It’s easy to get lazy in the winter. And laziness extends not just to fitness and chores and cooking and writing thank you notes, but also to aspirational travel — when it’s cold we’re tempted to just stay at home and hunker down.
Cozy season is here. (Photo Credit: @atuftedlife)
The trick to upending that mindset? Embrace the cold. Lean into it. Flip the connotations of cold from “shivering” to “cozy.” If it’s freezing outside? Great, then what better opportunity to go inside (or inside a hot tub) and get closer to the people you love — or at least mostly like?
Because this winter, cozy is the new hot.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Warm up with a hearty meal at The Copper Onion, where the Wagyu Beef Stroganoff feels specifically created for winter. The ski resorts of Snowbird and Alta are legendary, but if that’s not your thing? You’ll find lovely snow-capped winter hikes along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
Explore Salt Lake City amidst a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. (Photo Credit: Todd Trapani)
And in the name of coziness, it would be criminal not to mention the Kimpton Monaco’s natural oak herringbone floors, rich cognac leather furniture, and hot toddies that can be savored in the Vault lounge.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
Denver, Colorado
It’s sneaky-easy to stay in Denver and make daytrips to go skiing — I live there and do this all the time.
What’s more cozy than a decadent breakfast in bed? (Photo Credit: @monacodenver)
You can rest easy at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver. (Photo Credit: @monacodenver)
These trips give you the rare opportunity to pair a ski getaway with exploration of the city. You’ll find a range of cozy bars at Larimer Square, but for a more locals-only option check out Odell’s Brewery near Sloan’s, where the (usually heated) rooftop will give you a breathtaking view of the frosted lake.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver
Portland, Oregon
There aren’t many cities that rival Denver when it comes to craft beer, but Portland is one of them, and winter gives the perfect excuse for some late afternoon brewery-hopping. (Or okay, fine, early afternoon brewery-hopping; you’re on vacation.)
Strong coffee on a winter’s day — yes please. (Photo Credit: @riverplacehotel)
Afterwards, bundle up and stroll along the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and even in winter — maybe especially in winter — the views of the skyline will not disappoint. The Cottages, a Kimpton RiverPlace hub right on the waterfront, embody cozy with crackling fireplaces and views of Christmas-light-strewn boats drifting by at sunset each evening.
Where to stay: Kimpton RiverPlace or Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland
Manchester, Vermont
The definition of cozy should include Vermont. Whether it’s a hearty meal at The Silver Fork (consider the crabcakes) or a “Mac & Maple” cider at The Copper Grouse, everything about Manchester oozes comfy-sweater-vibes.
Fur babies make everything more cozy. (Photo Credit: @the_griff_life)
All you have to do is enjoy the view. (Photo Credit: @taconichotel)
You’ll find stunning winter landscapes almost everywhere you look but particularly at the Equinox Preservation Trust, which has year-round hiking trails that are suitable for snowshoeing. (We’re realists and we know you don’t own snowshoes; you can rent them at The Mountain Goat.)
Where to stay: Kimpton Taconic Hotel
Bozeman, Montana
The skiing gets all the glory — deservedly so — but the real winter gem in Bozeman might be the Hot Springs, where you can luxuriate in naturally heated pools amidst the snow.
Witness the beauty of Montana in the winter. (Photo Credit: Lucas Ludwig)
Need a curveball? Warm up by diving into the region’s history at the Museum of the Rockies, which contains one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils. But however you spend your day, the coziest way to end it is at the downtown Bozeman Whiskey Bar, tucked in the basement of the Kimpton Armory Hotel.
Where to stay: Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman
Looking for more cozy getaways? Relax and revel in the season with wintery cocktails, vintage games, signature menus, and more at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ immersive Winter Chalet experience here.
