Lake (besides fishing, really it's just a super-friendly party next to the lake, with plenty of campfires and oysters), but the rest of the winter you can also use the inn as a launching spot for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, brewery visits and other activities. Head to their sister property, the newly opened North Branch Inn, where the Bar Room and Restaurant features products only from people the Arnold House co-owners (husband-and-wife team Sims and Kirsten Foster) know personally, with the vast majority coming from just 5-10 miles away. While there are not flatscreen TVs or Bluetooth stereos here, there are plenty of little luxuries, like towels and robes by Sferra, blankets by Pendleton, and bath products from Malin + Goetz.
Hawley, Pennsylvania
Next to moving to a Caribbean island for the winter, there few things that make you feel more alive than warming up in the winter in steaming outdoor hot tub, surrounded by snowy pines and drifting snowflakes. The brisker months are full of activity at this 57-room spa resort, including signature spa treatments like the Restorative Herbal Massage using Hot Poultices, the new Blues Be Gone Treatment (perfect for deflecting the winter blues) or the new FLOAT Therapy offering. Outdoor Adventures take full advantage of the beautiful scenery with winterized forest bathing (don't worry, it has nothing to do with unclothed bathing) cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even ice-fishing on the property's shimmering lake. If sweating amidst cold temperatures isn't in the bag, stay inside and try the new Indo-Row classes, with wooden rowing machines powered by water resistance.
Stone Ridge, New York
If you're looking for somewhere with access to skiing in the Catskills or The Gunks, this newly revamped inn is the perfect spot. Just reopened in September, the 18th century inn —formerly known as the Inn at Stone Ridge— has received a top-to-bottom overhaul by the Gowanus Hospitality Group. The property's 55 acres include a revitalized 50-foot landmark pool, a lake, miles of newly forged trails for tromping on snowshoes or hiking boots, and access to a 100-acre neighboring orchard. Warm up by the nightly bonfires and dine at The Butterfield at Hasbrouck House, the new restaurant created in collaboration with the team behind New York City's Comodo and Colonia Verde restaurants. Executive chef Shawn Burnette, formerly of the Breslin in Manhattan, works closely with neighboring farms and orchards. He's even revitalized the property's original, centuries-old smokehouse.
Lake Placid, New York
If the nightly S'mores around a campfire aren't enough to draw you to this picturesque woodland lodge in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, the cozy fireplaces in-suite, the warm homemade cookies at turndown, and the 86 trails at the nearby Whiteface Mountain will do the trick. After a day in the snow, you can cuddle under a wool blanket in one of two handcrafted lean-tos to gaze at the stars and enjoy whiskey flights and hors d'oeuvres by the fire. Too chilly for you? Head inside to see a movie in the lodge's 56-seat movie theater or knock down some pins at the two-lane bowling alley.
Montauk, New York
You may think of Montauk as synonymous with summer, but the insiders know that winter is actually quite peaceful and magical at the end of Long Island. Heck, it's worth it just for the lack of traffic to and from. But there's also the fact that you can take a dip in the indoor, ocean fed seawater pool with panoramic ocean views of the Atlantic. If you've got a warm weather getaway on the horizon, get in stand-up paddle-board shape now so you look good in that Instagram shot later: through a partnership with Paddle Diva, Gurney's guests can do indoor stand-up paddle board yoga in the ocean-fed seawater pool. Even the Seawater Spa gets in on the holiday/winter vibe: seasonal treatments include a Cranberry, Pomegranate and Pine Yuzu Body Treatment, meant to prime the skin for the harsher weather of the cool seasons.
Four words: ski-in/ski-out. That alone would be enough to win the hearts of many convenience-seeking skiers and snowboarders, but it also helps that the gondola to the slopes of Mount Mansfield and Spruce peak is just steps from this full service resort and spa. Also on the wintry agenda if you're interested: dogsledding, ice climbing, and sleigh rides. But if you aren't a fan of the great outdoors, you can stay buys. Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, read by the stone fireplaces, relax at the 21,000 square foot spa (there's a list of services just for kids under 12), or just take a romp outside with your own pooch. (Yup, this is a pet-friendly hotel for pooches up to 100 pounds.) Every room features a gas fireplace and a private balcony plus these three delightful words: goose down duvets.
