Want to take your next meeting to a higher level? Consider a higher altitude. The Southwest showcases ample opportunities for meeting attendees to enjoy its snow-covered mountains, spectacular scenery, and resort facilities. While well-known winter destinations in states like Colorado and Utah may seem obvious, off-the-beaten-path locations combine a beautiful setting and incredible outdoor recreation with state-of-the-art conference space and impeccable service. Discover our hidden gems for a winter event escape.
Arizona
The mountain town of Flagstaff is a perfect starting point for winter recreation in Arizona.
“In addition to its proximity to Grand Canyon National Park, which is a 90-minute drive from downtown and spectacular in winter when the rocks often get a coat of snow, the city has Arizona Snowbowl just 30 minutes away for downhill skiing and snowboarding,” says Ryan Randazzo, media relations and marketing project manager for Discover Flagstaff.
Arizona Snowbowl is situated on the western slope of Mount Humphreys, the tallest point in the state. The mountain offers 777 skiable acres with 61 runs, the longest of which is two miles. Even non-skiers can enjoy Snowbowl, with a trip to 11,500 feet aboard the Arizona Gondola, offering breathtaking views of the cinder cone volcanic field, the red rocks in Sedona, and, on a clear day, the Grand Canyon.
Arizona Snowbowl can accommodate groups of up to 300 people, in lodges and outdoor settings customized for the occasion. Arizona Nordic Village at the base of the San Francisco Peaks offers 35 trails for skiing and snowshoeing.
With an average annual snowfall of more than 100 inches, Flagstaff Snow Park provides great groomed snow-tubing runs. For meeting planners, outdoor recreation is easily accessible to venues. “It’s possible to work half the day and spend the other half at the national park or on the ski hill,” Randazzo says. “Three other national monuments surrounding the city also offer short day trips to visit ancient pueblos, cliff dwellings, and a volcano that erupted approximately 900 years ago.”
Winter is also a nice time to bundle up and head to the famous Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered. The dry winter air allows for spectacular viewing through telescopes. The new Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center offers plenty to explore indoors as well, Randazzi says.
Meeting venues include High Country Conference Center, with 29,700 square feet of newly appointed flexible meeting space to accommodate 10 to 1,000 guests.
The 247-room Little America Hotel has 13,770 square feet of event space, which can be configured into 10 meeting rooms. The 183-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff features 6,243 square feet of space, which can be configured into seven meeting rooms.
On the south campus of Northern Arizona University, the du Bois Center provides a hub for meeting and conference rooms. The facility features three levels of meeting rooms, seven conference rooms with a capacity of 70 people, a large ballroom with a capacity of 750 guests, and academic and study spaces.
Unique spaces for smaller groups include Zane Grey Ballroom at the historic Weatherford Hotel; the 118-seat Theatrikos, located in Flagstaff’s historic downtown; and the Visitor’s Center at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, with space for up to 65 guests.
“Flagstaff also has 200 restaurants, including four James Beard nominees within walking distance of one another in the historic downtown,” Randazzo says. “Conference attendees have lots to explore after the day’s meetings are done, including eight award-winning craft breweries.”
Interstates 40 and 17 provide direct access to Flagstaff from many of the Southwest’s metropolitan areas, including Albuquerque, El Paso (Texas), Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Tucson. In addition, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) offers air service daily, with multiple flights to and from Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth on American Airlines. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line services Flagstaff daily from the historic train station on Route 66.
California
A couple of California’s best-kept secrets can be found in its snow towns.
Truckee, near Lake Tahoe, is considered one of the world’s top ski towns. “It’s the ultimate base camp for skiers who crave variety without the hassle,” says Jackie Calvert, executive director of Visit Truckee-Tahoe.
Four world-class resorts are just minutes away: Palisades Tahoe, Sugar Bowl, Northstar, and Boreal. Within a 45-minute drive, visitors can also hit the slopes at Donner Ski Ranch, Tahoe Donner, Soda Springs, Granlibakken, Homewood, Diamond Park, Mt. Rose, and Sky Tavern.
Truckee stands out for its unmatched access to resorts on both the Ikon and Epic passes, allowing visitors to maximize their skiing time, Calvert notes.
Beyond that, Truckee offers endless backcountry zones, snowshoe loops, sledding hills, and five Nordic centers, including North America’s largest cross-country resort—the 6,000-acre Royal Gorge, in nearby Soda Springs.
Truckee has 13 boutique hotels, lodges, and inns, and 18 professional property management companies offering a variety of properties, from luxurious mountain homes to quaint cabins. In addition, independent homeowners offer hundreds of properties for rentals.
Truckee’s meeting and event spaces include a diverse mix of mountain resorts, modern hotels, rustic lodges, coworking spaces, and outdoor parks, all within 15 minutes of historic downtown.
Whether choosing a resort or downtown property, planners can rest assured attendees will never be far from the slopes. The close proximity of meeting spaces allows planners to schedule a half-day of skiing on the agenda.
One of the area’s largest events is the Truckee Winter Carnival, which is held in late February through early March. The event includes snow sculpture fun, sled-dogging demonstrations, and snowboarding stunts.
Several transportation companies, including Palisades Tahoe and Tahoe Sierra Transportation, can provide shuttle service. Truckee also offers its free Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transportation. The nearby Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) offers easy flight access, with 11 carriers operating more than 130 arriving and departing flights daily.
Venues range from intimate 10-person boardrooms to outdoor pavilions for 400+ guests.
In Southern California, Big Bear Lake delivers an immersive alpine experience with the infrastructure of a proven events destination. The region hosts more than 40 major events each year, from intimate 500-person conferences to multi-day festivals of 15,000 or more attendees.
Big Bear offers some of the best winter action in the region. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski resorts have more than 400 acres of terrain, ranging from beginner to expert level. Skiers and riders can enjoy 17 lifts to access more than 55 runs dedicated to both groomed areas and terrain parks.
Non-skiers can find fun at tubing parks, including The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Big Bear Snow Play, and Grizzly Ridge Tube Park. The Alpine Slide and Big Bear Snow Play offer night glow tubing on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays.
Snowshoeing is another popular, slow-paced activity, with tours available through Big Bear Discovery Center and Action Tours.
The region has plenty of options when it comes to convention space. The Convention Center at Big Bear Lake, located approximately 10 minutes from the downtown hub of The Village, offers 11,000 square feet of indoor space for up to 1,400 people. The facility includes an onsite restaurant, Wyatt’s, and features two full-service bars, a full kitchen, and a short-order kitchen.
The Lodge at Big Bear Lake is the area’s largest space, with 4,000 square feet of conference space, making it a good candidate as a headquarters hotel. It’s located in The Village and is walkable to dining and shops.
Sunnybrook Estate Event & Conference Center offers 4,800 square feet of space, which can be configured for breakout sessions. Destination Big Bear Event Center has 4,000 square feet, making it a good site for receptions.
Nearby airports include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County. From there, MetroLink and Amtrak provide service to San Bernardino. Mountain Transit offers bus service to Big Bear Lake on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Once in Big Bear, attendees can easily get around via the free Big Bear Trolley.
Colorado
Set amid the stunning San Juan Mountains, Ouray, Colo., is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored. With captivating snow-covered scenery, Ouray undergoes a remarkable transformation during the winter season.
Outdoor enthusiasts can engage in top-notch ice climbing at the renowned Ouray Ice Park, featuring frozen waterfalls, or embark on adventures along pristine snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.
Other winter activities include soaking in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and a nostalgic day of skiing at Lee’s Ski Hill. Winter events include the Ouray Ice Festival at Ouray Ice Park, Jan. 22-25; Ouray Winter Wine Festival, Feb. 14, at various wineries and distilleries; and Back Country Ski Classes (dates vary) through Mountaintop.com.
The region offers 14 indoor options for convention spaces and meeting rooms, including the Beaumont Hotel & Restaurant Grand Ballroom, with a seating capacity of 75 to 100 guests; the Community Center’s Massard Room, with a capacity of 300; and the Elks Lodge, with a capacity of 150. Smaller unique venues include The Wright Opera House, with seating for up to 120 people; Ouray Brewery, which can accommodate 18 to 35; and Outlaw Restaurant, with a seating capacity of 65.
An off-the-beaten-path destination, Ouray offers planners something truly distinctive. “Unlike large resort towns, Ouray combines a welcoming, intimate atmosphere with the timeless charm of a historic mountain community,” says Kailey Rhoten, tourism and destination marketing director for Visit Ouray. “With preserved Victorian-era architecture, historic hotels, and a main street that feels like stepping back in time, the town adds a sense of character and authenticity that makes gatherings here unforgettable.”
Surrounded on all sides by the San Juan Mountains, Ouray offers 360 degrees of inspiring winter beauty. After a dusting of snow, the town looks straight out of a Hallmark movie—inviting, picturesque, and peaceful. Winter also brings affordability, giving planners a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality or experience.
“Attendees can enjoy everything from local coffee shops to fine dining, hot springs to unique winter adventures like ice climbing and snowshoeing,” Rhoten says. “Hosting a conference in Ouray means your group can focus during the day, then seamlessly step into a rejuvenating mountain escape filled with history, relaxation, and adventure after hours.”
The closest airport is Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), approximately a 45-minute drive away, with direct flights from Austin, Dallas, and Houston; Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Nashville, Tenn., Newark, N.J., Orange County and San Francisco, and Phoenix.
Large groups visiting Ouray can book shuttle service from the airport through Telluride Express or TelluRides. Ouray is approximately an hour’s drive from world-class skiing at Telluride, Colo., and Black Canyon National Park in Montrose. Visit Ouray and the Ouray Visitor’s Center can help craft an itinerary for event planners.
Nevada
Winter in Nevada’s Reno Tahoe region offers something for every group, from snow-covered mountains and spectacular skiing to après-ski activities blending productivity with relaxation.
“Planners can pair meetings with team bonding on the slopes at Mt. Rose or family-friendly tubing at the new Wildslide Tahoe, which opened Thanksgiving weekend 2025,” says Mike Larragueta, president and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe.
For groups that prefer cultural discovery, Reno’s museums—including the Nevada Museum of Art and the National Automobile Museum—showcase the region’s creativity and history.
“Après-ski is just as memorable, with standout dining at local favorites like The Depot Brewery & Distillery or Liberty Food & Wine Exchange, and evenings filled with live entertainment at venues across the destination,” Larragueta says.
Reno Tahoe offers more than 15,000 hotel rooms and more than 1 million square feet of meeting space, giving planners incredible flexibility when designing their events.
“From the 600,000-square-foot Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Reno Events Center to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and the iconic National Bowling Stadium—all managed by Visit Reno Tahoe—our venues can accommodate a wide range of needs,” Larragueta says
Reno Tahoe provides options for groups of all sizes, including meeting rooms and ballrooms at boutique non-gaming hotels and casino resort properties, where mid-size to large groups can hold all of their functions under one roof.
“Reno Tahoe is a true four-season destination, offering just as much excitement and accessibility in winter as in summer,” Larragueta adds. “Alongside world-class hotels and top-rated meeting facilities, the winter season brings distinctive experiences that set the region apart from other meetings destinations.”
Groups can pair the region’s urban energy, innovative dining, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts scene with outdoor adventures in the snow, creating memorable opportunities for attendees to connect and recharge.
A popular winter event is the Western Lights Illuminated Arts Festival, held in the streets of Reno. The 2026 festival is scheduled for Feb. 19-21. Easily accessible via 20+ daily nonstop flights on 11 major airlines at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Reno Tahoe combines variety, value, and convenience, making it an ideal winter destination for planners, Larragueta says.
New Mexico
With small-town charm and world-class outdoor adventure, Red River, N.M., provides an amazing site for winter conferences and events. Founded in 1895 as a mining town, Red River has transformed into a vibrant mountain destination with year-round tourism. Nestled in the San Cristobal Mountain Range and surrounded by the Carson National Forest, Red River sits along the scenic Enchanted Circle Byway.
“Our town is walkable, with Main Street stretching just one mile end-to-end—perfect for conference attendees to explore on foot,” says Max Khudiakov, director of economic development and tourism for the Town of Red River.
Free town trolley service is provided by Miner’s Transit and the Town of Red River. The town has more than 40 accommodations, including cabins, condos, RV parks, and hotels. It also has more than 20 restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and breakfast nooks, along with more than 25 local shops and specialty boutiques.
Outdoor recreation includes downhill skiing; the season runs from Thanksgiving through mid-March. In addition, visitors can enjoy snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cozy après-ski options at local cafes and breweries.
“Conferences can seamlessly incorporate winter activities, whether that’s a ski day, a snowmobile tour, or simply relaxing in a cozy coffee shop while watching the snowfall,” Khudiakov says.
Attendees can also immerse themselves in local events, making for a memorable and dynamic winter conference. Planners can easily pair conferences with Red River’s signature events and activities, including: Race The Face, Jan. 17; Red River Songwriter’s Festival, Jan. 29-30; Skijoring & Ski Ranch Rodeo, Jan. 31; Mardi Gras in the Mountains, Feb. 12-17; and Red River Ski Area Closing Day & Pond Skim, March 22.
“We have spaces adaptable to meetings, exhibits, receptions, and retreats,” Khudiakov notes.
The Red River Conference Center offers 10,500 square feet of flexible meeting space to accommodate groups of all sizes. Its exhibit hall can be divided into three sections with curtains and additional breakout space with dividers. The facility can accommodate up to 400 guests banquet style or up to 55 in classroom setup. Other spaces include a conference room, perfect for board meetings and breakout sessions; a private, smaller side room; and a commercial kitchen, offering access for catering and meal prep.
With its beautiful trails, lakes and streams, hopping Main Street, and rich history, Red River makes a magical destination.
Utah
Utah is a winter paradise, and no place does it better than Park City, home to world-class ski resorts. Coming together for meetings and events in the heart of Utah’s mountain resorts allows attendees to experience new heights.
“Planners looking at winter destinations want attendees to experience that picture-perfect postcard for their events, and Park City delivers that snow-covered setting all the way from Thanksgiving through mid-April,” says Dan Howard, vice president of communications for the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.
Deer Valley Resort, a ski-only resort spanning 2,026 acres, includes 103 trails and 21 chairlifts. Park City Mountain Resort has 7,300 skiable acres, with more than 330 trails and 43 chairlifts—making it the largest lift-assisted ski resort in the country.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Park City offers other activities for visitors to enjoy. “Planners can’t assume all attendees are comfortable with downhill skiing,” Howard adds. “Fortunately, there are myriad alternate winter activities in Park City for groups, including horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and dog sledding, to name just a few. For those who have always wanted to try skiing, the ski resorts have a wide range of ‘green’ and ‘blue’ ski runs (for beginners) in addition to the more advanced ‘black’ and ‘double-black’ terrain, along with some of the very best ski instructors in the country.”
Park City offers more than 100 lodging options, including year-round, luxury resort properties, nationally known brands, boutique hotels, and more. Park City’s 125,000 square feet of meeting space and 4,000 committable rooms can accommodate groups of up to 700 people.
Park City is home to an array of resorts with meeting space to accommodate groups of all sizes.
The 220-room Montage Deer Valley at Deer Valley Resort offers 25,000 square feet of indoor space across eight meeting rooms. Its largest space is 4,300 square feet. The 200-room Sheraton Park City offers 10,939 square feet of indoor conference space, with a large room (5,722 square feet) and several breakout meeting rooms. The 182-room DoubleTree by Hilton Park City – The Yarrow has 10,920 square feet of indoor meeting space, the largest of which features almost 5,000 square feet. The 99-room Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection offers 10,000 square feet of indoor conference space. Smaller properties include the 36-room Treasure Mountain Hotel & Conference Center, with 4,600 square feet of meeting space, and the 12-room Washington School House hotel.
Utah Olympic Park, site of the 2002 Olympic Games, offers nine meeting rooms and other event spaces to accommodate 25 to 225 attendees. It has a banquet capacity of 2,500 and a classroom capacity of 500.
Park City is just 35 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Its free bus system runs through town every 10 minutes, seven days a week, making it convenient for attendees to get from their meeting location to recreation areas.
“Between Western cowboy culture, silver mining spirit, and the Olympic metaphors reinforcing training and success, Park City is a unique and rewarding mountain destination,” Howard says.
