Guide
7 Snowy Historic Hotels to Embrace This Winter
By Katherine Orr
Do you dream of walking in a winter wonderland during the colder months of the year? Well you're in luck! Here are seven members of Historic Hotels of America in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona that are known for their snowy delights during the winter season. Depending on which hotel you visit you can experience skiing in Big Sky Montana or Aspen and Vale in Colorado, look over the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, or wander the streets of historic Sante Fe. While snowfall isn't guaranteed at each of these hotels, you can be sure to find yourself pampered and cozy during your stay.
Founded in 1989 to promote heritage tourism, Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels.
-
Stay connected with us via email. Sign up today.
-
Photo By: Andrus Hotel
The Andrus Hotel in Dillon, Montana
For more than a century, The Andrus Hotel has offered a charming and luxurious respite in Dillon, Montana, a historic destination that Forbes Magazine noted to be one of America's prettiest small towns. The hotel, which originally opened to the public in 1917, is centrally located in the main Old Town neighborhood of downtown Dillon and provides an ideal base to explore the area, including skiing in Big Sky, Montana. On average Big Sky has about 69 snowfall days a year, predominantly from December to March.
-
Photo By: Sheridan Inn
Sheridan Inn in Sheridan, Wyoming
The historic Sheridan Inn, designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, is located in Sheridan, Wyoming, and is steeped in Western tradition. Designed by Thomas Kimball to resemble a Scottish hunting lodge, the hotel was built in 1893 by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad on behalf of the Inn’s first operator, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who auditioned new talent for his “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” company from the front porch. Following a 50-year vacancy and extensive $7 million renovation, the Sheridan Inn once again opened its doors to guests in May 2015. Visitors to Sheridan, Wyoming can enjoy snowmobiling along the Northern Bighorn Mountain Trail System, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing along the Sibley or Culter Ski Trails. While Sheridan is near the Bighorn Basin where snowfall is light, more snow can be found at higher elevations in the Bighorn Mountains.
-
Photo By: The Wort Hotel
The Wort Hotel in Jackson, Wyoming
The inspiration for The Wort Hotel began with Charles Wort, a homesteader who dreamed of opening a luxury hotel in Jackson Hole. In 1917, he bought four lots in downtown Jackson, but it was not until 1941, that his two sons, John and Jess Wort, began construction of the hotel. With its Tudor Revival architecture and rustic interiors, The Wort Hotel was an immediate success. It served as a gathering place for locals and was a sought-after destination for visitors. The hotel’s famous Silver Dollar Bar, with its 2,032 inlaid 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars, was added in 1950. In the winter months guests can experience skiing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, wildlife tours, and more. Jackson and nearby Jackson Hole have about 76 snowfall days a year, predominantly from December to March.
-
Photo By: Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, sits Hotel Colorado. For more than one hundred years, legends and luminaries, silver barons and gunslingers, have walked the halls of this imposing replica of the 16th-century Villa de Medici. The hotel offers a vast array of outdoor activities, including access to some of the country’s best skiing and fishing venues. In recognition of its colorful past and architectural significance, The Hotel Colorado was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Hotel Colorado is located on Colorado’s Western Slope, between Aspen and Vail, one block from the Glenwood Springs exit off I-70. The average snowfall for Glenwood Springs is about 67 inches a year with the coldest temperatures in the winter season.
-
Photo By: Strater Hotel
The Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado
One of the West’s iconic hotels, The Strater Hotel is the centerpiece of Durango in every way. Located two blocks from the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, it is also the heart of fun and entertainment. The interior is adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, period wallpaper, and the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. The world-famous Diamond Belle Saloon features nightly entertainment, including top-rated ragtime piano players. Durango is a winter destination known as a base for skiiing, snowboarding, and snowshoing as well as its sleigh rides, ice skating, and scenic holiday train activities. The average snowfall for Durango is about 71 inches a year and the winter season is described as mild and sunny by the city.
-
Photo By: Grand Canyon NPS/Flicker CC-by-2.0.
El Tovar in Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
Opening its doors in 1905, El Tovar Hotel, a former Harvey House, is considered the premier lodging facility at the Grand Canyon. Constructed of native stone and Oregon pine, this historic hotel was built as a destination resort and provides an air of venerable dignity. Its location is just steps from the rim of the canyon, giving guests spectacular views year-round, and is one of only a handful of Harvey House facilities still in operation. The hotel features the canyon’s premier dining facility, El Tovar Dining Room. During the winter months the South Rim averages about 58 inches of snow beginning in November.
-
Photo By: Historic Hotels of America
La Fonda in Santa Fe, New Mexico
This landmark historic hotel is in the heart of Santa Fe and was the first hotel in North America’s first European-founded capital city. Reports of an inn at this location date to as early as the 1600s. La Fonda guests enjoy the design influences of famed architect John Gaw Meem, and the celebrated Southwest architect and designer, Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter--as well as artwork by contemporary Indigneous artists. The hotel is located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, just steps away from major museums, the majestic St. Francis Cathedral Basilica, performing art venues, galleries, shops, and restaurants. The average snow season in Santa Fe is from November through March with with an average of 32 inches of snow in town and up to 300 inches at Ski Santa Fe.
Katherine Orr is the director, marketing strategy and communications at Historic Hotels of America.