Published on March 6, 2026
Image generated with Ai
As Valentine’s Day falls just before Presidents’ Day, travellers are not just getting romance — they’re getting a long weekend to escape. For the past two years, this unique calendar alignment has made mid-February one of the most significant times in the winter travel season in Sundance. Stewart Mountain Lodging, a luxury short-term rental provider in the area, has observed an emerging shift in how Americans approach their winter escapes and who they are travelling with.
Image generated with Ai
“This long weekend has become less about the traditional couples’ getaway and more about intentional time together,” says Brad Stewart, Owner of Stewart Mountain Lodging. “We’re seeing romance, yes – but also families, multi-generational groups, and even friends choosing private cabins over traditional hotel stays.”
In 2025, the trend was clear — larger homes dominated the long weekend.
Though Stewart Mountain Lodging’s portfolio mainly features larger homes (over 70% with three or more bedrooms), the data revealed a high demand for gathering spaces. Families and larger groups were clearly taking advantage of the extended weekend for quality time together.
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Half of all bookings included children under 12, with 58% of reservations being for dog-friendly cabins, further highlighting the increasing trend of full-family travel. Additionally, guests were staying longer — five and six-night stays were common, especially in larger cabins. Many travellers even booked months in advance, with 20% of 5+ bedroom cabins secured 10 to 12 months ahead of time.
“2025 showed us that families and larger groups plan months ahead when they’re expecting a traditional Sundance winter,” says Brad. “With Valentine’s Day falling alongside Presidents’ Day, it becomes the perfect chance to stretch a long weekend into a meaningful winter escape.”
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Winter 2026 presented a different story. The lower snowfall in the Sundance area led to noticeable changes in booking patterns.
Though larger homes remained popular among planners, with every 5+ bedroom cabin booked at least three months in advance, the demand for smaller cabins was a marked shift. Smaller bookings saw 43% of 1-2 bedroom cabins reserved within a month of arrival, indicating a preference for spontaneity and flexibility.
Family travel grew significantly in 2026. Nearly 62% of bookings included children under 12 — a striking increase from just 12% the year before. Furthermore, the demand for dog-friendly cabins rose to 71%.
“We saw travelers responding to snowfall conditions by staying flexible,” says Brad. “Smaller groups booked closer to arrival, while those planning larger gatherings locked in well ahead of time.”
The length of stay also varied in 2026. For 3-4 bedroom cabins, stays averaged four nights, while 1-2 bedroom cabins saw a mix of shorter one-night trips and extended stays up to seven nights. This indicates a growing variety in travel preferences, from spontaneous getaways to extended work-from-anywhere retreats.
“Cabins offer something hotels can’t – space to cook together, gather by the fireplace, soak in a private hot tub, or simply enjoy the quiet,” Brad says. “For many guests, that privacy is becoming the new luxury.”
With the Valentine’s Day-Presidents’ Day weekend alignment happening again in 2027, Stewart Mountain Lodging anticipates high demand for winter getaways. To ensure a successful trip, Brad Stewart offers two key travel tips for 2027:
“The long weekend isn’t changing,” Brad adds. “But how people use it is evolving. Whether it’s a romantic couple, a young family, or three generations gathering under one roof, Sundance continues to offer a meaningful winter escape.”
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Tags: family travel, luxury cabins, Sundance winter travel, Travel News, Valentine’s Day weekend

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Friday, March 6, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026

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