Need help planning your next winter vacation? Some people like to swap wintertime at home for somewhere hot, while others choose to fully embrace the season and plunge into snowy pursuits.
Ski holidays give you the chance to enjoy astonishing mountain landscape, breathe fresh air and replenish calories burned on the mountainside with indulgent food and drink. While there are plenty of cheaper, hands-on ways to travel, skiing has always been considered one of the finer things in life and the capacity for luxury is enormous. Today we have put together a list of six of the best luxury ski resorts in the world.
Kitzbühel for fairy-tale romance
Do you dream of snow-capped forest, cobbled streets and medieval houses? Gliding down world cup ski runs then attending a snow polo match (yes that really exists) or shopping in designer stores? Does your mouth water at the thought of pastries in delightful cafes and Wienerschnitzel crafted by world-class chefs? Does your perfect hotel come shaped like a castle or with a panoramic rooftop pool? If any of the above apply to you, the medieval Austrian town of Kitzbühel is where you should ski!
Courchevel for culinary class
You cannot find a ski area larger than the one surrounding Courchevel, nor will you find a ski resort with more Michelin stars. So if you’re seeking big skiing days followed by scrumptious treats, look no further. The clusters of timber buildings here have been injected with extravagance of every variety, enclosing fireside cocktail bars, stores like Louis Vuitton, five star hotels and private residences with spas (prices start at £2,366pp+ for 7 nights).
Saint Moritz for picture perfection
Saint Moritz is timelessly stylish and a true photographers dream. A stunning place to ski, you can fill your camera memory with shots of the Engadin valley’s high mountains, snow-blanketed meadows, fir forests and frozen lakes. 322 days of sunshine a year allows for perfect lighting and astonishing sunsets. In the town, ancient, futuristic and Belle Époque buildings blend together beautifully. Snap yourself enjoying the open-air ice rink, panoramic spas and horse drawn sleigh rides. And before you devour it, capture creative food in chic tea rooms and commended restaurants. For true luxury, hire a professional to take the pictures for you, with private packages from 350CHF+.
Whistler for world class everything
Whistler is world class in all areas. Let’s begin with the two mountains, which are linked by the Guinness World Record holding PEAK2PEAK gondola and have some of the most snow sure terrain in North America. You’ll find Olympic runs, top-to-toe trails, five terrain parks and plenty more. The village is adorned with fairy lights of every colour and has high class hotels like the Fairmont and Four Seasons and excellent eateries serving seafood, steaks, organic vegan food and anything else your appetite desires.
Val d’Isere for powder runs on pretty
Ordinarily, ski resorts fall into one of two categories. Either they’re high altitude with great skiing on their doorstep, but not much to look at. Or they’re pretty and traditional but a trek from the best-quality trails. Val d’Isere is an exception. Here you’ll find eye-catching farm buildings of timber and stone gathered around a picturesque church, far up at six thousand feet. A vast snow-assured ski area is only moments away. Naturally somewhere that ticks both boxes is a magnet for luxurious five star hotels, the newest of which is the medieval-style Mademoiselle, where suite prices start at 1,400€ per night. Amongst this, stylish chalets, bars and restaurants let visitors enjoy the high life in every sense of the word.
Aspen for skiing with stars
Anyone who is anyone has been to Aspen, whether movie star, model, actor, politician, sports personality, musician… Even fictional Fifty Shades character Christian Grey had a house here. In the real world, billionaires including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich own luxury Aspen real estate, which can be yours for around $20-40 million… What’s the draw? There are plenty, including four mountains to ski, eighty-plus restaurants, music venues like Belly Up and huge events like the X-Games.
So, if you love skiing and high-indulgence, why not consider one of these winter destinations this season? Not only can you enjoy top quality ski regions, but also great food, deluxe accommodation and wonderful memories.
