Winter Bachelorette Party Ideas for the Ultimate Girls' Getaway
Hot tubs, snowball fights and après ski parties; the best winter bachelorette party ideas aren't totally centered around hibernating. Snowy destinations offer endless opportunities for both action and R&R. When trying to narrow down the perfect bachelorette destination, consider what excites you and your friends the most.
Are you first-chair to last-chair ski fanatics who live for fresh turns or are you all about après sessions on a scenic sundeck? Do you appreciate a leisurely mid-mountain bachelorette meal of fondue and schnitzel or are you happier eating PB &Js and power bars on the lift? Does your crew want a five-star hotel with a serious spa or do they prefer a rustic cabin nestled within a scenic mountaintop destination? Is a lively downtown with shopping and nightlife a must? Make your wish list then match it to our list of winter bachelorette party ideas.
1. Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen lives up to its ski-and-be-seen reputation. Bogner and Gorsuch ski gear dominate the slopes and champagne is popped before noon at raucous ski in-ski out restaurant, Cloud Nine. Downtown is lined with designer boutiques such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Moncler as well as outposts of celebrated restaurants like Matsuhisa and Catch Steak. Cultural venues—a rarity in most ski towns—are abundant. And the skiing is seriously great. With four different mountains to choose from—Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Aspen Highlands—there's guaranteed to be terrain suited to every skiing ability in your group.
Things to do: Hiking the Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands is a rite of passage for serious skiers. The 45-minute trek up is rewarded with nearly 2,500 feet of descent. Stretch out with a yoga class at Aspen Shakti or O2 Aspen. Music lovers should check the lineup for Belly Up Aspen in advance. Over the years, the legendary venue's intimate stage has hosted big-name acts ranging from the Killers to John Legend.
Where to stay: The Limelight Hotel has outposts in the base village of Snowmass and downtown Aspen. Both have rooms outfitted with microwaves and SMEG fridges, plus lively après bars. Great for groups, The Gant in Aspen has one-to-four-bedroom condos with full kitchens, living and dining areas, and wood-burning fireplaces. Slopeside, W Hotel is the party pad with an 8,000-square-foot rooftop pool area with cabanas and fire pits. Alternatively, you could go the vacation rental route—something like this luxurious ski-in, ski-out condo.
Where to eat: The J Bar at Hotel Jerome is rightly famed for its burgers. Clark's Oyster Bar is a must for seafood fans. For a European-style lunch, book a reservation at Sam's, a Northern Italian spot mid-mountain in Snowmass known for its homemade rigatoni Bolognese and Negroni spritzes. Après-ski at the Snow Lodge at the St. Regis, the sister of Montauk's famed Surf Lodge.
2. Big Sky Resort, Montana
The name says it all. Big Sky has seriously big terrain and designated triple black diamond runs. If you want to test your mettle you can ride the Lone Peak Tram and tackle 4,350 feet of vertical in one run. There's mellower stuff, too—2,300 acres are dedicated to beginner and intermediate slopes. Big Sky welcomed its first five-star resort, the Montage, last year, bringing luxe amenities like a fantastic spa and a fabulous cocktail program to the resort. The base area is sleepy after après, but Town Center is just a 10-minute drive away and has a handful of rowdy bars.
Things to do: Aside from non-stop skiing in and around Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park is less than an hour away and a great spot to explore. You can book all kinds of winter tours by snow coach or snowmobile to see why the park is even more magical dusted in snow. For something extra special, book a Big Sky aerial adventure and explore the area from above.
Where to stay: The Wilson Hotel near Town Center has one of the best happy hours in town. If you prefer to be closer to the slopes, the newly renovated Summit Hotel has suites that can accommodate up to 10 people as well as four-bedroom penthouses. If you crave amenities, the new Montage Big Sky, located in the exclusive Spanish Peaks enclave, has ski in-ski out access, a 10,000-plus square-foot spa, and both a fine dining Italian restaurant and a casual pub with a bowling alley. Another option? Book a gorgeous winter stay via Vrbo with your own private hot tub, fireplace and space for up to 16 guests.
Where to eat: You'll need a reservation for lunch at Everett's 8800, a European-inspired lunch spot at the top of Andesite Mountain (don't miss the morel mushrooms and rösti). Book a sleigh ride dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch. Prime rib, mashed potatoes and rosemary popovers are served in a historic cabin and are accompanied by live music and rounds of honey moonshine shots. For a unique bachelorette dining experience, book the Montana Dinner Yurt for the chance to explore Montana's backcountry with a hearty three-course meal.
3. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
Straddling the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a major go-to spot for local nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. While it's a gorgeous spot to visit during the summer, there's plenty of exciting things to do in the area during a winter bachelorette party getaway. If the bride-to-be loves all-things outdoorsy, you can easily hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing in Lake Tahoe. And the après-ski scene? Perfect for cocktails with the girls by a cozy fire.
Things to do: Whether you're ski pros or the type of group who wants to try snowshoeing for the first time, there are plenty of winter bachelorette party ideas to try in Lake Tahoe—whether you stick to the California or Nevada side of things. Take the Gondola at Heavenly for a journey over Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Advanced skiers will appreciate the slopes at Alpine Meadows, so add that to your list if you want some top-notch runs.
Where to stay: For a sophisticated, boutique hotel experience, book your winter bachelorette stay at The Incline Lodge, which has hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, beaches, world-renown downhill and nordic skiing and all kinds of outdoor sports. The Tamarack Lodge is another great option for bachelorette groups who want to be close to downhill or nordic skiing. You could also book a vacation rental, like this South Lake Tahoe Estate, which is located along the Private Jameson Beach shoreline on Lake Tahoe's South Shore.
Where to eat: Take the winter bachelorette crew to Tipsy Putt in South Lake Tahoe, where you and the girls can play a round of mini golf, enjoy craft beers and feast on Mexican fare. Evan's American Gourmet Cafe is a small converted cabin where you can enjoy a fine dining experience. For comfort brunch food, head to Driftwood Cafe for delicious sandwiches, wings and soups.
4. Sun Valley, Idaho
For the ultimate skiing bachelorette party in Idaho, take your girls to Sun Valley. This winter resort town is surrounded by mountains, each equipped with a variety of slopes for different experience levels—meaning beginners and advanced skiers are welcome here.
Things to do: If you're having your winter bachelorette party in Sun Valley, Idaho, you're likely going to ski or snowboard. Bald Mountain is dramatic and great for experienced skiers, while Dollar Mountain has beginner-friendly slopes—which is perfect for anyone who is still learning. There are plenty of cozy après-ski moments to be had here as well, whether you bunker down at a local restaurant or a mountain-top chalet.
Where to stay: Knob Hill Inn is a gorgeous boutique hotel option the bachelorette party group will love. It's within walking distance to downtown Ketchum, surrounded by views of Bald Mountain and Smokey and Boulder Mountain ranges. Overlooking Ketchum's Main Street (and the mountains), Limelight Ketchum is another great option for your celebratory ski trip, being less than a mile from the nearest ski lift and around 12 miles from Friedman Memorial Airport. For something more private, you could book a Vrbo, like this stunning Sun Valley escape (featuring amazing views and an après-ski hot tub).
Where to eat: The Roundhouse is a super cozy spot on Bald Mountain that the bachelorette group is sure to enjoy. With beautiful views and delicious, hearty meals, it's an excellent spot to hit up after a full day of skiing. For a celebratory lunch, head to the Sun Valley Club. The food, service, vibe and views will not disappoint. The Ram is another fab option and even has a live pianist perform on the restaurant's resident baby grand piano.
5. Park City, Utah
Despite its Mormon majority, Utah is far from a teetotaling state. Liquor laws require drinks be low octane, and you'll be grateful as Park City has more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain to explore. The mountain and its charming old Western town, still have traces of the area's 1800s silver mining past, like historic Mid Mountain Lodge from the Silver King Mine. The Quicksilver Gondola connects canyons and Park City base areas, making it easy to navigate the vast ski area and find terrain (and powder) perfectly suited to your group. If you're ski snobs, nearby Deer Valley is one of only three ski-only resorts in the country.
Things to do: Park City Yoga Adventures hosts standup paddleboard vinyasa on the Caribbean blue warm waters of nearby Homestead Crater. White Pine Nordic Center has around 15 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing. Spend a day strolling historic Main Street and exploring boutiques like Prospect and Olive & Tweed.
Where to stay: The Pendry is in the heart of Canyons Village and boasts the only rooftop pool in Park City, plus the coolest restaurants, including a Japanese steakhouse and pizza joint. In nearby Deer Valley, the Bavarian-inspired Goldener Hirsch is fresh off a renovation that added 40 residences with gas fireplaces and private balconies. Dedicated "snow angels" handle everything from pre-arrival services to ski outfitting and reservations. Alternatively, you could book a vacation rental—like this gorgeous Deer Valley condo with stunning views, hot tub, pool table and more.
Where to eat: You can ski straight to the front door of High West Distillery + Tasting Room where whiskey is the drink of choice and the hot chicken and house-made pretzel shouldn't be missed. Silver Star Café is a crowd-pleaser with American-style fare like elk burgers and hearth-fired pizzas. The Vintage Room at St. Regis Deer Valley, a 1,600–square-foot clear tented aprés lounge features champagne service and a raw bar.
6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Cowboy town meets ski mecca, you'll need two styles of boots for this themed bachelorette trip. Jackson Hole straddles the line between rugged and refined. The mountain is home to some of the most challenging skiing in all of North America, like infamous run Corbet's Couloir, and the nearby town of Jackson offers big city-worthy boutiques like Mountain Dandy and Grit, fantastic restaurants, like worth-the-wait breakfast spot Persephone, seriously luxe hotels, and plenty of honky tonk après ski diversions. And if you need a nature fix, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are just next door.
Things to do: JH Ecotour Adventures offers snowshoe and cross-country ski adventures in Grand Teton National Park. Crave more adrenaline? Book a fat bike tour of the National Elk Refuge with Teton Mountain Bike Tours. You could also book a full-day tour of Yellowstone and experience the natural beauty of the area.
Where to stay: For an unbeatable location, splurge on the Caldera House. Located tramside, its eight suites feature two to four bedrooms and are designed like chic New York penthouses. Continuum has the best hot tub and heated pool on the mountain and its bar screens classic Teton Gravity Research ski films. In town, the historic Virginian Lodge is fresh off a modern makeover that includes four-guest adventure bunkrooms, plus a bar that hosts weekly karaoke nights. The new Cloudveil, is the only hotel on Jackson's historic Town Square and its concierge team can arrange everything from yoga at the National Museum of Wildlife Art to park visits.
Where to eat: Dust off your cowboy boots for a trip to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. King Sushi is a local favorite. For tapas and wine, visit Bin 22. An attached shop has a deep selection of wine as well as snacks, like artisanal cheeses.
7. Stowe, Vermont
The alpine Ski Capital of the East, Stowe is best known for its rugged, high-elevation terrain and charming, Norman Rockwell-worthy downtown. Home to the highest peaks in Vermont, Stowe has runs that will even impress snooty West Coast skiers, and more than half of the resort's runs are intermediate, making this the ideal spot for occasional skiers and riders to find their snow legs. Off the mountain, plenty more adventures await, from snowmobiling tours around Mount Mansfield to Nordic skiing and ice climbing. Après ski is all about beer here. Vermont's prized craft brews are poured at every pub on the mountain and off and the storybook town's restaurants are firmly rooted in a farm-to-table ethos, even in winter.
Things to do: Indulge in a down day at the spa at Spruce Peak or Topnotch Resort's spa, which features a 60-foot solarium with an indoor pool. Explore the countryside on a dog sledding excursion with a local outfitter like Peace Pups. City Brew Tours offers a 4.5-hour Sip of Stowe tour that makes three brewery stops and includes a designated driver.
Where to stay: Stowe's only ski-in-ski-out hotel, the Lodge at Spruce Peak offers a range of group-friendly accommodations ranging from three-bedroom suites to a four-bedroom penthouse, all recently refurbished. Downtown, Field Guide is a Scandi-inspired boutique hotel with rooms and suites (many with gas fireplaces and marble soaking tubs) spread between two buildings. Groups should request two-bedroom bunk rooms or suites that sleep up to six. There's also a heated pool and firepit for S'mores, plus the area's hottest new post-ski hangout, Après Only, which channels 1980s ski New England ski culture and has a menu of charcuterie boards and local craft brews.
Where to eat: You can ski directly to the Matterhorn Bar and Grill, an iconic bar where the party always runs late and the food menu has everything you might crave: sushi, burgers, pizza. Beer snobs shouldn't miss a visit to the Alchemist Brewery, famed for its cult Heady Topper double IPA. Doc Ponds, an elevated gastropub from the chefs behind Vermont's acclaimed Hen of the Woods restaurant, has a serious beer list and comfort foods like house chips with onion dip and a crispy chicken sammy.
Brittany Barber contributed to this article.