How Do I Choose the Best Ski Vacation Lodging?

Choosing the right accommodations can help make or break a ski vacation. Even if the slopes are sloppy, having a cozy place to sip hot cocoa can make all the difference in the world. Some of the best options for ski vacation lodging include resorts, lodges, and vacation rentals. To ensure the best stay, be sure to read some independent reviews before booking; promotional brochures and websites for accommodations may not always tell the whole story.

Hotels or resorts typically offer the most amenities and services to visitors. In addition to rooms, ski resorts will frequently feature restaurants, fitness centers, pools, and even child care services. Many resorts offer discounted packages that include accommodations as well as lift tickets and ski rentals. A hotel may be the best type of ski vacation lodging for a family or group with varied interests; those who get tired of slithering down the slopes will always be able to find another entertaining activity.

The bed and breakfasts of ski vacation lodging, ski lodges offer personalized service in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Lodges tend to be smaller establishments where the focus is on comfort and luxury. Home-cooked breakfasts, in-room spa tubs, and unique decor are some of the typical features offered at a ski lodge. Many cater to honeymooning couples or romantic escapes, and some may offer add-on packages such as gourmet candlelight dinners, in-room massages, or even nightly milk and cookies. Often run by local families, lodges can also be great places to learn about local hotspots and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Renting a cabin or vacation home can be a good way to create a home base for an active family or group. Vacation homes may offer accommodations for anywhere from two to 12 people, and some even welcome pets. One great advantage to a vacation rental is the presence of a full kitchen, enabling visitors to save money by cooking their own meals rather than visiting restaurants every day. Vacation rentals may offer amenities such as master suites, spas, and free ski and snow equipment. For family bonding or a weekend of skiing with several friends, a cabin or vacation rental can be a cost-efficient way to take a ski trip.

In order to choose the best ski vacation lodging in any category, it is important to find independent reviews. The Internet offers many travel-based review sites, where users can read comments and complaints from previous guests. By contrast, guidebooks may be published once every few years, meaning that reviews can be outdated. Vacation rental websites that handle ski vacation lodging frequently allow users to post reviews of listed properties as well, but beware of the occasional review scam. If a property has many extremely positive reviews that all sound nearly identical, it may be a scam to entice unwitting guests.