When the temperature drops, some prefer to keep warm while staying in their homes, by layering with extra blankets, a comforting bowl of soup, and nowhere to be.
Others feel the pull of a proper escape: a change of scenery, a fireplace that isn’t their own, and the simple luxury of being somewhere designed for winter coziness. While staying home is a more practical approach, a cozy staycation can reset the mind in a way that the same four walls sometimes cannot.
Many residents of cold northern regions travel to sunny, warm states such as Florida, Arizona, or California, or fly to tropical spots like Puerto Rico. Others head to places like glass igloos, hot springs and spas, or the classic mountain and lakeside cabins and inns.
Staycation spots are quite popular in the U.S., especially as they provide a hassle-free alternative to long road trips. Here are some options if you are planning that kind of escape this winter.
7 cozy winter staycation options that feel like a warm hug
Soon winter will be knocking at our doors, and many people must have already started planning their holidays.
However, there are two kinds of people who embrace the winter season: those who love snow-and-fireplace charm and those who drive or fly somewhere milder. Here are 7 cozy winter staycation spots to choose from –
The Green O, Montana
The Green O in Montana is an adults-only, all-inclusive woodland retreat located in Greenough, Montana. Hidden on a dense hillside within a 37,000-acre ranch, this place has an Old West cabin meets Scandinavian penthouse vibe because of its wide wooden floors and a minibar stocked with homemade cocktails and caviar.
It takes approximately 35 minutes to reach The Green O in Montana from Missoula, Montana Airport. If you are a nature enthusiast, then this resort is the best staycation for you. This place offers elevated “tree haus” cabins and other lodgings in a snowy forest setting.
Holiday Inn Resort at Big Bear Lake, California
The Holiday Inn Resort at Big Bear Lake in California is a rustic, 3-star mountain-style property, positioned roughly 6,500 feet high in the San Bernardino Mountains. It is situated right at the heart of the Big Bear Village and offers cozy cabin-style rooms, a stone fireplace, a sauna, and an arcade room.
If you reside in Southern California – such as Los Angeles, San Diego, or the Inland Empire – Big Bear Lake is located roughly two hours away in the San Bernardino Mountains. Situated about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, it is a quick road trip rather than a multi-day trip. Big Bear Lake is surrounded by alpine pine forests, a high-altitude lake, and crisp mountain air. It offers activities like summer boating, paddleboarding, and hiking trails such as Castle Rock Trail.
Northern Lights Lodge in Stowe, Vermont
Northern Lights Lodge provides a free mountain shuttle that stops right at the lodge, every 30 minutes on weekdays and 15 minutes on weekends. This place offers an indoor pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. It also provides a free breakfast buffet and other amenities like free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, and an electric car charging station.
Stowe is a classic New England mountain village with snow, sleigh rides, ice skating, cross-country trails, and fireside dining. It has that postcard winter feel and is great for short stays. Local markets frequently dub Stowe a “Stowecation” for Vermont residents.
The Icicle Village Resort in Leavenworth, Washington
This winter, you can go to the Icicle Village Resort and soak yourselves in large heated outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs. This place also has a dedicated spa section to help you de-stress and a miniature golf course.
The Estes Park Resort & Spa, Colorado
The Estes Park Resort & Spa is situated on the shores of Lake Estes with views of the Rocky Mountains. It has a rustic restaurant and bar, a spa, and a fitness centre. If you are visiting this resort in winter, you can indulge in winter snowshoeing and walk trails around the lake while relaxing in spacious suites and mountain village cabins with lake and mountain views.
The Landmark Resort, Door County, Wisconsin
The Landmark Resort in Wisconsin offers suites with fully equipped kitchens. It features multiple pools (including heated pools), whirlpools, saunas, a 24-hour fitness center, and sports courts. There are courts for tennis, basketball, and pickleball.
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Sedona, Arizona
Hilton Sedona Resort in Sedona, Arizona, is located less than a mile from Bell Rock and is situated right next to the Sedona Golf Resort. For the winter season, this place is offering igloo dining, evenings where you can have seasonal cocktails by the fire, and wellness activities to help you rejuvenate, among other offerings.
Whether you choose to spend your winters in forested seclusion at The Green O in Montana or cherish the alpine charm of Holiday Inn Resort at Big Bear Lake, California, these seven staycations prove that extreme winter can be something to look forward to rather than endure.
