Top 5 Ski Spa Destinations In The East

Stowe is the picture-perfect, quintessential scene of a New England getaway. With its charming downtown dotted with local shops and cafes as well as an understated yet highly developed ski resort, this destination boasts a mix of character with modern luxury. When it comes to indulgent spa hotels, Stowe's specialty is remodeled farmhouses and upgraded B&Bs that offer guests quiet country comfort in modern luxury. The Stowe Mountain Lodge is another option for those interested in ski-in/ski-out access at the base of the resort – here you'll find digs comparable to those of spa hotels in the Rocky Mountain West.

• Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa originally opened in 1963 as a modest motel, the Stoweflake has grown into a top New England destination for ski spa vacationers. Now boasting 120 luxury guest rooms, private townhouses, and an award-winning 50,000-square-foot spa, the Stoweflake offers modern elegance while maintaining its country roots in all the fine details. Don't miss out on the full body tuning sessions or detox with Abhyanga-Garshana, an Ayurvedic treatment combining lymphatic stimulating massage with warm herbal oil application.
• Stowe Mountain Lodge with 300 rooms and suites, 2 fabulous restaurants, and a luxury 21,000-square-foot spa, Stowe Mountain Lodge represents the epitome of everything one might want in a modern ski spa vacation. The only hotel of its kind at the base of the resort, this is the place to book for easy ski-in/ski-out access, built-in family activities, and a laid-back Vermont vibe you won't want to leave. They even have a Kids' Spa Menu for little ones that need some pampering!

Okemo means "all come home," and this family-friendly resort in mid-Vermont offers all the comforts and friendly faces that one could want on a cozy, understated ski spa vacation. A favorite amongst travelers from the tristate area, Okemo is located just enough off the beaten path to offer a weekend escape in under 4 hours from New York City. While its spa offerings are not as extensive as Stowe, you can't beat the convenient location and inspiring views. Hard-core skiers, they also have some of the best grooming in the East.

• Castle Hill Resort & Spa With just 10 individually decorated rooms, the Castle Hill Resort & Spa offers the most intimate space for a quiet Vermont getaway. We recommend The Castle for romantic weekends, the spa vacation with a side of skiing, as well as small groups of friends (there are condominiums available to rent as well). The only full-service spa in the Okemo region, enjoy a Chakra Balancing massage to relax your body and mind.
• Jackson Gore Inn at Okemo Mountain Resort, the Inn itself is a combination of timeshare condos and hotel rooms, all with mountain or valley views. This is a great option for families as a kids' ski school, skating rink, and holiday festivities are just out the front door. The Spring House offers pool, fitness, and spa services. You must try the Vermont Maple and Brown Sugar scrub for rejuvenated skin or the hot stone therapy massage to release tension points on a cold day.

Tucked in the heart of the Adirondacks, you'll find the charming and challenging slopes of Whiteface Mountain – made famous for hosting several events of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Skiers and riders can still test their skills (and their guts) on the slopes that held the Olympic Downhill courses – a tempting call for adrenaline seekers. Not to worry if that doesn't appeal, though: this mountain offers much to intermediates and beginners. The real draw, of course, is nearby Lake Placid: with cutesy shops, outdoor activities, and historic sites, there's much to be enjoyed on a ski spa getaway. Expect luxury mountain lounging in the lakeside lodges and spa services rooted in holistic healing.

• The multiple award-winning Whiteface Lodge is noted as one of the top luxury lodges in the country. Built-in 2005, the Lodge offers an ideal blend of back-to-nature charm and modern luxury. Besides the spa and a fine dining restaurant, amenities include a 56-seat movie theatre, family game room and nightly campfires, and access to nature trails, ice skating rink, and waterfront activities as the summer approaches. This is a top pick for an all-inclusive spa getaway. Don’t miss out on the Adirondack exfoliation body scrub or the Lodge's famous four-handed massage, in which two therapists work simultaneously to offer the body the ultimate treatment of relaxation.
• Rich in Lake Placid history, the Mirror Lake Inn offers guests the classic Adirondack experience. Individually themed floors bring aspects of Lake Placid living to interiors, all the while boasting stunning views of Mirror Lake. The Inn is owned by Ed and Lisa Weibrecht, parents of two-time Olympian Andrew Weibrecht, whose medals are there on display. The spa offers a myriad of services, including body treatments, facials, advanced skincare, and day packages.

New Hampshire's Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods remains more of a hidden gem amongst New England ski resorts. Slightly off the beaten path of tristate weekenders, this ski area gets less crowds and less hype, while all the amenities of a fine modern resort remain. SKI Magazine readers voted it as having the best snow quality in the East, and visitors can enjoy hundreds of acres of White Mountain National Forest beyond the slopes themselves. The main hotel and spa are the Mount Washington Hotel; for something a bit more remote, head to nearby towns a short drive from the resort.

• A National Historic Landmark, the Omni Mount Washington Hotel was constructed in 1902 as a luxury destination for those seeking rest and repose in the healing surroundings of New Hampshire's White Mountains. It's been frequented by poets and politicians, romantics and families, and skiers with an affinity for luxury getaways. The 25,000-square-foot spa boasts a pool, fitness center, and one of the most extensive spa menus in the East. You got to try this Coffee Bean Body Polish! This exfoliating and detoxifying treatment includes a warm wrap, scalp massage, and application of hand-harvested shea butter.
• Just under an hour from Bretton Woods is the Common Man Inn & Spa, a 38-room oasis in the town of Plymouth that brings vacationers from all over the East. Antler chandeliers and handcrafted birch furnishings decorate the rooms, while cozy throws on plush couches invite visitors to curl up with a book and a tea after treatments in the full-service spa. For those seeking country refuge nestled in New Hampshire nature, this is the place to be.

Stratton started spinning its lifts in December 1961 and continues to reign as Southern Vermont's most popular destination. With 97 trails spread across 669 acres and a top-notch snowmaking system, conditions are dependable even in temperamental New England weather patterns. The base village resembles that of posh Rocky Mountain resorts, albeit on a smaller scale. You'll find chic shops, bars with character, and a luxurious day spa.

• The Equinox, located in nearby Manchester, The Equinox is a luxury year-round retreat 27 km from Stratton Mountain. Winters bring a cozy and serene presence to the grounds, and the location offers ideal access to historic Manchester shops and restaurants. The spa is renowned for its therapeutic body treatments and 75-foot heated indoor pool. 

• With its charming structures and earthy interiors, the Kimpton Taconic Hotel offers guests the quintessential Vermont experience. Classy and boutique, the hotel is ideal for those seeking a quiet escape. Concierge services will help you plan your stay with local activities on and off the slopes, and an on-site kids program with activities like snowman-building contests and movie nights offers quality play time after skiing. You'll find yoga mats in every room and in-room spa services to unwind.