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Alaska: The Lone King of Winter Luxury

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 19:18 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Travel + Leisure’s Guide to the Most Luxurious State for a Winter Vacation

When the snow starts to fall, most of us start dreaming of a cozy cabin, a roaring fire, and the kind of indulgence that makes the long cold months feel like a holiday. Travel + Leisure’s “Most Luxurious State for a Winter Vacation” article sets out to answer a question that has perplexed travelers for decades: which U.S. state offers the best combination of winter sports, spa bliss, fine dining, and world‑class lodging? The magazine’s writers used a blend of statistics, insider interviews, and on‑the‑ground testing to distill a shortlist of states that deliver top‑tier winter experiences. The result? A single state tops the list, followed by a handful of close‑competitors that each bring their own unique flavor to the snowy season.

1. Alaska – The Lone King of Winter Luxury

The article crowns Alaska as the ultimate winter playground for travelers who crave both adventure and opulence. The state’s rugged wilderness is paired with a surprisingly sophisticated infrastructure: from the historic Alyeska Lodge in Girdwood, which offers a private ski‑in/ski‑out experience, to the boutique The Lodge at Chena in Fairbanks, which features an award‑winning spa and a fine‑dining restaurant that specializes in reindeer cuisine.

Key highlights that set Alaska apart include:

• Dog‑sledding and heli‑skiing at world‑renowned companies such as Alaska Adventure Tours, whose luxury packages come with gourmet meals served in the snow.
• Aurora‑chasing tours that combine the mystique of the Northern Lights with a heated, heated lounge and a glass‑roofed observatory at the Northern Lights Lodge.
• Exclusive access to remote glacial fjords via chartered seaplanes, ending in a stay at the Maui Nui Lodge—an ultra‑luxury cabin perched on the edge of the Arctic tundra.

Travel + Leisure’s writers also followed a link to an in‑depth profile on the Alaskan Lodges page, which provides a virtual tour of each property’s signature suites, in‑room amenities, and private concierge services.

2. Colorado – The Snow‑Borne Spa Capital

Colorado emerges as the second‑most luxurious destination, primarily due to its blend of high‑altitude resorts, spa culture, and vibrant après‑ski scenes. The article spotlights Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge as the crème‑de‑la‑crème of luxury skiing.

• Aspen’s Hotel Jerome offers a 24‑hour spa, a rooftop pool, and a private butler service that delivers custom itineraries for each guest.
• Vail’s Four Seasons Resort is celebrated for its “Vail‑in‑One” concierge system, which can book a dog‑sledding lesson, a private hot‑air balloon ride, or a Michelin‑starred dinner within minutes.
• Breckenridge’s Breckenridge Resort boasts the most extensive network of in‑slope spas and a Michelin‑starred restaurant that serves dishes made from locally sourced, organic produce.

A linked article, “The 5 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado,” gives a deeper dive into the amenities that make these resorts stand out, including the unique Heliskiing on the Vail Ski Resort and the Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy’s luxury student lodges.

3. California – Luxury by the Lake

California is highlighted as a winter haven for those who prefer a milder climate without compromising on indulgence. The focus is on Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and the Big Sur coast (though less snowy, it offers a winter escape).

• Lake Tahoe’s Ritz‑Carlton, Lake Tahoe features a full‑service spa, a heated indoor pool, and a 5‑star dining room with panoramic views of the alpine lake.
• Napa Valley’s Auberge du Soleil offers a winter retreat with a focus on wine pairing, gourmet cuisine, and a serene spa that harnesses geothermal heat.
• Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn (linked in the article) is an eco‑luxury resort that includes a “winter garden” and private infinity pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

A Travel + Leisure link to the “Ultimate Lake Tahoe Winter Guide” expands on the best snowshoeing routes, hot‑air balloon flights, and private culinary experiences that can be arranged on a reservation.

4. Utah – A Modern Ski Town

Utah rounds out the top five thanks to the popularity of Park City and Deer Valley, both known for their immaculate slopes and luxury accommodations.

• Deer Valley’s Park City Resort is famous for its “all‑inclusive” approach: everything from lodging to dining, ski passes, and even a personal ski instructor is bundled into a single package.
• Park City’s Resort at Park City offers private chalets with butler service, a heated hot tub with a view of the snow‑blanketed mountains, and an on‑site fine‑dining restaurant that showcases regional cuisine.

The article references a link to “Utah’s 10 Most Luxurious Ski Resorts” that delves into each resort’s bespoke experiences, such as private guided tours of the Utah’s Ice Caves and exclusive tastings at the Yosemite Valley Winery.

5. New York – Upstate Elegance

New York’s Upstate region is lauded for its historic inns and winter sports. The article highlights the Sagamore, Whiteface Mountain, and Mount Tremper resorts.

• The Sagamore boasts an indoor pool, a spa that uses locally sourced honey, and a Michelin‑starred chef that creates winter‑season menus.
• Whiteface Mountain’s Grand Lakes Lodge features an ice‑fishing lodge, a ski‑in/ski‑out suite, and a private, heated hot‑air balloon tour of the Adirondack range.

A link to the “Top 10 Resorts in New York State” gives further insight into the region’s luxury offerings, from the Highlands Inn’s personalized butler service to the Lake Placid’s Olympic Village Resort’s post‑Olympic luxury upgrades.

6. Vermont – Snowy Charm

Vermont’s focus is on Stowe, Jay & Silent Retreat, and the Montreal Winter Lodge. The article emphasizes the state’s “cozy‑luxury” vibe, with high‑end chalets that have private hot tubs, in‑room fireplaces, and personalized ski‑guide services.

• The Stowe Mountain Resort features an exclusive spa that uses birch bark, a wine‑tasting room, and a dog‑sledding trail that is guided by a certified instructor.
• Jay & Silent Retreat offers a unique “silent retreat” experience for those seeking meditation and spa therapies alongside winter sports.

7. Maine – Lighter Luxury

Maine’s Portland area and the Kennebunkport Lodge are highlighted for their maritime charm blended with winter splendor. The resorts offer indoor water‑heated pools, private sea‑view cabins, and winter cooking classes that feature locally sourced seafood.

• Kennebunkport Lodge provides a winter‑season “sailor’s spa” that includes a hot‑air balloon ride, a private dog‑sledding session, and a “cooking with a Maine chef” evening.

The article cites a link to “Maine’s Winter Travel Guide” that details the best whale‑watching tours, ice‑skating on the Maine Lakes, and a luxurious Maine Lobster Experience that can be booked during the stay.

8. Washington – Coastal Chic

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is praised for its winter festivals and luxury lodgings. The article references the Olympic Peninsula Lodge, which features an indoor pool, a spa that uses glacier‑water, and private guided hikes to the Olympic National Park.

• The Olympic Peninsula Lodge offers a “winter‑forest spa” that uses cedar oil, an in‑room fireplace, and a gourmet dining room that serves Pacific Northwest cuisine.

The linked “Washington’s Top 10 Luxury Hotels” elaborates on each property’s unique selling points, from the Seattle’s Luxury Suites’ indoor ski run to the Spokane’s Ice‑Cave Spa.

9. Massachusetts – The “Boston” Bonus

Massachusetts’ Berkshire Hills region is highlighted for its ski resorts and luxury inns. The article points out the Mount Washington Resort and the Northfield Lodge, each offering upscale lodging, private hot tubs, and a range of winter activities.

• The Mount Washington Resort offers a “snow‑yoga” class that incorporates a heated indoor studio overlooking the ski slopes.

A link to “The Best Luxury Resorts in Massachusetts” provides additional details on the region’s spa packages, gourmet restaurants, and winter festival calendars.

10. Nevada – A Desert Winter Escape

Nevada’s Lake Tahoe area receives a mention for its winter activities and luxury hotels. The article highlights the Borealis Lodge and the Horseshoe Bay Resort for their upscale accommodations, private ski lifts, and hot‑air balloon rides.

• The Borealis Lodge is famed for its “snow‑glittering” hot tubs and a private “snow‑yoga” session that includes a view of the snow‑covered Sierra Nevada mountains.

The article also references a “Nevada Winter Travel Guide” that provides further insights into the state’s luxury offerings, including the Sierra Nevada Spa and the Nevada Ski Pass’s all‑inclusive packages.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re an avid skier looking for the ultimate in luxury or a honeymooner who wants to escape the holiday crowds for a winter wonderland, the article gives a clear roadmap of where to stay, what to do, and how to turn a simple winter vacation into an unforgettable experience. Alaska tops the list, but the other states provide plenty of alternatives—each with its own brand of winter indulgence. Whatever your style, the Travel + Leisure guide gives you a comprehensive list of the best resorts, spa experiences, and activities to help you make the most of the snowy season.