Go for the Gold: Olympics-Inspired Vacations

The Resort at Squaw Creek is one of the largest hotels in Squaw Valley, where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held. It’s making the most of its Olympics past with the 1960 Winter Games Penthouse Package, which includes penthouse accommodations for two nights as well as two lift tickets and two adult ski rentals per day, among other offerings. The hotel has a ski-in, ski-out location with lift to Squaw Valley, making it easy for guests to ski the same slopes of long-ago Olympic greats.

This upscale Kimpton hotel has glam décor and a location within walking distance of the ice skating rink at Bryant Park. The hotel is offering a Kiddie Olympian Figure Skating Package, which includes ice skating lessons for a parent at child at Bryant Park Rink’s Winter Village rink, afternoon children’s tea time at the Russian Tea Room, and a Team USA Figure Skating pin.

This uber-luxurious Park City hotel is a short drive away from Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. The bobsleigh and luge events were held there, among others, and today the park continues to serve as a training center for athletes and a destination for visitors (there is a Winter Olympics and Ski Museum on-site). For skiers, The Waldorf sits at the base of the Canyons Resort, and for skaters, the Waldorf can arrange a private skating lesson with U.S. National Speed Skating Team member and Olympic hopeful Patrick Meek.

The Pan Pacific has a premier location in Whistler Village, right next to the ski lifts. Its Go for Gold package (also available at its sister property, the Pan Pacific Village Centre) includes a bobsleigh experience for two adults, two “Sochi” cocktails at the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, and two pairs of Olympics 2014 mittens. The hotel’s large, homey rooms come with fireplaces and kitchenettes.

As the name implies, the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa has a cozy mountain lodge vibe (we especially like the stone fireplaces and exposed wooden beams in the lobby). The hotel’s Podium Package provides guests with a $40 credit toward the restaurant and bar, Spur, where they can catch the Olympics on one of six HDTVs. A lift ticket and a six-pack of Snow King Pale Ale (Snow King Resort is a training spot for Olympic downhill teams) are also included.

Oslo last hosted the Winter Olympics in 1952, but the city is in the running to do it again in 2022 – and it’s easy to understand why it would be an appealing choice. The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is one of the city’s top luxury options, and it is also right near Oslo Central Station, which provides easy train access to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the Korketrekkeren toboggan run, and the slopes at Oslo Winterpark Tryvann.

This elegant, historic hotel across the street from Central Park offers guests a taste of grand old New York. It also offers guests a taste of Olympics glory, quite literally, through the Olympics-inspired cocktail menu at Two E Bar/Lounge. Each of the five cocktails is one of the colors of the Olympic rings (red, blue, yellow, green, and black); for example, the yellow Triple Salchow, with Russian Standard Vodka, Limoncello, spiced chai tea, fresh-squeezed OJ, steamed milk and white chocolate.

The 1980 Winter Olympics was certainly one to remember; it was the year the USA hockey team defeated the Soviets in the famous game now known to many as the Miracle on Ice. The lakefront High Peaks Resort is a 10-minute walk away from the Lake Placid Olympic Center, home to the famous arena; competitive figure skating and hockey events still take place here. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is also located in the complex.


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RELATED LINKS

• Vacation Like a U.S. Olympian
• Your Perfect Ski Destination: The Best Slopes for Your Style