5 Best Long-Stay Winter Destinations in the USA

You’ve got a little extra time to spend this winter, whether for a long-overdue break or a stretch of remote work, but you’re not quite sure where to go. With so many great options across the U.S., we get the dilemma.

That’s why we asked Sonesta teams across the country to share their favorite winter destinations.

Read on for their top picks, all paired with cozy Sonesta extended stay hotels that make it easy to settle in.

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1. Highlands Ranch, Denver, Colorado

This isn’t a typical ski town, and that’s why people love it. Tucked just south of Denver, this peaceful suburb puts you close to Colorado’s legendary ski areas like Breckenridge and Keystone, but without the crowds or resort-town prices.

You can hit the slopes on the weekend and be back in time for dinner, all while enjoying a quieter, more livable home base during the week.

Additionally, you can get easy light rail access to downtown Denver when you want a dose of city energy, but most days, you’ll find everything you need right in the neighborhood: big parks for snowy strolls, local restaurants, cozy cafés, and shopping centers.

For a scenic winter afternoon without the ski gear, the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway is a guest favorite, winding through Evergreen and Lookout Mountain with postcard views and plenty of stops along the way.

During low-key days, our guests love hiking at nearby Bluffs Regional Park followed by brunch at Snooze in Lone Tree, known for creative pancakes and strong coffee.

Good to Know Before You Go: Highlands Ranch in Winter

Before you head to the foothills, here are a few Sonesta local tips to make winter in Highlands Ranch easier to enjoy.

• You’re at elevation: Highlands Ranch sits around 5,800 feet, higher than Denver. Stay hydrated and ease into outdoor activities your first couple of days, especially if you’re coming from sea level.
• Sunny days, snowy views: Highlands Ranch sees over 300 days of sunshine a year, even in winter. Expect blue skies with snow on the ground and bring sunglasses along with your layers.
• Storms roll in fast: Snow can come out of nowhere, but the area clears quickly thanks to efficient plowing. Keep a weather app handy and plan mountain drives around clearer days.
• Weekend getaways: Highlands Ranch is well-positioned for short winter road trips to Colorado Springs, Golden, or Evergreen, all under 90 minutes away.
• Suburban ease: Grocery stores, shopping centers, and restaurants are all within a short drive from the hotel.

Where to Stay

Choosing the right home base can shape your winter trip. Sonesta extended-stay hotels in and near Denver offer plenty of space and comfort, whether you’re chasing mountain weekends or simply enjoying the slower pace of the season.

• Sonesta ES Suites Denver South Park Meadows: Hotel with spacious, apartment-style suites with full kitchens and a relaxed suburban location, perfect for balancing quiet weekday living with easy weekend access to the mountains.
• Sonesta Simply Suites Denver West Federal Center: Located just west of the city near Golden, this all-suite property offers a more minimalist, extended-stay setup close to Red Rocks, local breweries, and mountain trails, great for guests who want a low-key base near nature.

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Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Colorado

2. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Winter in Colorado Springs has a calm kind of magic. Snow dusts the trails, the mountains glow at golden hour, and the city feels relaxed like it knows how to slow down when the temperature drops.

This is a great destination for travelers seeking monthly hotel stays at a slower pace and plenty of room to roam. Compared to Denver, it’s more affordable and less congested.

Early mornings bring a rare quiet to the trails, with snow underfoot and open views, perfect for a peaceful walk or a few uninterrupted photos before the crowds show up.

Locals usually head to Seven Falls in winter for the easy trails and the kind of snow-dusted views you don’t have to drive hours to find.

After a snowy morning out, our guests love:

• Story Coffee Company (Map It): Set in a tiny modern cabin downtown, this café is all about quiet charm and seriously good espresso. Ideal for early mornings with a book or an unhurried afternoon.
• Cerberus Brewing Company (Map It): A go-to après spot for locals with small-batch beers, a fireplace you’ll want to sit by for hours, and a food menu that goes way beyond bar snacks.
• Four by Brother Luck (Map It): Not your average night out. Chef-driven and deeply rooted in Southwestern flavors, the tasting menus change with the season, but the house-made mole rarely leaves the plate (for good reason).

Good to Know Before You Go: Colorado Springs in Winter

Winter in Colorado Springs is a little unpredictable in the best way. One day it’s snowy trails, the next it’s sunny patios. Here are a few tips from our local staff to help you pack smart, plan well, and enjoy it like a local.

• Winter is off–season: That means fewer crowds at attractions, shorter waits at restaurants, and more space to explore without the summer buzz.
• Snow comes and goes: Unlike mountain towns, Colorado Springs gets bursts of snow followed by sunny days. Dress in layers: mornings can be icy, afternoons surprisingly warm.
• Garden of the Gods stays open: This iconic park is beautiful year-round and rarely closes for weather.
• Trails stay accessible: Many local hikes, including Seven Falls and Red Rock Canyon, remain open and walkable even in winter. Microspikes or grippy shoes are a smart option.

Where to Stay

Tucked between mountain views and the city, Sonesta ES Suites Colorado Springs feels more like a neighborhood stay than a typical hotel. Each suite comes with a full kitchen, a spacious living area, and a layout that makes longer stays easy.

Guests love the quiet, residential setting, close to hiking trails, downtown cafés, and all the natural beauty Colorado Springs has to offer, without the noise.

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Salt Lake City Skyline, Utah

3. Salt Lake City, Utah

If you want world-class skiing without the resort-town crowds (or prices), Salt Lake City is your winter sweet spot. Just 45 minutes from top resorts like Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, and Brighton, you can stay in the city, sleep in a little, and still be on the mountain before lunch.

But winter here isn’t all about the slopes. Salt Lake offers a surprisingly balanced pace for longer stays, with walkable neighborhoods, mountain views in every direction, and a food scene that leans creative without trying too hard.

Spend your weekdays exploring snowy trails in Millcreek Canyon, discovering quiet cafés downtown, or settling into a new routine that combines city living with easy outdoor escapes.

Cold weather calls for comfort food and these local favorites deliver:

• Pretty Bird (Map It): The kind of crispy, spicy fried chicken that hits just right after a day in the snow. Grab it to-go and settle in for a cozy night back at the suite.
• Red Iguana (Map It): Loud, colorful, and packed with locals; this place is all about slow-cooked mole, generous portions, and serious flavor. Come hungry.

Good to Know Before You Go: Salt Lake City in Winter

Salt Lake City may be easygoing, but winter here runs on its own rhythm. These quick tips from Sonesta local staff will help you navigate the snow, slopes, and city quirks.

• Ski mornings start early: Most resorts open by 9AM, and canyon traffic builds fast. Leave before 7:30 AM for a smoother drive, especially on weekends or powder days.
• Know your canyons: Little Cottonwood (Alta, Snowbird) and Big Cottonwood (Brighton, Solitude) are separate roads. Check which is open during storms.
• Utah liquor laws: You’ll need to order food with your drink at many restaurants, and beer is typically 5% ABV unless served at a bar or brewery.
• Snow gear is essential: Even in the city, walkable boots and warm layers go a long way. Roads are well-plowed, but sidewalks can be icy.
• Grocery nearby: There are several markets and specialty stores within a short drive or walk from the hotel if you’re cooking in your suite.

Where to Stay

Sonesta Simply Suites Salt Lake City Airport is a solid choice for travelers who want a quieter stay with easy freeway access. Each suite features a full kitchen, spacious work area, and plenty of room to unpack for a week or more. You’re just 15 minutes from downtown and under an hour to four major ski resorts.

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Winter in Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff, Arizona

4. Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff flips the Arizona stereotype on its head. Two hours north of Phoenix, this alpine town trades cacti and desert heat for pine forests, snowy trails, and clear, star-filled nights. The air is crisp, the pace is slower, and the whole place feels like a cozy, cold-weather twist on the classic Southwest getaway.

For winter adventure closer to town, Arizona Snowbowl is just a 30-minute ride away and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding with views that stretch all the way to the San Francisco Peaks. It’s an easy day trip from the hotel, and a great option for guests who want real snow without the usual ski-town scene.

Prefer something more relaxed? Our hotel guests love:

• Arizona Nordic Village for peaceful snowshoeing trails through the forest
• Thorpe Park for classic sledding fun, great for families or a casual snow day

When it’s time to warm up, our hotel staff often send guests to Late for the Train, a cozy neighborhood café known for its deep-roasted espresso, buttery pastries, and always-glowing fireplace. It’s the kind of place you pop into for a quick coffee and end up staying until your gloves dry.

Good to Know Before You Go: Flagstaff in Winter

Flagstaff may be laid-back, but winter here doesn’t mess around. From snow-packed trails to high-altitude air, here’s what to know before you head up the mountain.

• Expect real snow: At 7,000 feet, Flagstaff gets true winter weather. Pack snow boots, layers, and a good jacket if you plan to explore trails or visit the Grand Canyon.
• Road conditions: Snowstorms are common, and roads can get icy, especially Highway 180 toward Snowbowl. Check road conditions and bring chains if driving during active snow.
• Grand Canyon winter access: The South Rim stays open year-round, but some roads inside the park may close after heavy snowfall.
• Altitude adjustment: Coming from Phoenix? Give yourself a day to adjust. Flagstaff’s higher elevation means colder temps and thinner air. Hydrate and take it easy at first.

Where to Stay

Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff feels more like a modern mountain lodge. Set against a backdrop of pine forests and crisp alpine air, it’s a quiet, comfortable base for winter stays. Suites come with full kitchens, fireplaces in select rooms, and plenty of space to settle in. The Grand Canyon, Arizona Snowbowl, and historic downtown Flagstaff are all within easy reach.

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5. Burlington, Vermont

If your idea of winter magic includes snowy strolls, cozy cafés, and the charm of covered bridges, Burlington, Vermont, might be just the place. Set along the edge of Lake Champlain, this small city has all the cozy New England vibes without ever feeling too quiet or remote.

Yes, it gets cold here, but that’s part of the charm. You can lace up your skates at Battery Park, wander the shops along Church Street, or sip hot cider at the winter farmers market, all while soaking in the snowy, small-town atmosphere.

Into skiing? Burlington makes a great home base. Stowe, Bolton Valley, and Smugglers’ Notch are all about an hour away, so day trips to the slopes can always be an option.

Good to Know Before You Go: Burlington in Winter

Winter in Burlington is charming, cozy, and just brisk enough to keep things interesting. Here are a few Sonesta staff helpful tips to make the most of your cold-weather stay.

• Layer up: Temps can dip quickly, especially near the lake. Bring warm layers, a good coat, and gloves.
• Parking downtown: Church Street Marketplace has several garages nearby, and street parking is metered, but free on Sundays.
• Hot chocolate is everywhere: From indie coffee shops to farm-to-table cafés, Burlington takes its warm drinks seriously. Try a maple hot chocolate from a local café; you’ll never want the store-bought kind again.

Where to Stay

Located just outside Burlington in the quiet town of Williston, Sonesta ES Suites Burlington, VT offers a cozy home base with easy access to Vermont’s best winter scenes. Full kitchens, spacious living areas, and a complimentary breakfast make it easy to settle in. You’re minutes from downtown Burlington and less than an hour from popular ski spots like Stowe and Bolton Valley, great for longer stays that mix adventure with comfort.

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Stay longer and earn more with Sonesta Travel Pass

Earn More While Staying Longer with Sonesta Travel Pass

When you settle in for a longer winter stay, why not make every night count a little extra? With Sonesta Travel Pass, you’ll earn points on every eligible stay, including extended stays, which means free nights come faster.

Plus, members get access to exclusive perks and offers that make your travel even more rewarding. Wherever winter takes you, staying longer with Sonesta means getting more out of every stay.