Travel Inspiration

Insider Tips for Last-Minute Ski Getaways

Advisor - Rachel Baila

Travel Advisor

Rachel Baila

Icon Share

SHARE

Skiers glide down shallow slopes at the opposite of the property while a firepit surrounded by boards and loungers fills the foreground

Image courtesy of Pendry Park City

If procrastination has kept you from booking your winter vacation, you’re in luck. There’s still time to book your last-minute ski getaway! I've looked at ski destinations near and far and found availability at some of my favorite resorts. But with the holidays right around the corner, things change quickly, so be sure to reach out to me to find the latest available rooms.

Park City

Chic rooftop lounge and pool area with the Deer Valley ski slopes in the background

Image courtesy of The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection

Park City's historic Main Street is lined with restaurants and genuine mining-era buildings, giving you a real sense of what a Western ski town should be. Beyond skiing its 7,300 acres, you'll find yourself browsing art at the many galleries, sampling craft whiskey at High West Distillery (possibly the world's only ski-in distillery) and exploring a surprisingly sophisticated food scene. The town's Olympic legacy lives on at Utah Olympic Park, where you can watch athletes training or try the bobsled yourself. And to catch some award-winning indie films, come back during the Sundance film festival in late January.

Pendry Park City: Located in the heart of Canyons Village, Pendry Park City offers modern luxury with ski-in/ski-out access. The resort features a rooftop pool, multiple dining options and a full-service spa, perfect for those looking for a chic mountain escape. 

  • Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection: A blend of European alpine charm and modern luxury, The Goldener Hirsch is nestled in Deer Valley’s exclusive Silver Lake Village. With ski-in/ski-out access, cozy suites and a rooftop pool, it’s ideal for couples or families seeking both elegance and adventure. 

  • Fora Reserve perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Hyatt Centric Park City: Providing ski-in/ski-out access at Canyons Village with its own Sunrise chairlift, this property is positioned about 15 minutes from Park City's Main Street and houses condo-style accommodations with kitchens and living areas.

  • Hyatt Privé perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Vail

Snowcapped structures of Sonnenalp Hotel near Vail Village in Colorado

Image courtesy of Sonnenalp Hotel

Built to emulate a European ski village, Vail is consistently one of our top-booked ski destinations. Beyond the legendary Back Bowls skiing, you'll find a sophisticated scene — the Gerald Ford Amphitheater hosts major concerts and dance festivals, the dining options range from high-end sushi to alpine comfort food, and the shopping rivals Aspen's. The pedestrian villages are heated from below, making strolls enjoyable even in mid-winter, and the free bus system connects you to everything from bowling alleys to ice rinks.

Sonnenalp Hotel: With a charming Bavarian design, Sonnenalp blends European elegance with Rocky Mountain adventure. Its cozy suites, award-winning spa, and gourmet dining make it perfect for couples or families seeking an intimate warm setting. 

  • Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Grand Hyatt Vail: Offering slope-side convenience with its own chairlift access, this gem is positioned along Gore Creek just minutes from Vail Village by shuttle and features a creekside bar and restaurant.

  • Hyatt Privé perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa: Set along the Eagle River in Avon, this hotel connects to Beaver Creek via the Riverfront Express Gondola and offers an on-site spa and restaurant, plus convenient access to both Beaver Creek and Vail's slopes.

  • Marriott LUMINOUS perks include breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Aspen

Stylish lobby with a mix of industrial and contemporary decor

Image courtesy of Limelight Hotel Aspen

Arguably Colorado’s most glamorous ski destination, Aspen is home to four mountains offering distinct ski experiences: Snowmass, Highlands, Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk. The chic town has high-end boutiques and cultural stops, like Wheeler Opera House and the Aspen Art Museum. The food scene is incredibly good for a small mountain town — you can grab a truffle burger at White House Tavern, experience fine French dining at Cache Cache or opt for lively après-ski cocktails at Bad Harriet.

MOLLIE Aspen: Laid-back luxury and Scandinavian-inspired design are combined in this boutique hotel that boasts cozy terrace dining. 

  • Preferred Platinum perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Gant: More like a neighborhood, this property is Ideal for families with condo-like rooms and a shuttle to town and the mountain.

Limelight Hotel Aspen: In downtown Aspen, this laid-back hotel is close to the action and has traditional rooms, plus a year-round outdoor pool.

Tahoe

a fancy hotel lobby with towering windows framing mountain trees and a large lake

Image courtesy of Edgewood Tahoe Resort

Tahoe offers a choice of two distinct experiences. The North Shore, centered around Truckee and Palisades Tahoe, keeps things laid-back and outdoorsy, with craft breweries, mountain bike shops and local eateries dominating the scene. The South Shore brings Nevada-style entertainment into the mix — you can ski all day at Heavenly and then hit the casinos at night. The lake itself becomes a hub of activity, with waterfront restaurants and bars staying lively year-round, and you can even squeeze in some winter kayaking on calm days.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort: A lakeside retreat featuring spacious suites, a golf course and a full-service spa. Located on Lake Tahoe, it delivers lovely views, fine dining and easy access to skiing. Ideal for couples or families looking for a peaceful escape with a focus on outdoor adventure. 

  • Fora Reserve perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Everline Resort & Spa Lake Tahoe - Destination by Hyatt: Ski-in/out access to Olympic Valley is a major perk at this contemporary resort, as is the spa and in-room fireplaces.

  • Hyatt Privé perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Whistler, Canada

a cozy hotel lobby with a lit fire place and modern furniture

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Whistler

Two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler Village has managed to strike a perfect balance between international resort and mountain town authenticity. The pedestrian-only village offers everything from sushi to poutine, with a surprisingly good nightlife scene that stays active well into the early hours. Beyond skiing its massive terrain (there are two interconnected mountains with more than 200 ski trails), you can experience dogsledding, snowmobiling or ice skating.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler: Delivering the Four Seasons’ signature luxury right on Blackcomb Mountain, this hotel offers an elevated ski-in/ski-out experience and pampering amenities like a spa and ski concierge.

  • When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler: An iconic hotel at the base of Blackcomb, the Fairmont is the place for classic alpine charm, exceptional dining and easy access to both mountains.

  • Accor Preferred by HERA perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Nita Lake Lodge:  Provides a quieter vibe in Creekside, this hotel sits overlooking lake, has a gorgeous spa and is a short shuttle ride from the main Whistler Village.

Switzerland

cozy sitting room with a lit fireplace and window overlooking snowing landscape

Image courtesy of The Capra

Switzerland's ski towns offer their own take on alpine luxury, but they share an emphasis on civilized mountain living that's distinctly Swiss. In Saas-Fee, you'll find a traditional car-free village with electric shuttles and a quaint, historic atmosphere, while Verbier provides a more modern resort experience with high-end dining and nightlife. What ties these towns together is an unparalleled level of Swiss precision — the train system connects the Valais region seamlessly, allowing you to easily move between villages, and you'll find impeccable service at the historic hotels that have been perfecting alpine hospitality for generations. 

The Capra, Saas-Fee: This cozy, family-run hotel has an intimate vibe and offers great access to the lifts, perfect if you want an authentic Swiss mountain experience.

  • Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa, Saas-Fee: The grande dame of the village, this elegant historic property has a renowned spa and restaurants that attract both travelers and locals alike.

  • Relais & Châteaux perks include complimentary daily breakfast.

Experimental Chalet, Verbier: This stylish, boutique hotel has design-forward interiors, and its central location puts you right in the middle of the action.

  • Fora Perks include a $20 food and beverage credit, a welcome drink and an upgrade whenever possible. 

France

bedroom with wooden beamed ceiling, a bed and glass French doors leading to a balcony

Image courtesy of Le Refuge de la Traye

France's ski towns within the massive Les Trois Vallées range from high-energy resorts to charming historic villages. In Méribel, you'll find an authentic atmosphere with a lively après-ski scene, while Courchevel caters to an ultra-luxury clientele with Michelin-starred dining, world-class shopping and slope-side hotels that rival the best in the Alps. Across these interconnected valleys, the French approach to mountain living is defined by an unapologetic flair —  even a simple slope-side lunch can turn into a two-hour affair with full wine service.

Le Refuge de la Traye, Méribel: This hidden mountain retreat is only reached by snowmobile and is a collection of small chalets, plus a spa and restaurant.

  • withIN by SLH perks include a $50 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Alpes Hôtel du Pralong, Courchevel: Right on the ski slopes, this classic ski-in/out hotel delivers postcard-worthy views and traditional Alpine-style rooms with lots of wood and cozy decor.

  • Fora Reserve perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Italy

upscale lounge with plush furnishings and contemporary starburst lighting

Image courtesy of Hotel Villa Eden

The interconnected Dolomiti Superski area gives you access to 12 different valleys, and you can ski from one Italian-speaking village into a German-speaking one, experiencing a cultural blend that's unique to this corner of the Alps. The town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, which will co-host the 2026 Olympic Games, is the definition of mountainside elegance with charming pedestrian lanes lined with boutiques and cafes. The food scene is extraordinary — mountain huts serve sophisticated meals that would be at home in Milan's best restaurants. You'll find yourself spending evenings sampling local wines, attending classical concerts in historic churches and settling into that dolce vita lifestyle.

Hotel Villa Eden, Merano: A small boutique hotel tucked into the hills above town, this spot offers superb views of the Alps and a full-service wellness center and medical spa.

  • Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Rosapetra Spa Resort, Cortina d’Ampezzo: Built in a classic chalet style, this hotel puts you near the ski lifts and offers a spa and indoor pool, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. 

  • Fora Reserve perks include a $50 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 




Connect with me to see what’s available for your last-minute winter getaway.

    Get in touch with Rachel

    Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

    You can normally expect a response from Rachel within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).