For cold-weather warriors, first snowfall means one thing: It’s time to get those skis and boards out of storage.
While the call of the mountain may lead you back to where you’ve been before, these new hotels opening in ski regions the world over might inspire you to make fresh tracks.
1. Club Med Les Arcs Panorama Resort; Arcs Panorama, France
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps and part of Arcs 1600 ski resort, this all-inclusive, family-friendly resort is rimmed by forest at the edge of Paradiski, the second-largest ski area in France. Opened in December, the retreat has 434 rooms, a spa, heated indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool bath, a Turkish bath, fitness and cardio facilities, and a kids’ club.
2. 22 Summits; Zermatt, Switzerland
Perched among the peaks of Zermatt, just minutes from the village center and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station, one of the main access points to the entire Zermatt slope network, this boutique hotel has just 22 rooms. Opened in December, the lodge combines contemporary design with rustic charm—all with a breathtaking backdrop. With its sleek, terraced bar and living room and library, the resort affords a cozy vibe. There’s also a two-story spa, with a Finnish sauna and treatments.
3. Limelight Hotel; Snowmass, Colo
In the center of charming Snowmass Village at the base of the Elk Camp Gondola, some seven miles from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, Limelight offers ski-on/ski-out access. The contemporary-yet-casual-feeling hotel—completed in December—features 99 rooms and 11 condos. Amenities include an ice-skating rink, a five-story climbing wall (the tallest in the state), two pool spas with cabanas and a fireplace, a fitness center, a children’s game area, and ski valet.
4. Snowpine Lodge; Alta, Utah
Built at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and due to open in January 2019, this will be the first true luxury resort in Alta with ski-in/ski-out access to Alta and Snowbird Mountains. With 79 rooms and suites and 11 bunk rooms, the resort will offer modern alpine-chic-style lodging. While the slope-side convenience and the proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport (40 minutes away) are a draw, the property also offers a heated pool with mountain views, hot tubs, a spa facility with treatment rooms, an indoor grotto, fitness center, oxygen bar, game and movie rooms, and outdoor fire pits.
5. W Aspen and The Sky Residences; Aspen, Colo
Slated to open by June 2019, W Aspen and The Sky Residences at W Aspen will be the first alpine property in North America for the brand. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain for easy lift access, this urban-meets-alpine-style spot will have 88 guestrooms and 11 residences. A 12,000-square-foot rooftop bar and pool will provide guests with a panoramic après-ski setting for signature cocktails. A full-service ski shop will also be on the property.
6. The Wilson Hotel, A Residence Inn by Marriott, Big Sky, Mont
Located in the heart of Big Sky’s Town Center Plaza, just 10 minutes from the mountain, this 129-room resort is slated to open in spring of 2019. It’ll be the first major hotel brand in Big Sky. Amenities will include a restaurant/bar, fitness center, heated outdoor pool, ski storage, and free shuttle service to the lifts of Big Sky Resort, one of the largest, most picturesque ski resorts in North America, with 5,850 acres of skiable terrain.