Winter is upon us, and if you’ve been looking at your skis longingly from across the room, now’s the time to get them ready for fresh powder.
We’ll take you on a trip across four continents for our list of the 10 best ski resorts to visit with your Bilt Points.
Sapporo, Japan
The capital of Hokkaido and Japan’s fifth largest city, Sapporo, has grown in recent decades into a winter sports capital. The 1972 Winter Olympics were held here, and since then younger crowds have been flocking here to seek out untouched powder. If you travel in February, make sure to see the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.
How to Get There:
While many Japanese destinations are easily serviced by high-speed trains, this one requires a bit more legwork. With that said, you’ll be able to transfer your Bilt Points to either American Airlines or United and fly into any of the major Asian hubs with connecting service. You can fly direct to Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong or Osaka direct from the US and then connect on one of American or United’s partners.
Where to Stay:
Just outside of Sapporo sits the Park Hyatt Niseko, home to some of Japan’s most sought-after skiing experiences. The ski-in ski-out facilities make getting to the fresh powder effortless.
For an even more boutique experience, book the “first track” experience with the general manager of the hotel. You’ll get access to the ski resort a full hour before it opens to the general public, and the guides will take you to the hidden spots on the slopes.
Transfer your Bilt Points into World of Hyatt to stay at this resort for about 35,000 points per night
Zermatt, Switzerland
No matter where you look in Zermatt, you’ll get the quintessential postcard view of the towering Matterhorn. If downhill skiing is too tame for you, then feel free to try heli-skiing, night skiing, or even Nordic cross-country trails.
Because of its high altitudes, you will find unspoiled slopes nearly all year round.
How to Get There:
Don’t plan on getting to this Swiss mountain retreat by car as you won’t find any in the city. The car-free city is accessible by train from both major cities of Geneva or Zurich. The best way to get here is by transferring your Bilt Points to United and redeeming for either United flights direct or Swiss Airlines flights from many major US cities non-stop including Los Angeles, New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Where to Stay:
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a partner with World of Hyatt, The Hotel Schweizerhof brings you within seconds of Switzerland’s famous Matterhorn. With fewer than 100 rooms and two dozen suites, the staff at this Swiss retreat will get to know you throughout your stay. Finish your day with a choice of one of three onsite restaurants.
Transfer your Bilt Points into World of Hyatt to stay at this resort for about 25,000 points per night
Whistler, British Columbia
The gem of the Pacific Northwest lies in the once relatively quiet town of Whistler, British Columbia. The site of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics has been transformed in the past decade into one of the largest ski resorts in North America with nearly two dozen gondolas and the longest ski run coming in at 7 miles long.
How to Get There:
Vancouver, British Columbia is serviced by nearly every major airline including American and United, but also by our partner Air Canada. Sign up for Aeroplan and transfer your points over to fly nonstop to Vancouver. Once there, feel free to snag a rental car or just use one of the convenient shuttle options from the airport. You probably won’t be needing a car once you arrive.
Where to Stay:
While there are many hotels you can book using the Bilt Travel Portal, one that sticks out is Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The hotel has over 500 elegantly appointed rooms, guests of this hotel feel luxury from the moment you walk through the doors. Blackcomb mountain rises up from the hotel making skiing the Pacific Northwest’s premier mountain getaway a breeze. Rooms range from 22,000 to 70,000 Bilt Points per night.
Book a stay through the Bilt Travel Portal powered by Expedia.
Vail, Colorado
Colorado is a world-class ski domestic destination, and Vail is not only one of the largest in Colorado but in the entire world. It’s known for having the most groomed terrain on the entire planet, and chances are it’s only a few short hours from where you’re reading this right now. Once done with the slopes, the city offers entertainment the entire year from concerts, festivals, and even ballet.
How to Get There:
Flying to Vail couldn’t be easier with Denver International Airport residing a mere two-hour drive from the slopes. Eagle, Colorado also has service from many major cities in the US. United Airlines flies into Eagle from Chicago, Houston, Newark, Denver, LA, and San Francisco while American Airlines services from Dallas, Chicago, LA, Miami, New York, Austin and Phoenix.
Where to Stay:
Vail’s premier Ski-in Ski-out resort, the Grand Hyatt Vail, is within walking distance of the Vail Village, and yet still seems secluded enough for you to experience the lap of luxury. Starting at 21,000 Bilt Points per night, the hotel offers large rooms and suites including balconies overlooking the slopes. Unwind in the Creekside heated infinity pool and outdoor hot tubs and leave your cares at home.
Transfer your Bilt Points into World of Hyatt to stay at this resort for about 35,000 points per night during peak ski season.
Lake Placid, New York
If you’re craving somewhere to go skiing yet don’t have a lot of time away from work, check out Lake Placid. Because of its close proximity to the east coast, you can come in on a Friday and head back home on a Sunday night, making this the perfect quick winter weekend getaway. The winter sports scene is so amazing that this city has held the Winter Olympics games twice, in 1932 and 1980.
How to Get There:
Driving from New York City, Boston, Syracuse, or Buffalo is about 5 hours while the state capital Albany is a shorter two and a half. All of these locations will be serviced by American and United airlines, so if you don’t find a price you’re happy with booking directly through the Bilt Rewards Travel Portal, transfer some of your Bilt Points over to their mileage program.
Where to Stay:
The variety of winter activities at the Crowne Plaza Lake Placid are truly this hotel’s crown jewel. Choose from miles of cross-country trails, bobsled rides and speedskating at the Olympic village, dogsled rides, and alpine skiing at Whiteface Mountain. Starting at only 23,000 Bilt Points per night, you can have a weekend adventure on the cheap just a few hours north of New York City. Book this hotel by transferring your Bilt Points into IHG or through the Bilt Travel Portal.
Transfer your Bilt Points into IHG or book a stay through the Bilt Travel Portal powered by Expedia.
Bariloche, Argentina
If you thought skiing was only for the northern hemisphere, think again. Seasons are flipped in South America, so expect to be skiing in July when your friends are hanging out at the beach.
How to Get There:
Fly to Argentina first by getting to Buenos Aires and then connecting to Bariloche on Aerolineas Argentinas. American Airlines flies direct to Buenos Aires out of Miami, Dallas and New York’s JFK while United offers a daily nonstop from Houston.
Cash tickets on the Argentine flag carrier aren’t typically too expensive, so use the Bilt Travel Portal to use your rewards to offset the cost of the flights once you’ve made it to Argentina.
Where to Stay:
The NH Bariloche Edelweiss hotel in the center of Bariloche is a perfect base camp for skiing Cerro Catedral and has an indoor pool for when you get back. Take advantage of Lazy Sundays with a 3PM late checkout on the house. Rooms start from only 12,000 Bilt Points per night.
Book a stay through the Bilt Travel Portal powered by Expedia.
PyeongChang, South Korea
Enjoy the site of the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics Games a short 80 miles east of the capital of South Korea, Seoul. The city takes after an alpine village and while famous for its amazing ski slopes, don’t miss out on the amazing resort life the city has to offer.
How to Get There:
Fly into Seoul and then snag a train direct from the airport in about 4 hours’ time. To get to Seoul, the largest airport in Korea, you have no shortage of options. Transfer to Air Canada’s Aeroplan to fly direct from both Toronto or Vancouver, American Airlines direct out of Dallas, or United’s service from San Francisco.
If you’re already in Europe, Bilt Rewards partners Air France and KLM offer daily service from Paris and Amsterdam respectively.
Where to Stay:
The InterContinental Alpensia is the area’s largest and most popular resort. At check-in you can order your favorite pillow off of their menu and relax in pure opulence. Surrounded by not only some of Korea’s best ski slopes but also an alpine roller coaster, a water park, two golf courses, and countless dining options. Go in the off-season or during the height of winter ski season for only 24,000 IHG points per night.
Transfer your Bilt Points into IHG to stay at this resort for about 24,000 points per night.
Mzaar, Lebanon
And now for something completely different… have you ever considered skiing in Lebanon? With over 40 slopes, finding the right course to challenge you won’t be an issue. Advanced skiers can hire ski guides to show them the secret trails while beginners can learn on wide, gentle slopes to get the hang of it all.
How to Get There:
Fly into Beirut, Lebanon’s largest and busiest airport. While not serviced direct to any US city, consider transferring your points to Turkish Airlines and connect in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines services a dozen airports on both coasts of the US and in between. You can also fly through Bilt transfer partner, British Airways, which offers connecting services out of London and Air France/KLM which will deliver daily service as well.
Where to Stay:
The Intercontinental Mzaar offers you the ability to ski out directly from the resort to over 50 miles of trail and come back to one of the country’s leading spas. Try out snowshoeing, ziplining, mountaineering, and snowmobiles. From 29,000 IHG points per night.
Transfer your Bilt Points into IHG to stay at this resort for about 29,000 points per night.
Keystone, Colorado
A truly family-friendly destination, Keystone has developed itself into a place where you can come as an entire family. One of the most relaxed and laidback of all the Colorado resort towns, Keystone doesn’t just offer kid slopes, as some of the most daring and daunting skiing including boxes, rails, half pipes, and multiple jumps.
How to Get There:
Similar to Vail, Denver airport is going to be your best bet with services to the smaller Eagle airport also an option. Denver lies about 90 miles east while Eagle airport lies slightly closer at 65 miles west. One thing to remember is that the roads can be slick in the winter, so make sure that you get a rental car that has 4-wheel drive. Book your rental car directly through the Bilt Travel Portal to earn on your purchase, or use your rewards to help offset the cost of your rental.
Where to Stay:
An absolute deal at only 15,000 Bilt Points a night, the Hyatt Place Keystone is a great setup for families or small groups. The rooms feature mini kitchens and sofa beds, plenty of space for your family to spread out. Keystone offers some of the best night skiing in Colorado, situated mere minutes from the hotel's front door. Snow tubing, snow biking, sleigh rides, and snowcat tour round out the total winter adventure.
Transfer your Bilt Points into World of Hyatt to stay at this resort for about 15,000 points per night.
Chamonix, France
Nestled into a corner at the intersection of France, Switzerland, and Italy lies Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. This quaint mountain town developed as a spot for mountaineering and quickly the city was purposely made to attract skiers from every corner of the globe. While not a true ski-in ski-out resort town, every property will cater to making your trip unforgettable.
How to Get There:
While technically in France, don’t be fooled into thinking you should fly into Paris. The closest and most convenient airport is Geneva in Switzerland, followed by Lyon in France and Milan in Italy.
Geneva Airport (GVA) is serviced by United from Washington DC and Newark, Aer Lingus out of Dublin, and even Swiss Airlines direct into JFK. Bilt Rewards partners Iberia, British Airways, Air France and KLM offer connecting service while Air Canada offers a nonstop from North America via their Montreal hub.
Where to Stay:
The Hotel Mont Blanc Chamonix is a ski-in hotel right in the center of town and at the base of Mont Blanc, which means over 100 miles of slopes are within minutes of the hotel. The hotel offers a private shuttle to take you to the base of the slopes and some of the area’s best cable cars and ski lifts are a few minutes walk away. After a day of skiing, relax in the Spa Clarins and let your cares disappear. Starting from 36,000 Bilt Points per night.
Book a stay through the Bilt Travel Portal powered by Expedia.
Bottom Line
From Asia to South America, Europe to the US, Bilt Points can get you anywhere you want to travel. Check out the Bilt Travel Portal powered by Expedia or transfer your points directly to our partners IHG and World of Hyatt to save some serious cash on your stay.