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5 Unique Hotels to Experience the First Snow of the Season

Discover 5 unique hotels to experience the first snow of the season. From Japan to Sweden, find the perfect spot for an unforgettable early winter adventure.

Raquel Juster

• 8 min read

There’s a special magic to the season’s first snow. When the last hints of autumn give way to a pristine blanket of white, the world feels quiet, fresh, and full of possibility. Chasing this moment is an adventure in itself, a chance to witness nature’s shift into a winter wonderland before the holiday crowds arrive. We've found five unique hotels for first snow that not only offer front-row seats to this beautiful event but also provide an unforgettable experience to kick off your winter.

From the Arctic Circle to the Japanese Alps, these properties are perfectly located for an early-season escape. If you've been dreaming of panoramic views, cozy fires, and the first tracks on untouched slopes, don't wait. It’s time to plan your visit and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Green Leaf Niseko Village, Japan

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Niseko often sees its first significant snow as early as November, transforming the landscape into a powder paradise renowned across the world. The Green Leaf Niseko Village is nestled at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, offering ski-in/ski-out access that lets you be the first on the slopes when the powder is deepest. This unique hotel blends stunning modern architecture with natural charm, making it a perfect base for your early winter adventures.

  • Unforgettable Stay: The property is a work of art, with rooms and suites offering incredible panoramic views of the surrounding snow-covered forest and mountains. The welcoming lobby invites you to relax with a warm drink after a day of fun.
  • Ski & Snowboard Adventures: With direct access to the lifts, your adventure starts the moment you step out. You can purchase Niseko Village lift passes on-site. For those new to the sport or looking to improve, the Niseko Village snow school offers everything from beginner to advanced lessons. Both mid-range skis and mid-range snowboard rentals are available. Snowboard lessons require pre-booking, especially during the peak booking period.
  • Family & Friends Appeal: This hotel is ideal for both families and groups of friends. The variety of terrain ensures everyone from first-timers to experts can enjoy the slopes. After a day outside, the village atmosphere and diverse restaurants make for a great evening.
  • Amenities & Booking: The hotel is famous for its outdoor onsen, where you can soak in mineral-rich hot springs surrounded by snow. Note that a local accommodation tax and a separate onsen tax are often paid separately upon check-out. It's wise to book ahead as this is a popular spot. Some rates may be non-refundable, requiring full payment at the time of booking.

2. Icehotel, Sweden

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For a truly unique experience, head north to Jukkasjärvi in northern Sweden, where the first snow arrives in October, heralding the start of an arctic winter. The world-famous Icehotel is rebuilt each year from ice and snow, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime stay inside a work of art. Located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, it’s a destination that fully embraces the cold with open arms.

  • Unforgettable Stay: Each year, artists from around the world are invited to design and create the hotel’s Art Suites. You will spend one night in a room made of ice, sleeping in a thermal sleeping bag on a bed of ice covered with reindeer hides. For the rest of your stay, you can book a warm room on the property.
  • Arctic Adventures: While there are no traditional ski slopes here, the adventure is just as thrilling. You can book a tour to chase the northern lights, go dog sledding, or learn to carve your own ice sculpture. It’s an adventure you won’t soon miss.
  • Family & Friends Appeal: This is an incredible trip for adventurous friends or a family with older children. The sheer novelty of the hotel and the range of activities provide endless fun and conversation.
  • Amenities & Booking: The property includes warm buildings with restaurants, lounges, and changing areas. Booking an Icehotel stay is a popular bucket-list item, so pre-booked reservations are essential. Be sure to review the terms, as some packages are night inclusive of certain activities, while others are paid separately.

3. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Canada

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Lake Louise is a Canadian gem that turns into a real-life snow globe when the first snow typically falls in late October or early November. The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits on the shores of the turquoise lake, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and the Victoria Glacier. Its historic charm and grand architecture make it one of the best hotels for first snow anywhere in the world.

  • Unforgettable Stay: The hotel itself is a landmark, offering majestic panoramic views from nearly every room. The property exudes a classic, warm elegance that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
  • Ski & Snowboard Adventures: Located minutes from the Lake Louise Ski Resort, guests have access to one of North America's largest ski areas. A shuttle can take you to the slopes where you can use your lift pass to explore vast terrain. Private ski and snowboard lessons are available for a personalized experience.
  • Family & Friends Appeal: The Fairmont is incredibly welcoming to families and groups. In early winter, you can ice skate on the frozen lake, go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or simply enjoy hot chocolate by the fire.
  • Amenities & Booking: The hotel features multiple award-winning restaurants, a luxury spa, and a health club. Remember that local taxes and resort fees may apply and are often due at check-out. To secure the best rooms, it is recommended to book well in advance of your visit.

4. The Omnia, Switzerland

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Zermatt, Switzerland, nestled beneath the Matterhorn, is a high-altitude village where an early winter is almost guaranteed. The first snow often dusts the peaks in late autumn, and by November, the season is underway. The Omnia stands on a rock 45 meters above the village's main street, accessible only by a private elevator, offering an exclusive and modern take on the classic mountain lodge.

  • Unforgettable Stay: This unique hotel is an architectural masterpiece inspired by American modernism and European craftsmanship. Its sleek design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and thoughtfully curated art create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere for every person who visits.
  • Ski & Snowboard Adventures: The hotel provides seamless access to the Zermatt ski area, which boasts a long season thanks to its high elevation and glaciers. After crossing a nearby mountain pass, you can ski into Italy for lunch. The concierge can assist with lift pass purchases and arranging lessons.
  • Family & Friends Appeal: While it has a sophisticated soul, The Omnia is welcoming to all guests. It’s an ideal escape for friends or couples looking for a chic and quiet retreat, but older families will also appreciate the blend of nature and design.
  • Amenities & Booking: The hotel features a Michelin-starred restaurant, a library with a fireplace, and a stunning spa with an indoor/outdoor pool offering views of the Matterhorn. Due to its exclusivity, full payment may be required for a non-refundable booking, so check other terms carefully.

5. Snowpine Lodge, Utah, USA

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Alta, Utah, is legendary among powder hounds for receiving some of the earliest and deepest snow in the United States, often starting in November. Snowpine Lodge, nestled in the heart of Little Cottonwood Canyon, is a luxury hotel that perfectly blends modern comfort with its historic roots as a former miners' shelter. It offers ski-in/ski-out access to the pristine slopes of Alta Ski Area.

  • Unforgettable Stay: The lodge’s architecture combines rustic stone and wood with contemporary glass and steel, creating a warm and inviting space. Many rooms and suites feature fireplaces and balconies with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon.
  • Ski & Snowboard Adventures: Step out of the lodge and onto the slopes of Alta (note: Alta is a skiers-only mountain, but snowboarders can access the adjacent Snowbird resort). The ski shop can set you up with boots and gear, and the concierge can help with your lift pass and lesson needs.
  • Family & Friends Appeal: Snowpine Lodge is fantastic for both families and groups of friends. There's a game room, a movie theater, and plenty of space to relax together. The ski-in/ski-out convenience is a huge plus for families with kids.
  • Amenities & Booking: The hotel boasts a world-class spa, multiple dining options, and two heated outdoor pools and hot tubs. As with many ski resorts, it's wise to make a pre-booked reservation for your nights stay to ensure availability, and be aware of any local taxes or resort fees.

Your Winter Wonderland Awaits

Witnessing the first snow of the season is a magical moment, and these unique hotels offer the perfect setting to enjoy it. From the thrilling slopes to the cozy fireside, an unforgettable adventure is waiting for you. Don't let this fleeting season pass you by—book your stay today and look forward to creating memories in a winter wonderland.

Happy Travels! 🌍

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