High-Altitude Hotels: Best Resorts for Ski Junkies and Snow Bunnies Alike

By Clay Abney Published August 10, 2021

Glacier Hotel Grawand Italy — Image courtesy of Glacier Hotel Grawand Schnalstal

Location, location, location! Most of us are slowly make the seasonal transition by stashing our summertime gear and dusting off the ski and snowboard equipment for the rapidly approaching season. From base to peak, resorts take snow sport enthusiasts to great heights. With a lot of high-altitude hotels opening in the coming weeks, it’s time to make your reservations (if you haven’t already).

Here are spots that will get you high and slopeside.

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The Lodge at Breckenridge (Colorado)

The Lodge at Breckenridge colorado — The Lodge at Breckenridge/Facebook The Lodge at Breckenridge/Facebook

Elevation: 10,200 feet
Skiable area: 2,908 acres
Vertical drop: 3,398 feet
Annual snowfall: 175 inches

Nestled approximately 600 feet on a forested cliff above the base at Breckenridge, Colorado, this newly renovated, 45-room lodge boasts spectacular views of Boreas Pass and the Tenmile Range. In addition to the luxurious amenities — including two private luxury homes for rent — guests have access to 24-hour oxygen to soften the side effects of your high altitude experience.

Glacier Hotel Grawand (Italy)

Glacier Hotel Grawand Italy — Image courtesy of Glacier Hotel Grawand Schnalstal Image courtesy of Glacier Hotel Grawand Schnalstal

Elevation: 10,538 feet
Vertical drop: 4,091 feet

Accessible only by a cable car, this hotel — the highest in Europe — is surrounded by other 9,000-plus-feet peaks in the Ötztal Alps. Guests can ski directly out the front door and for nearly five miles into the valley before taking the first lift. The solitude of this extraordinary place settles in once the final cable car departs to the valley floor in late afternoon. In addition to the stunning vistas, those staying at the hotel are treated to breakfast and a four-course dinner in the facility’s Panorama Restaurant.

The Peaks Resort & Spa (Colorado)

the peaks resort and spa colorado — The Peaks Resort & Spa/Facebook The Peaks Resort & Spa/Facebook

Elevation: 9,500 feet
Skiable srea: 2,000-plus acres
Vertical drop: 4,425 feet
Annual snowfall: 310 inches

Located in the mountain village of Telluride, this 161-room resort looks out at the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Guests can ski in/out and easily access the 187 trails; a short gondola ride can transports visitors to the historic mining town below. The Peaks also boast Colorado’s largest spa, a 42,000-square-foot facility with 30 treatment rooms and indoor/outdoor pools.

Feature image courtesy of Glacier Hotel Grawand Schnalstal.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Clay Abney is a PR guru and freelance writer living in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, where he spends his…

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