East Coast Winter Getaways (for Non-Skiers)
Three destinations where winter is the experience — no slopes required
Not every winter trip needs skis, boots, or a full itinerary of outdoor exertion. The best East Coast winter getaways for non-skiers are places where the season itself sets the pace: frozen lakes, crackling fireplaces, spa afternoons, and meals that become the main event.
These three destinations — Lake George, Mont-Tremblant, and rural Vermont — offer very different winter experiences, each with plenty to do beyond skiing.
1. The Sagamore Resort — Lake George, New York
Set on a private island in Lake George, The Sagamore Resort feels especially well-suited to winter. When the lake freezes and the Adirondacks quiet down, the property takes on a slower, more inward rhythm — one that favors long mornings, fireside afternoons, and early evenings that stretch into dinner.
On property
Indoor pool + spa complex — ideal for long, mid-day breaks when it’s cold outside
Historic lounges and reading rooms with fireplaces (this is a “bring a book” hotel)
Bowling alley and indoor recreation spaces for evenings
Winter dining in cozy igloos and drinks at the glacier ice bar
Around Lake George
Walk the frozen lakeshore for views that feel cinematic, especially at sunrise
Adirondack winter hiking (short, accessible trails nearby — no snowshoes required on many paths)
Local antique shops and cafés in the village, which are quieter and more charming in winter
Winter boat views — even docked boats against frozen water make the setting feel distinctly seasonal
Best for: A classic, nostalgic winter resort experience with variety — perfect if you want options but no pressure to be active.
2. Hotel Quintessence — Mont-Tremblant, Québec
Although Mont-Tremblant is synonymous with skiing, Hotel Quintessence offers a very different relationship to winter. Positioned directly on the lake and slightly removed from the village center, the hotel feels intentionally calm — more retreat than resort.
At the hotel
Outdoor hot tubs overlooking the frozen lake (arguably the main event)
Fireplace suites where mornings are slow and evenings are meant to stay in
Fine-dining restaurant that’s a destination in itself — winter tasting menus, wine-forward, unhurried
Spa services designed for après-cold relaxation, even if you never ski
In Mont-Tremblant (without skiing)
Stroll the pedestrian village — winter lights, cafés, wine bars, and boutiques
Snowshoeing or winter walks (gentle, scenic, and beginner-friendly)
Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered trails
Scandinavian spa nearby (Nordic circuit: hot pools, cold plunges, saunas — very popular with non-skiers)
Best for: A romantic, European-feeling winter escape where food, scenery, and atmosphere matter more than activities.
3. Twin Farms — Vermont
Twin Farms is not about leaving the property — it’s about sinking into it. This is a fully all-inclusive winter retreat designed for guests who want everything handled quietly and beautifully.
On property (everything is included)
Daily gourmet meals that feel more like private dinners than hotel dining
Private cottages with fireplaces, soaking tubs, and window views of falling snow
Snowshoeing and winter walks across the property’s trails (guided or solo)
Cross-country skiing available but optional — many guests skip it entirely
In-room spa treatments and wellness experiences
Afternoon fireside drinks and snacks — no planning required
What makes it special
You never need to decide what to do — the day unfolds naturally
Staff curates experiences around your pace
Winter here feels intimate, quiet, and deeply restorative
Best for: Travelers who want winter to feel private, indulgent, and completely unstructured.
