Members pay handsomely to belong to the exclusive 1,400-acre Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain in Wilmington, VT, whose crown jewel is its own private mountain. But discerning nonmembers seeking some of the best within-a-drive-from-Westchester snow conditions — including always perfectly groomed corduroy, plus superior amenities and impeccable service — can enjoy this luxurious resort enclave during a stay at one of its charmingly restored historic inns.
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Private skiing has its privileges, including an enviable absence of lines at the Doppelmayr-heated bubble lift (one of the only ones in the US) that delivers skiers to the summit in less than six minutes. Nestled in the serene mountains of the Deerfield Valley, the Hermitage also offers excellent cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, boarding, ice skating, tubing, and old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh rides under the stars.
Après ski, savor the fine dining; decompress in the tranquil spa; work out in the fitness center; or just sip a hot toddy in front of a cozy fire. For elegantly appointed guest quarters, gourmet fare (save room for a decadent s’mores milk shake for dessert) and direct transport to the mountain minutes away, consider Hermitage’s posh White House Inn, where a winter stay ranges from $275 to $1,040 per night, depending on date and type of accommodation. High rollers can access the inn via plane or helicopter on the Hermitage’s private landing strip.
Hermitage Club, 183 Gatehouse Trail, Wilmington, VT, 802.464.7734; www.hermitageclub.com
