Winter Wonderlands: Lavish Cold-Weather Getaways

October 9, 2024 by Hidden Doorways

Winter travel isn’t just about escaping the cold—it’s sometimes about embracing it in all its frosty glory. This season, we’re challenging you to rethink your relationship with winter by diving headfirst into experiences that celebrate the unique beauty of the colder months. Imagine yourself stargazing in Wyoming’s vast, snow-covered landscapes, or savoring a gourmet picnic in a heated tent deep in Vermont’s woods. From the unexpected snowy peaks of Spain to the cultural treasures of a crowd-free Athens, our guide to winter wanderlust will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and into a world of icy adventures and warm memories.

Experience Iceland’s Frozen Beauty with Nordic Luxury

Think of snowier climes and where’s one of the first places that might come to mind? The clue’s in the name: Iceland. Every icy escapade the mind can imagine awaits with Nordic Luxury, who can unlock the keys to Iceland’s most magical snow-capped kingdom. Immerse yourself in a world of frozen beauty with thrilling glacier adventures that will leave you spellbound. Speed across vast, snow-covered ice caps on a snowmobile, where the crisp Arctic air and jaw-dropping views make every moment an exhilarating ride. Embark on a glacier walk, trekking over the ancient ice as you navigate through awe-inspiring crevasses, ice formations, and frozen valleys. Venture into the heart of Iceland’s glaciers with a tour of the ethereal ice caves, where the walls of shimmering ice surround you in a mesmerizing display of nature’s artistry. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding adventure or serene beauty, Iceland’s glaciers offer an unforgettable escape into the wild, icy realms that define its winter wonderland.

Step into a Festive Fairytale at The Dolder Grand

Is there anything more charming than wandering through the log cabins of a traditional Christmas market, mulled wine clasped in gloved hands? A stay at The Dolder Grand this winter means visiting the oldest of its kind in Niederorf – part of Zurich’s old town — that will be filled to the rafters with handicraft gifts and artifacts to take home for the stockings of loved ones. There’s also its main Christmas Village set against the majestic opera house that has its own Elf’s Village for those traveling with little ones. Another Christmassy pastime not to be missed during a November or December stay at The Dolder Grand is its 64,583-square-foot ice rink just before the five-star resort. It’s one of the largest open-air artificial rinks in Europe and is there for skating or even ice hockey for the competitive kind.

Embrace the Snow-Topped Alps at Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne

Thought that skiing down the Swiss Alps was the best way to take them in? Then try a helicopter flight above them to see the lakes, forests, valleys, and peaks as the birds do — now that’s a Christmas scene to treasure forever. Switzerland’s luxurious alpine destination, Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, paints quite the memorable picture at the best of times, but when there’s the whisper of festivities in the air, it truly comes into its own. Leaving the sublime comfort of its panoramic suites behind, Bürgenstock Resort whisks its guests off on a scenic transfer to Engelberg to ski to their heart’s content, including a ride on the world’s first revolving cable car to the 9,908-foot Titlis peak before skiing 7.5 miles back down the slopes. It’s all part of its ‘Epic Alpine Ski’ package that also includes an invitation to its alpine spas and a set menu at its esteemed Seven Kitchens at Verbena restaurant — a highlight in its festive offerings indeed.

Wander Through the Sparkling Lights of Switzerland’s Capital with Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

Countries like Switzerland are at one with the festive period, where their Christmas markets, frosty air, and city streets filled with twinkling lights look at their most magical. Capture all that sentiment by heading to its capital city, Bern, with luxury hotel Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa’s advent package that leans into all the city has to offer by way of festivities. A preferential overnight rate might taste sweet, but its Sternenmärit Christmas market mulled wine voucher is sweeter still, as is open access to the warming waters of its vitality pool and spa during the length of guests’ very merry stay.

Alpine Ski, But Make it a Patagonian Retreat with VM Elite

Journey to a remote corner of Patagonia hugged by the Andes mountain range, and there hides Rio Palena Lodge – a best-kept secret place of escape offering untapped heli-skiing zones, angling, and all sorts of adventures to take in its alpine ski terrain. From open bowls to steep couloirs and mellow glacier runs, the lodge’s unique location also puts waterfall hikes, whitewater rafting, and world-class fly-fishing on the doorstep. Even in the coldest of months, gourmet riverbank picnics can be arranged by the VM Elite team before returning to the comfort of the lodge’s wood-fired hot tubs and sauna.

Wyoming Stargazing at Hotel Yellowstone

Big, big skies studded with stars, faraway planets, and mysterious galaxies are there to be gazed at through Hotel Yellowstone‘s access to the powerful telescopes provided by Wyoming Stargazing. The cool nighttime breeze and the backdrop of the region’s nocturnal creatures make for the perfect setting to step into the cosmos as guests are guided through the Milky Way and its many secrets. Then, when morning comes, the endless skiing and snowboarding runs of Jackson Hole beckon — it’s the stuff that winter dreams are made of.

Create Christmassy Cabin Fever with Twin Farms

Snowy Vermont is a sight to behold, but try taking it all in from one of the Twin Farms cabins, maybe one with an oversized copper tub for sinking into after a day in the great outdoors or a Japanese furo for embracing the benefits of the chill and the warm. Days here are best spent moving between being curled up and cozy, and making the absolute most of its extraordinary setting. The expansive grounds can be explored by foot, sledding, or ice skating, and the scavenger hunt is worth doing, following Twin Farms’ clues tucked away in mailboxes deep into its woodland. Speaking of its woodland, throughout are heated little tents where you can arrange a picnic lunch with all the trimmings, or hike up high to a mountaintop and seek refuge in a remote ski chalet where the Twin Farms team will arrange a private lunch with great pleasure. Before turning in for the night, book into its Shou Sugi Ban House, also in the secluded woods, where pristine 104°F salt water and views of the forest are there for sinking into.

Private Ski Runs at Brush Creek Ranch

Wyoming in winter is made for exploring, be that on horseback through unspoiled snowy landscapes or snowmobiling through Medicine Bow National Forest. But the adventures don’t stop there. High-end getaway Brush Creek Ranch can also arrange ski runs down its private 600-acre Green Mountain, or for those preferring to stay in the warm, there’s its heated gun range, onsite goat creamery, and 94-yard wine cellar to sample with abandon.

Snow-seeking Escapades in Spain with Madrid & Beyond

Consider snow, and Spain might not be the first country that springs to mind. But with Madrid & Beyond on the case, it’s about what, where, and who you know to uncover its best-kept snowy secrets. From the Valle de Aran to Andorra and the Catalonian Pyrenees, there are over 400 skiable miles in winter to explore. When feet aren’t strapped to skis or snowboards, there’s snowshoeing, dogsledding, and snowmobiling to be done as travelers head to experiential dinners high in the mountains or to spas with heated outdoor pools where the views stretch on further than the eye can see.

Crave the Cultural with The Dolli

Ending on a less snowy note, Athens in winter is one to add to the list because its ample attractions are there for the taking without the crowds of summer. The iconic Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the ruins of the Ancient Agora and Roman Agora bathed in soft winter light take on a whole new dimension, and the typically bustling neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki suddenly become much less dense — a delight indeed. Rest tired feet in a cozy taverna and take paper bags stuffed with melomakarona (honey cookies) and kourabiedes (almond cookies) back to The Dolli‘s luxurious bedrooms to indulge in bed — it’s winter after all, a time for indulgence.