THE BEST NEW ENGLAND WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAYS | WHERE TO STAY, SKI + EAT
If your idea of a perfect winter weekend involves a cozy lodge, a day on the mountain, après-ski by a fire and a really good dinner, New England in winter needs to be on your list.
I spent years exploring the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire, and these are the places I'd send a friend for a winter getaway — whether you ski or just want an excuse to sit by a fireplace with a drink.
Here's my guide to the best New England winter weekends, including where to stay, what to do and where to eat.
STOWE, VERMONT
If you only plan one winter trip to New England, make it Stowe.
It's not called the Ski Capital of the East for nothing. But even if you never click into a pair of skis, there's dog sledding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and some seriously good food.
WHERE TO STAY: THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK
Best for: The full ski-resort experience
The Lodge at Spruce Peak sits right in Spruce Peak Village at the base of the mountain, surrounded by Spruce, Mansfield, Sterling and Madonna.
This is where I'd stay if you want everything within walking distance — the slopes, restaurants, shops and the ice rink.
My favorite moments here:
Ice skating at sunset under the twinkling lights above the rink. Reserve one of the WhistlePig Pergolas if you want apple cider donuts and hot chocolate between laps.
Dinner in a private igloo on the Mansfield Terrace, with views of Mount Mansfield and sushi on the menu (my favorite).
Whiskey at the WhistlePig Pavilion after a day on the mountain, with views of the slopes and the rink.
The heated outdoor pool and hot tub, which you can get to from inside — so you never actually have to step out into the cold.
THE VIBE: Upscale ski village, everything at your doorstep.
GOOD TO KNOW: It's pet-friendly, so the dog can come too.
WHERE TO STAY: THE STOWEHOF
Best for: A cozy, old-school mountain inn
The Stowehof sits on 26 acres with panoramic views of Mount Mansfield and feels like a classic country lodge — retro decor, hidden nooks, multiple fireplaces and trees growing inside the common area.
I'd book a room with a mountain view. Waking up to snow-covered forest outside the window is the whole point.
Spend your days skiing and your evenings in the hot tub. Seriously, there's no better way to end a winter day.
THE VIBE: Charming, nostalgic, ski-chalet cozy.
GOOD TO KNOW: It's also pet-friendly.
WHERE TO STAY: TRAPP FAMILY LODGE
Best for: History, cross-country skiing + a romantic weekend
Yes — that von Trapp family. They settled in Stowe in the 1940s because the mountains reminded them of Austria, and the lodge has been growing ever since.
Fun fact: the Cross Country Ski Center that Johannes von Trapp opened here in 1968 was the first of its kind in the U.S.
Start with the Austrian pretzels and lager dip in the Lounge, then go explore the grounds.
THE VIBE: Alpine, romantic, a little bit Sound of Music.
GOOD TO KNOW: Dog-friendly here too.
WHERE TO EAT IN STOWE
Edson Hill: A cozy dinner in the dining room or the downstairs tavern. I loved the cavatelli and mussels.
Idletyme Brewing Company: The first restaurant I ever went to in Stowe and still a favorite. The patio is the move in summer, but the inside is just as good in winter.
BRETTON WOODS, NEW HAMPSHIRE
About an hour and a half from Stowe, the White Mountains are absolutely STUNNING — and Bretton Woods is the largest ski area in New Hampshire.
It's also really family-friendly, with terrain for every level, from learning slopes to double blacks.
WHERE TO STAY: OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT
Best for: A grand hotel weekend
Staying at the Omni Mount Washington feels like traveling back to the railroad era of the early 1900s. The drive up to the hotel alone is worth it.
The hotel was built between 1900 and 1902 and hosted the 1944 conference that created the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. It's now a National Historic Landmark.
If you want one winter weekend that feels truly special, this is it.
THE VIBE: Historic, grand, Presidential Range views from everywhere.
WHAT TO DO AT BRETTON WOODS
Ski or ride — three peaks, plus designated family slopes where speed skiing isn't allowed.
Take the Skyway Gondola to Rosebrook Lodge, even if you're not skiing. The ride is under five minutes.
Have lunch at the Switchback Grille at the top. Grab a table by the fireplace and order the three-cheese grilled cheese with a tomato soup "dipper."
TIP: Plan your gondola ride for a clear day. The views of Mount Washington are the reason you go up.
BURLINGTON + ESSEX, VERMONT
If you'd rather pair winter with a city break, base yourself near Burlington.
WHERE TO STAY: THE ESSEX
Best for: Food lovers + a spa weekend
The Essex is a culinary resort and spa a short drive from Burlington. Book dinner at the Chef's Table at Junction and let the chefs choose for you.
Close enough to Burlington's shops and restaurants, far enough away to actually relax.
DON'T MISS: HOTEL VERMONT'S ICE BAR
The Ice Bar in Burlington is one of my favorite winter events — ice sculptures, outdoor bars, local spirits and brews, ice games and a different theme every year.
TIP: Tickets sell out, so check the dates and buy early.
QUICK NEW ENGLAND WINTER GUIDE
FOR SKIERS: The Lodge at Spruce Peak or Omni Mount Washington
FOR A COZY, ROMANTIC WEEKEND: The Stowehof or Trapp Family Lodge
FOR FOODIES: The Essex
BRINGING THE DOG: Spruce Peak, The Stowehof or Trapp Family Lodge
DON'T MISS: Igloo dining at Spruce Peak and the gondola at Bretton Woods
HOW LONG: 2–3 nights per destination
PLANNING A WINTER GETAWAY?
Not sure which mountain fits your trip — or how to fit two into one long weekend? I can help plan it for you.
From choosing the right lodge to booking dinners and building your itinerary, I'll take care of the research so you can just show up and enjoy the snow.
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