The world’s 9 sexiest winter lodges

By Jason H. Harper

updated 10:09 a.m. ET Feb. 5, 2009

Sexy winter is different from sexy summer. If beach escapades are scant clothing and watching the tide come in, winter retreats are snuggly blankets and watching the snow fall. Whether it's just the two of you, or a gaggle of ski bums and bunnies worthy of an Abercrombie ad, the right mix of nature, crackling fires and hot tubs can turn the most blustery day very, very sultry.

From a sumptuous old-world Swiss resort alongside the Matterhorn to 1930s-era cabins in Mammoth, Calif., we've tracked down the hot spots that will keep you tingling until the big thaw.

1. The lodge: Teton Ridge Ranch, Tetonia, Idaho

Perfect for you and: Your mogul mate

Isolation index: 6 out of 10. Teton Ridge Ranch is close to places you've heard of — namely, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. But since the 4,000-acre property is more than an hour from Jackson, Wyo., and 7 miles off the main road, expect a cascade of pure silence.

Cold comfort: This is the kind of place you'd expect billionaires such as Ted Turner to visit (or, more likely, own). True-blue Western, with lots of pine and stone fireplaces and big windows looking out on the jagged Tetons, the five-bedroom ranch sits on a pristine swath of land.

Best hotels for an affair Hotels to stay in before you die World’s best eco-spas World’s sexiest winter cruises

During the day, the two of you can slip into the Targhee National Forest by sleigh, snowshoes or cross-country skis — the ranch will provide you with a first-rate guide. Back in your private suite, warm your frosty footsies by the wood-burning stove, then take a communal dip in the Jacuzzi.

The aphrodisiac: The candle-lit dining room for dinner, which has two large, roaring fireplaces. Your stay is all-inclusive, and all that outdoor (or perhaps indoor) activity will have you attacking spinach soufflé and huckleberry French toast at breakfast and elk tenderloin by night.

Teton Ridge Ranch
Tel: 800-926-3579 (toll-free)
Tel: 208-456-2650
Doubles from $645, including meals, alcohol and activities.

2. The lodge: Annupuri Lodge, Hokkaido, Japan

Perfect for you and: Your novelty-loving friends

Isolation index: 5 out of 10. Distance is a matter of perspective. While the northern island of Hokkaido, 500 miles from Tokyo, is awfully far from America, it's the closest prime ski spot to Australia, which ensures a steady stream of sexy Aussies.

It’s A Snap! See the latest entries See the amazing images sent by msnbc.com readers and submit your own for next week!

Cold comfort: So, you and the boys have poached powder from Portillo to Park City and run out of bragging rights? You’ll be an original in Hokkaido, where the snow blows in from Siberia, the Japanese have perfected night skiing and Aussies fly in by the planeload.

Niseko Mountain gets more snow than Aspen, and the powder is light and dry. Stay at Annupuri Lodge, with nine minimalist Asian-style rooms in black and natural woods, its own bar (the fortuitously named Lucky Fingers) and a hot spring bathhouse. It's also less than a minute’s walk to the main gondola.

The aphrodisiac: The steaming open-air volcanic pools, called onsen, set among high snowbanks. Local shredders and surf-toned Australians invariably end up here after the perfect snowy days, drinking beer and making new friends. Added bonus: Your accent will be different than everybody else’s.

Annupuri Lodge
Tel: 81-90-1851-6663
Doubles from $176

3. The lodge: Cascade Huts, Mount Hood, Ore.

Perfect for you and: The nature-loving boy or girl

Isolation index: 8 out of 10. These three backwoods cabins are strung among the Douglas firs and the banks of the White River, not far from Mount Hood, and can only be reached by snowshoes or cross-country skis. Still, the trail is just an hour's drive from Portland — ideal for when it's time for a hot shower and comfort food such as braised pork shanks at local favorite Sel Gris.

Cold comfort: Forget faux rustic or “glamping”: The Cascade Huts are the real deal. Comfy but small, the cabins offer light from lanterns, warmth from a propane heater and sustenance from food you prepare yourself in the kitchen. They’re 2 to 4 miles from the trailhead, ensuring that the only intrusion into your sweet, shared solitude will be the wind whispering through the trees. It's a perfect excuse to zip your sleeping bags together.

The aphrodisiac: The natural beauty of snow-covered rivers, old-growth forests and views of Mount Hood from 4,000 feet.

Cascade Huts
Tel: 971-322-3638
Huts from $300 per night for two

MORE FROM SEASONAL

Seasonal Section Front

Beyonce talking Vegas shows with Wynn 10 things not to do in Las Vegas Mandarin Oriental opens at CityCenter in Vegas CityCenter mall in Las Vegas opening to public CityCenter’s Vdara officially open for business Binion’s closing Vegas hotel; casino remains Manilow keeps it romantic at new Vegas gig Greening the Las Vegas Strip Best Las Vegas Strip (mall) restaurants Strippers-on-a-truck promotion halted in Vegas Seasonal Section Front   Add Seasonal headlines to your news reader: