16 best hotels for a winter adventure: ice hotels, igloos, and cozy cabins

Winter brings some of the best pleasures in life–crisp air, blankets of soft snow, and endless mugs of your favorite warm drink. It’s the perfect time to stay in and curl up with loved ones…or get out there and check off your winter bucket list. Here’s the good news: We found some of the best winter hotels around the world where you can do both.

From dreamy ice palaces and glass igloos to cozy winter cabins, check into these unique stays that are sure to charm.

Ever wanted to sleep on a bed made of ice? You can at the original ICEHOTEL, which first opened in 1989. Located in Jukkasjarvi, a small village about 11 miles from Kiruna, the world-famous stay is built new every winter with ice blocks from the Torne River. Book fast though, it only lasts till the season ends in April.

The ice rooms come with comfy mattresses, thermal sleeping bags, and reindeer hides, so you’ll have no trouble getting cozy. Or pick an art suite, each decked with unique hand-carved ice sculptures so no two rooms are the same. Once you’ve settled in, hit the ice bar and sip a cocktail in a glass made entirely from ice.

Adorable huskies, reindeer, and a once-in-a-lifetime stay—that’s what you can look forward to at Snowhotel Kirkenses in Norway’s Finnmark region. The 13 cold rooms come with warm sleeping bags. Plus, intricate ice carvings of mesmerizing landscapes and famous icons like Marilyn Monroe. But if you prefer someplace toastier, opt for a rustic Gamme cabin, featuring heated floors and a large picture window.

Beyond the stay, travelers highly recommend the ice hotel’s epic winter activities, especially the king crab safari. You’ll go snowmobiling, hear funny historical stories, and enjoy a hearty meal at the end of it all.

Nestled in the Lapland wilderness, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is renowned for its glass-domed igloos. Not only are they beautiful, but they also provide the best seats in the house to catch the wispy auroras. (Psst…the best time to see the Northern Lights is from December to April.)

For an extra luxurious experience, book a Kelo-Glass igloo. It has a fireplace, a private sauna, and lots of space—ideal for bigger groups.

Once an abandoned mining town, Dunton Hot Springs was meticulously restored and now offers guests a luxurious nature escape in Dolores County. Step back in time and kick back in one of its 13 rustic log cabins, filled with historic artifacts and comfy furnishings.

Take part in the hotel’s complimentary half-day guided winter activities, from snowshoeing to cross-country skiing in the San Juan Mountains. Cap off the day with a well-deserved dip in the hotel’s natural hot springs.

L’Alpaga Hotel is one of those hotels that have it all—luxury chalets, first-class service, and a Kids Club to keep the little ones entertained for hours. Spectacular views of Megeve’s snow-capped peaks are just about everywhere too, from the bedrooms to the outdoor hot tub.

Its chalets come with a fully equipped kitchen if you’re in the mood to whip up a feast. But if you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else, check out the onsite Michelin-starred restaurant that serves French dishes with a seasonal twist.

While the resort offers the standard rooms and suites, you can book a cottage for more privacy. Bigger groups can go for the Presidential Cottage, which has a Jacuzzi and 24-hour butler service.

Amangani is a popular pick for two good reasons: seclusion and pure luxury. Take the free shuttle to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, an iconic ski spot with over 2,000 acres of slopes. Then retire to the deep-soaking tub in your room, complete with gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks.

If you’re here during the festive season, don’t miss the hot chocolate station at Zinc Bar. The hotel also organizes free events like movie nights and wine-tasting sessions.

Fun fact: Parts of the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me were shot around the Miramonti Boutique Hotel. No surprise, considering the resort has dazzling alpine views, dramatic Nordic architecture, and an infinity pool that overlooks the nearby spa town of Merano. It’s also situated in the Dolomites, ideal for skiing, tobogganing, and snowshoe hiking.

Miramonti also serves daily afternoon tea by a roaring fireplace and shows a James Bond film every Sunday.

Come wintertime, Banff National Park transforms into a snowy wonderland, and Fairmont Banff Springs—nicknamed the Castle in the Rockies—is a fab spot to experience the magic. Take in the mesmerizing views from your room, and pop open the window to let in the cool, crisp air. You can also rent a fat bike to explore the grounds, hop on a free shuttle to nearby slopes, or ice-skate on an outdoor rink.

If you’re looking to escape the buzzing Seoul, make your way to this upscale mountain retreat, located two-and-a-half hours away. The rooms and suites boast stunning views of Alpensia Lake or the Taebaek peaks, and there’s even a pillow menu to help you snooze better.

On the hotel’s doorstep, you’ll find the beginner-friendly Alpensia ski resort, along with a picturesque village with many shops and restaurants. Further down, there’s an indoor heated waterpark that’s great for families with kids.

The ryokan has only eight rooms, so you can expect a cozy and intimate stay. We recommend choosing one with a private onsen if you prefer more privacy or have tattoos, which may not be permitted in the ryokan’s public bath.

Book a room with a private onsen and soak in the mineral-rich waters whenever you fancy. Stays include breakfast and dinner, and you can warm up with free beer and sake in the lounge every evening.

The historic Ryokan Sakaya in Nagano has everything you could want in a winter stay. Many travelers rave about its charming hospitality, spacious onsens, nourishing Kaiseki dinners, and comfy rooms that’ll make you feel right at home.

The central location is a plus, too—a quick stroll will take you to the base of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, where layers of fresh powder await.

According to one traveler, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world at Whitepod Original, and it’s easy to see why. Built high in the Swiss Alps, the eco-luxury hotel offers chic domed pods that open up to jaw-dropping vistas. The hike to the pods is steep, but you don’t need to worry about your bags—the staff will bring them to you on snowmobiles.

While it’s tempting to laze in your pod all day, there are plenty of winter things to do. Skiing on the hotel’s private slopes, dog sledding, and forest hikes (with a husky!) are some top picks.

Located in Windham—also known as the “Gem of the Catskills”—the Eastwind Hotel & Bar is a fantastic spot to get away from New York City’s fast-paced vibes. It’s home to a few Lushna-style glamping cabins with a sleek minimalist design and cozy bedding. Each one even has its own outdoor fire pit, with blankets and a complimentary s’mores kit to boot.

The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel may be a warm and cozy hideaway, but you won’t be getting much sleep here. All 32 suites come with a bed that faces a picture window, allowing you to curl up under the covers and watch the Northern Lights dance above the snowy landscape.

Beyond the usual arctic adventures like reindeer rides and snowmobiling, visit the Santa Claus Village about a mile away. You can snap a photo with Santa Claus himself, and cross the Arctic Circle.