Visit These Cozy Winter Retreats to Reach Peak Hygge

With winter storms pummeling the West and the general post-holiday malaise setting in, I’m seriously daydreaming of some winter travel. Here in L.A. it’s wet, dreary, and far from cheery; we don’t really do winter here. But these alpine-style spots really embrace the seasonal energy, and they’re calling my name. From a Nordic-themed spa in Alaska to an A-frame cabin village in Colorado, here are some of the places I’m wishing to embrace the winter.

A-Frame Club (Winter Park, Colorado)

Courtesy A-Frame Club

This collection of 31 A-frame cabins in Winter Park includes a historic saloon and a wood-fired, French alpine-inspired restaurant right at the base of an epic ski resort. Each midcentury-inspired cabin at the A-Frame Club features tall ceilings, beautiful birch wood paneling, soaking tubs, ski and equipment storage, fully-equipped kitchenettes, and swoon-worthy views of the forest outside. I’m currently adding the activity of snuggling up next to that Maum fireplace with a good book to my travel manifestations.

Dining Domes at Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff, Alberta)

Photo courtesy Fairmont Banff Springs

What could be more dreamy than exploring the gorgeous grounds of Banff National Park? How about dining in a dome with 360-degree views of nature outside? Surrounded by a panorama of the Canadian Rockies and a view of the nearby 132-year-old castle, the dome can be reserved for an extravagant breakfast or family-style brunch in the morning, iconic Royal Afternoon Tea, or a five-course gourmet menu and post-dinner drinks in the evening. Sign me up.

Alyeska Nordic Spa (Anchorage, Alaska)

Kristian Irey

You don’t have to fly to Sweden to get a dose of Nordic cozy this winter. The Alyeska Nordic Spa is giving achy adventurers an opportunity to enjoy 50,000 square feet of self-care. The alpine sanctuary includes outdoor hot and warm hydrotherapy pools, barrel saunas, massage rooms, a full-service cafe, and various wellness treatments. It’s a Norse wellness refuge complete with cold plunges that even Wim Hof himself would approve of. Bring on the hot-cold plunges!

Swiss Chalets at Fairmont Century City (Los Angeles, California)

Photo courtesy Fairmont Century Plaza

Fondue? Check. Cozy vibes? Check. Folk art decor? Check, check, and check. The chalets at the new Fairmont Century Plaza, located in the historic property that was once the original Fox Studios backlot, have transformed the patio area of the hotel into the ultimate space to soak up Swiss style, minus the jet lag. They’ll be offering their pre-fixe menus, which include a massive charcuterie spread, salads, fondue, and dessert, until the end of February for those who want wintry vibes without having to throw chains on their tires and head up to Mammoth.

Alpenglobes at Stein Eriksen Lodge (Deer Valley, Utah)

Photo Courtesy Stein Eriksen Lodge

Stein Lodge has six life-size Alpenglobes that sit atop the deck of the Mountain Lodge complete with climate-controlled, fully-enclosed panoramic vistas of Park City. After you’re done dining in the Alpenglobes, hop into the property to snuggle up near their oversized fireplace for a nightcap. Even if you’re not a skier enjoying the nearby resort, it’s the perfect après activity.

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