I think skiing is romantic, braving the
elements with your intended, gliding on glistening snow with your
favorite guy (or gal), then warming your toes by a roaring fire
together, sharing toddies and tales of your day’s adventure. But not
everyone, specifically not all my gal pals, find skiing romantic.
The words windchill, moguls, and maximum occupancy conjure cold,
scary situations many would just as soon avoid.
Here are some downright dreamy destinations you can drive to. These
are really romantic inns and lodges that are a cupid’s arrowshot from
the slopes. Reserving a romantic rendezvous at any one of these
scenic spots should have you looking like a hero from a harlequin
novel, skiing this season’s deep snow pack with your smiling
sweetheart.
Stowe is known as “The Ski Capital of the East,” for its seriously steep trails Liftline, Goat, Starr and National – coined the Front Four. I think this Vermont spot is also the romance resort of the East, for its softer side, snow-covered sidewalks in the Village in the shadows of the church steeple, outstanding eateries and abundant après ski pubs. This town has an alpine elegance that you just don’t find in most ski towns.
If you are looking for a four-diamond resort with an indulgent spa –
set your GPS to the Stoweflake, just two miles from town on the
entertaining Mountain Road on your way to Stowe ski area. The
Stoweflake Resort has been welcoming winter lovers since ’63, and
the new spa featuring 120 tempting treatments including the “après
ski special”, and the “mountain man massage” makes it a must visit
in Vermont.
Stoweflake Spa
Ski your way down Stowe’s gorgeously groomed Sunrise or Gondolier on
Mt Mansfield by day, then lounge under Stoweflake Spa’s signature
12-foot waterfall. And be sure to save energy for après ski, Stowe
is strewn with chef-inspired restaurants, cozy pubs and even a few
nightclubs.
There’s something magical about the Mad River Valley, covered
bridges, cutesy Vermont shops and general stores, and rolling hills
blanketed in sparkling snow. Add to the mix two ski mountains
interconnected at Sugarbush - Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen, and you
have yourself a winter winner. In fact the Slide Brook Express
swiftly transports skiers between Sugarbush’s separate slopes, over
hotly debated bear mating territory.
The Inn at Round Barn Farm is an idyllic place to stay during your
Waitsfield ski trip. Whether you plan to pop the questions or renew
your vows – the 1910 Round Barn has served as a wedding locale for
so many lovebirds. You may not make first chair at Sugarbush or Mad
River Glen, because the three-course breakfasts for Inn guests is so
good.
After ripping turns on Ripcord, or just enjoying the panoramic
views on Jester, you may find yourself quitting before 4 to return
to your fluffy robe, and the roaring fireplace.
Certain nights the Inn hosts moonlight snowshoe dinners, you and
your friend can tromp through the forest to a four-course candlelit
dinner in a remote cabin. Get this – your guide is Cooper the
lovable black lab.
I fell head over heels (not on the slopes, fortunately) for the Castle Hill Resort & Spa in Vermont. This gorgeous 1905 stone Castle
was built for the wealthy Vermont Governor Fletcher (1912-1915) as
his turn-of-the-century party palace.
Perhaps you have passed this
remarkable mansion perched on the hillside along Route 103 in
Cavendish Vermont, just 3-miles from Okemo Mountain Resort.
Inside, The Castle is richly decorated and perfectly preserved with
a mahogany paneled library, private dining room and wine cellar. The
Castle’s 10 upstairs suites feature lush canopy beds, deep wingback
chairs, and rather splendid bathrooms (two have whirlpool tubs).
From the oversized windows, you can see Okemo’s snow covered slopes.
Or you can draw the velvet drapes, light the fireplace, climb into
the posh four-poster bed, and catch first tracks on your next
trip.
If you have a proposal in your pocket, the Castle would be prime for
popping the question. Perhaps a candlelit dinner by the fire in the
Castle’s elegant wood paneled dining room is your chance to spring a
ring.
Lodging packages at the Castle Hill Resort and Spa include Champagne
and Belgium chocolates in your room, skiing
at Okemo, a four-course dinner and
breakfast at the Castle, and use of the Aveda Spa facilities with
outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
Another historical hamlet in Vermont, The Woodstock Inn is fantastic
for skiers and sentimentalists alike – the resort owns both Suicide
Six alpine ski area and expansive Nordic facilities, plus a Health
Club.
History buffs will love the lore behind the country’s first ski
lift, established on the slopes of Suicide Six in 1934. Ask around
about the legend behind the name…you are likely to get six answers.
Here’s a romantic story. The same year that ski lift was powered up
(by a Model T engine), Laurence S. Rockefeller married Mary Billings
French – the matrimonial merger of two great families spawned a
legacy of land preservation including Vermont’s only National Park
in Woodstock.
Staying at the 142-room Woodstock Inn, you are treated to elegant
country lodging, four star dining, and live jazz in the 1793 replica
Tavern.
By day, you and your sweetie can carve the fun but not fearsome ski
trails (despite how it sounds) at Suicide Six. Guests of the
Rockefeller’s 1969 Inn can also cross-country ski around the resort
Golf Course or snowshoe up Mt. Peg or Mt. Tom for panoramic views of
Vermont, including several perfect places to propose.
The ski slopes of Killington are just 20 miles from Woodstock if you
long for the East’s most extensive lift and trail network.
For amusing après ski, you can walk to Woodstock’s covered bridge,
cutesy country stores and rather chic boutiques or just snuggle by
the Inn’s mesmerizing 20-foot fireplace.
If your girl can rip on her board(s), a weekend at Sunday River is
the ticket, and slopeside is the slot. Roll out of bed, into your
boots and boards to ski eight interconnected mountains by day, carving the legendary
steeps of White Heat and swerving along the scenic s-turns of Lollapalooza.
Go to the Foggy Goggle for some fun après then hit the hot tub in the outdoor heated pool. You’ll be rejuvenated and ready for dinner with a view of the groomers dancing on the slopes followed by
fireworks and your own chance to dance. The River hosts a rocking concert series with live bands every Saturday night at the White Cap
Fun Center.
Final tips to woo your woman on snow:
Buy her some hand & foot warmers. At $2 a pop at the ski shop – you
will warm her up for “up to eight hours.”
Have chocolate in your pocket for the lift ride. Chics dig
chocolate.
Pick ego-pleasing trails. You’ll look better, she’ll feel better.
Only go for the bumps on Stein's or the steeps of Outer Limits
if you are both experienced and excited about the challenge…
Keep your fingers crossed for snow, and keep your schedule open in
case you get “snowed in” with your sweetie in the mountains.
