For those who can’t get enough of the brisk winter air and the swooshing sound of skis flying down the slopes, a vacation destination somewhere near a snowy peak is a dream come true. Whether you’re an avid winter sports enthusiast or just in it for the après-ski (all the fun and socializing that comes after a day of skiing!) fun, there’s nothing like a stay at a ski lodge to make the most of a trip to the mountains.

Booking a ski lodge is a great way for a family or group of friends to plan a getaway together. While there are a multitude of owners that rent out their lodges directly, many ski resorts also offer independent lodge accommodations. Depending on what you’re looking for in a lodge, you can get anything from a cozy two-bedroom cabin to a large, luxurious home with all the bells and whistles.

Benefits of Renting a Ski Lodge

Particularly beneficial if traveling with a larger family, a ski lodge is an excellent way to ensure that there is plenty of room for everyone to be comfortable. Compared to a hotel room, which generally averages about 400 square feet, most vacation homes average in the range of 1,500-2,000 square feet. This extra space can be a lifesaver when traveling with kids, providing extra room for them to spread out and play. It also means that you don’t have to leave your lodge to enjoy your stay during bad weather; just stay inside next to a blazing fire drinking hot chocolate, watching the snow fall all day!

Renting a lodge as opposed to a hotel room is also a smart choice economically. If you are going to be vacationing with other families or several friends, you can split the cost of the lodge. If a lodge costs $300 per night and you split it four ways, for example, that’s only $75 per night per person or family. You’re getting all the space and amenities of a house for less than the cost of one hotel room per night!

Popular Ski Lodge Destinations

Colorado ranks high among the most popular ski lodge destinations, with Aspen and Telluride being consistently popular. If you’re traveling with children in Aspen, be sure to visit Buttermilk Mountain, which is home to the Aspen X Games and a favorite with kids and beginners alike. A guided snowmobile tour in Telluride is also a terrific way to spend a day. With mountains within eyesight practically anywhere you look and snow always on the ground somewhere, it’s easy to see why people flock to book their ski lodges here!

Park City, Utah, is also a ski lodge destination hotspot for those who are looking to get away while still maintaining close proximity to all that the bustling ski city has to offer. It is home to the Sundance Film Festival as well as an abundance of amazing restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and of course, the world-famous Olympic slopes! Quickly and easily accessible from Salt Lake City International Airport (approximately a 45-minute drive), a vacation at a Park City ski lodge will certainly be one to remember.

Finding a Ski Lodge

There are several ways to go about finding the perfect ski lodge for your vacation. Obviously, the internet can be a tremendous help, with a plethora of websites devoted to booking vacation rentals. Trivago and Airbnb are good places to start; however, there are sites such as Ski.com and Onthesnow.com, specializing in searching for ski vacation accommodations, which can assist with finding just the right place to suit your needs.

There is also the option of working with a travel agent to find and book a terrific ski lodge. The advantage of working with someone trained to plan vacations is that they will ensure every member of your party is included in the plans and that the accommodations will be exactly what you want and need. You can also contact real estate offices in the town you are wanting to visit. Many real estate agents work with or may know of people in the area that rent out their lodges and can work with you to locate and make contact with them.

Booking a ski lodge for your next winter vacation is a wonderful way to get away from home while still having all the comforts of home. Open living spaces, full kitchens, as well as multiple bedrooms and bathrooms will allow everyone the space they need to really relax, which is what a great vacation is all about!