Does Whistler really need another posh hotel? Maybe not, but those who make the trip to the year-old Nita Lake Lodge won't complain. Surrounded by 23 acres of old-growth cedars on the shores of serene, tiny Nita Lake, the lodge feels a world away from Whistler's seven-nights-a-week bar scene Every room has a view of the lake or Whistler Mountain, as well as smart features like rain showers, geothermal radiant floor heating, and iPod docks. Take the three-hour Whistler Mountaineer train from Vancouver (round-trip tickets, $200; whistlermountaineer.com), which stops right at the lodge's front door. Chow down at Nita's railway-style restaurant before crashing in one of 77 suites.

Winter Lodge Smackdown

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Want more action? Whistler's bright lights and raging liftees are just a five-minute shuttle away. Studios from $250; nitalakelodge.com