Romantic Escapes in the West
Travel
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BANFF, ALB
The Banff Springs Hotel is a magnificent, castle-like hotel set high in the Canadian Rockies. Close to Sunshine, Norquay, and Lake Louise ski areas, the 770-room property has a modern spa, Solace, for apres-ski soaking. The hotel’s “Romance in the Rockies” package starts at $230 and includes accommodation, breakfast and wine upon arrival. Contact 800-441-1414.
BEAVER CREEK, CO
For those with deep pockets, Trapper’s Cabin is easily the most romantic ski retreat in North America. This four-bedroom lodgepole pine cabin sits high up in Beaver Creek, Colorado, just shy of 10,000 feet. Filled with pine furniture and comfortable leather chairs and even a player piano, the cabin has stunning views and nothing but Aspen trees for company. Accessible only by skis or snowmobile, you’re greeted at the door by a cabin keeper with a glass of champagne, hors d’oeuvres and fleece slippers. You can relax in an outdoor Jacuzzi while a chef prepares a five-course dinner. After dinner, the cabin keeper and chef depart, returning in the morning to prepare a bountiful breakfast. Trapper’s Cabin is still available for Valentine’s Day and a two-night minimum stay is required. The cost is based on a four-person minimum but one couple can take it for the night at this rate. The rate is $3,000 for the first night and $2,500 for the second night. Transportation via snowmobile, dinner, all alcohol, breakfast and use of snowshoes is included. Contact: 970-845-5788/ http://www.vbcrp.com/Trappers/.
BIG MOUNTAIN, MT
There’s still space for Valentine’s at the Kandahar Lodge, a 48-room, European-style lodge located at the base of Montana’s Big Mountain Ski Resort. The down comforters, the locally made pine furniture and the skiing at Big Mountain are great reasons to come. Rates start at $139 per night and include breakfast. Mention the “SkiNet Valentine’s Special” upon booking and you’ll find a bottle of champagne in your room. Contact 800-862-6094/ www.kandaharlodge.com.
MAMMOTH, CA
January brought mammoth powder to this ski area in Southern California. The Tamarack Lodge Resort, a rustic retreat that dates from 1924, is a 36-unit lodge located in the Mammoth Lakes Basin on the shores of Twin Lakes. For maximum romantic privacy, there are adjacent private cabins. Rates in the lodge and in studio cabins start at $105. Contact: 760-934-2442; www.tamaracklodge.com
NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE, CA
It’s reliably reported that Lake Tahoe was “discovered” by Captain John C. Fremont and Charles Preuss on February 14, 1844. That’s all the more reason to consider Northstar-at-Tahoe’s “Romance-at-Tahoe” package. It includes two nights’ lodging in a one-bedroom condominium and four lift tickets, champagne, a snowmobile tour, and a $75 credit towards a candlelight dinner at Timbercreek Restaurant. The price starts at $339 per person. Contact 800-GO-NORTH.
WINTER PARK, CO
The “Romance in the Rockies” deal means five nights lodging in a luxury Condominium, four days of lift tickets, one spa session each, an on-mountain lunch, and a bottle of champagne. There’s also the choice of a romantic snowmobile tour, dog sled ride, or sleigh ride, for two of course.. The cost is $999 per person based on double occupancy. Contact: 800-729-5813.
