America’s Top 15 Mountain Resorts to Visit This Winter

Need a break from the stress of everyday life? Let us suggest a little bit of forest bathing therapy.

America has beautiful mountain ranges, and they are the perfect place for a dream forest resort getaway. You’ll get to wake up to the sound of the wind rustling leaves and birds chirping, then spend the day being active outdoors and cozy next to your fireplace.

From California to New York, these are the best mountain resorts in the United States.

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15. Resort at Squaw Creek

Location: Olympic Valley, California

Rating: 53

Best for: Couples, friends, families

*Rating is based on the percentage of five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.

Staying at Resort at Squaw Creek

The perfect resort for a Lake Tahoe vacation, Squaw Creek spans an impressive 6,200 acres. Those who appreciate history are interested in the resort’s claim to being the host of the first Winter Olympics to ever be televised, in 1960. 

Most people come during winter to take advantage of the more than 200 ski trails and 40-plus lifts. But you’ll be able to enjoy the trails and activities around Lake Tahoe any time of year.

Check out Resort at Squaw Creek.

14. Mohonk Mountain House

Location: New Paltz, New York

Rating: 53

Best for: Couples, families

Staying at Mohonk Mountain House

This imposing Victorian castle perched on a small hill overlooking a lake is truly breathtaking. To make it even more alluring, it is surrounded by forests and mountains. 

Built in 1869, this is a luxury getaway for those who want to be in nature without roughing it. You can walk around the property, pamper yourself in the spa and enjoy sumptuous dishes from the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant.

Check out Mohonk Mountain House.

13. Salish Lodge

Location: Snoqualmie, Washington

Rating: 56 

Best for: Couples, families

Staying at Salish Lodge

Salish Lodge offers an escape to nature for weary Seattle urbanites. Located right next to Snoqualmie Falls, the rush of the water will inevitably soothe your soul. You’ll also be near several mountains, including Tiger Mountain State Forest.

Hiking is the resort’s most popular activities, though you might also take advantage of the in-suite fireplace that is in every room. There’s also fishing, rafting and golf.

Check out Salish Lodge.

12. Big Cedar Lodge

Location: Ridgedale, Missouri

Rating: 69

Best for: Families

Staying at Big Cedar Lodge

Nestled within the gorgeous Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge provides everything you could want from a mountain resort. It is near several caves and also has premium access to the beautiful Table Rock Lake. 

Enjoy lake getaway activities like paddle boarding and kayaking. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love lazy river boating and riding in wagons. Resort events also include cooking classes, community campfires and painting.

Check out Big Cedar Lodge.

11. The Resort at Paws Up

Location: Greenough, Montana

Rating: 76

Best for: Couples, family

Staying at The Resort at Paws Up

This working cattle ranch gives you access to Montana’s rugged wilderness while also providing a luxury resort experience. Glamping tents as well as homes, so you can choose the kind of experience you want.

Part of the Blackfoot River runs through the property, and Salmon Lake isn’t too far off, so you can fish or swim. But the absolute most amazing experience in the resort is hopping on its hot air balloon and seeing the Blackfoot Valley from above. 

Staying here definitely requires deep pockets, but it is very worth it.

Check out The Resort at Paws Up.

10. Amangani

Location: Jackson, Wyoming

Rating: 76

Best for: Families, couples

Staying at Amangani

There is no shortage of mountain resorts in Wyoming, a state known for its famous national and state parks. Still, we’d recommend Amangani above almost all other resorts, given its privileged views of the Grand Tetons and varied on-site programs.

The resort offers yoga and pilates classes, as well as nature photography treks and rafting. Winter opens even more possibilities, with a private ski slope. The farm-to-table restaurant is also perfect for recovering your energy after a day of fun activities.

Check out Amangani.

9. Blackberry Mountain

Location: Walland, Tennessee

Rating: 81

Best for: Couples, families, solo travel

Staying at Blackberry Mountain

Go into the Great Smoky Mountains at this luxury resort for those wanting to disconnect. Though you won’t be without amenities, you will also feel immersed in the forest in the cabin or stone cottage the resort offers. 

Outdoor activities are highly recommended, and the resort takes care to customize them as much as possible. Themed hikes and rock climbing are popular activities, though you can also take leisurely strolls around the massive property.

To relax, enjoy the infinity pool with views of the sky, or you can soak in the underground spa.

Check out Blackberry Mountain.

8. Primland Resort

Location: Meadows of Dan, Virginia

Rating: 84

Best for: Couples, families, solo travel

Staying at Primland Resort

The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains almost seem like they’re only yours at Primland Resort. The mountain property’s accommodations consist of rustic cottages, cozy mountain homes and treehouses. (FYI, we recommend staying at the treehouses.)

What helps the resort stand out is that besides the usual outdoor activities, they organize unique recreational opportunities. These include geocaching around the woods to hunt for hidden treasures and tree climbing with a safety harness.

Check out Primland Resort.

7. Post Ranch Inn

Location: Big Sur, California

Rating: 84

Best for: Couples

Staying at Post Ranch Inn

The Post Ranch Inn has some of the greatest views of the astonishing Big Sur.

The rustic resort lets you hide within the forest with its luxury treehouses. You’ll have a private deck from where you can see the stars or listen to the sounds of the forest. 

This is California, so you can expect organic food, yoga classes and a nearby art gallery.

Check out Post Ranch Inn.

6. Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Location: Highlands, North Carolina

Rating: 86

Best for: Couples, families, solo travel

Staying at Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Here's another great place to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains. Old Edwards is unpretentious yet high-end. Modeled after European resorts and chateaus, guests have the option of staying in guest rooms at the main houses, private cottages or the eight-bedroom Rockwood Lodge.

Old Edwards has been designed so you can enjoy the best of the region without leaving the resort. There are on-site restaurants, entertainment options and even shops. That said, if you do want to explore downtown Highlands, it’s a stone's throw away.

Check out Old Edwards Inn & Spa.

5. The Lodge at Woodloch

Location: Hawley, Pennsylvania

Rating: 86

Best for: Families, friends

Staying at The Lodge at Woodloch

Residents of New York and Philadelphia both take advantage of this resort’s location to take a break from city life. The property includes a large lake that provides endless opportunities for fun activities, as well as peaceful landscapes. 

The spa includes a hydromassage waterfall, meditation studios, saunas and more. In the winter, there is a special forest bathing program in which guests are encouraged to take brief dips into freezing water. The process is supposed to be great for your health if you’re brave enough to try it.

Check out The Lodge at Woodloch.

4. Dunton Hot Springs

Location: Dolores, Colorado

Rating: 87

Best for: Couples, solo travel

Staying at Dunton Hot Springs

With hot springs, a river and mountains, this resort truly has it all. Accommodations are made of a dozen cabins, perfectly designed with a rustic yet modern feel. The floors are heated, and all cabins have a tub, so you can soak the stress away while enjoying the sounds of the forest.

The resort also makes it a point to customize each guest’s experience. That means your getaway will be perfectly tailored to you. And with so many natural features nearby, there is more than plenty to do.

Check out Dunton Hot Springs.

2. Twin Farms

Location: Barnard, Vermont

Rating: 89

Best for: Families

Staying at Twin Farms

Housed in a farmhouse that dates back to the late 18th century, Twin Farms boasts 300 acres of natural beauty. The resort also has newer cottages and cabins for those traveling with families and needing a bit more space. 

Though you can enjoy all the usual nature activities like hiking and canoeing at the lake, you’ll also want to relax at the spa and the stone hot tubs.

Check out Twin Farms.

1. The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch

Location: Saratoga, Wyoming

Rating: 92

Best for: Families, big groups

Staying at Bush Creek Ranch

Another Wyoming gem, Bush Creek Ranch is set near the Green Mountains. For most of the year, people come here to hike, but during winter, skiing and snowboarding are the preferred activities.

You also can explore the property on horseback, go fishing or take a yoga class. Those wanting to get their hands dirty can actually help out at the ranch. 

The prices for the resort are fairly steep, but they’re worth it considering they are all-inclusive and cover even premium spirits and all meals at the resort’s gourmet restaurant. 

Check out Bush Creek Ranch.

Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge

Location: China Poot Bay, Alaska

Rating: 100

Best for: Families

Staying at Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge

This incredible wilderness lodge may not have many reviews on Tripadvisor, but every single review it has is a five-star review. The resort has 10 naturalists for every 12 guests, ensuring that you can always enjoy an expertly guided nature walk. Or that you can always ask someone about the animals that you will inevitably encounter in and around the resort.

Outdoor hot tubs and saunas help you relax while looking up at the stars, while boat trips and hiking trails provide an intimate look into the Alaskan wilderness.

Check out Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge.