Winter is upon us in the northern hemisphere, and snow has fallen on the mountains and hills of Europe and North American. The top luxury ski resorts are a perfect playground for winter fun. A relaxing resort can offer the perfect escape to a winter wonderland.
There is nothing quite like the cold, crisp mountain air in your face as you ski down slopes, or the relaxing feeling of a mountain resort as you sip hot chocolate or champagne by an open fire. There is a certain glamor and luxury to ski resorts that isn’t matched anywhere else. From romantic getaways to quiet adventures in the great outdoors, you can find a world away from the typical vacation at one of these luxury ski resorts.
Courchevel 1850, France
Courchevel is all about chic chalets and luxurious restaurants. Located in the French Alps, Couchevel is often visited by Europe and Russia’s high-rollers. Guests can experience expert teaching from ski instructors and clean, white powder down each slope.
Courchevel is part of the Les Trois Vallees ski area, which is one of the largest linked resorts in the world. The entire resort has around 600 kilometers of slopes and runs for skiers to enjoy.
Courchevel isn’t just about skiing, and many guests will just sit around the fire sipping drinks or indulging in the relaxing activities that don’t require snow. Le Chabichou is a Michelin two-star restaurant located inside two wooden Alpine chalets. Guests can dine inside the spacious dining room or outside on the terrace that overlooks the slopes. Visitors don’t have to wait until nightfall for the fun to begin. Many of the bars open in the afternoon, and it gives you the chance to unwind after skiing.
Best hotel
The Grandes Alpes is classic Alpine living. Rooms are modernly decorated in light wood furnishings. Featuring warm fireplaces to cozy up beside, the Grandes Alps is the premier hotel for anyone looking for a luxury ski resort escape. Bespoke suites even feature a wine cellar for all your red and white needs during a stay.
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
Madonna di Campiglio was established in the 1880s. It was designed as a wintery escape for Europe’s elite. The heart of the resort beats with Victorian blood and many of the village center’s old buildings are holdovers from the era.
Located in northern Italy near the border with Switzerland and Austria, Madonna di Campiglio is situated in the Dolomites. One of the best reasons to visit this luxury ski resort is due to the lack of international travelers. Many head to Madonna di Campiglio’s resort rival Cortina. Yet, Madonna di Campiglio is full of its own beauty and charm that makes it perfect for a ski holiday.
The region isn’t just perfect for skiing and living the high-life. Madonna di Campiglio has gorgeous natural surroundings that offer visitors the chance to hike, explore and experience nature first hand. But if you get tired of the outdoor activity, just head inside to the spa or one of the resorts luxurious Italian restaurants to warm up.
Best hotel
The area is full of gorgeous hotels and chalets, but perhaps the best is the Hermitage Bio Hotel. Its exterior offers the classic Italian ski resort look. Inside, guests will experience the typical lodge surroundings. The hotel features an elegant spa that is perfect for a treatment alongside a loved one. Finish off another brilliant Italian winter day with a delicious Italian meal and glass of full-bodied red wine. Perfetto!
Beaver Creek, Colorado, USA
Colorado is well-known for its outdoor adventures. From hiking and trail running to skiing and snowboarding, Colorado is a mecca for adventure travelers. Beaver Creek isn’t exactly adventure travel, and compared to some of the other resorts in the mountainous state, it is reserved for a specific clientele.
Beaver Creek was built in the 1980s during a time of Wall Street fame and fortune, and Reaganomics. The entire resort was designed to make life easy. The sidewalks are heated and the walking areas are covered to prevent them from being covered in snow. Guest who want to keep their skis on as much as possible can, as the resorts let you ski into and out of the various hotels and chalets. It is an amazing place, and fresh snow is blown onto the slopes at night to give skiers a test of fresh powder in the mornings. It is a skier’s paradise.
Best hotel
The Ritz-Charlton in Bachelor Gulch is decorated in an American West theme. Mahogany brown interiors, gorgeous views of the Colorado landscape and stone fireplaces make up this beautiful hotel. During the warmer months, visitors can experience the resort’s world-class golf course. However, in winter, visitors can warm up next to grand fireplaces while sipping whiskey on leather sofas.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Ski Resort receives more than two million visitors each year, and many who ski its slopes are subscribe to the jet set lifestyle. The resort is of such a high standard that the 2010 Winter Olympics outdoor events were held there.
According to experts, the ski school is the best in the world, and it can make anyone into a decent skier. If you are an expert on the slopes, you might try heli-skiing during your stay. It is one of the most popular reasons guests venture to the Canadian wonderland. There is a reason Whistler is annually voted The Best Ski Resort in North America, and one visit will show you why.
Best hotel
It is easy to forget you are in Canada when looking at the Fairmont Chateau’s exterior. It resembles an alpine ski resort, but offers high-quality Canadian customer service. The rooms overlook the pine tree forests and ski slopes that make up the area. Guests will love the surroundings for their quiet. Inside, guests can enjoy wide open spaces with wood furnishings. Orange glowing fireplaces are set in stone, and provide visitors with a chance to get away from the cold. The hotel’s bar is stocked full of the perfect ski holiday tonics to keep you up all-night and into the morning hours.
Baqueria Beret, Spain
Spain is well-known for its sunny summer holiday destinations. However, visitors who explore the country’s northeastern border with France will find one of the top ski resorts in the world. Baqueria Beret is located in the Pyrenees Mountains. The resort sees heavy snowfall throughout the winter months, and it often gets more fresh powder than other top European ski destinations. The resort has a combined 120 kilometers of runs waiting for skiers of all levels.
Currently, Baqueria Beret is still under the radar with the majority of luxury ski resort enthusiasts. The slopes won’t be quite as busy as other resorts, and it won’t be difficult to find a table at the local tapas bars in the village. The entire resort is on the upswing as more people are finding out about it. New hotels and restaurants are being built, so don’t miss this sleepy Spanish ski spot.
Best hotel
The Hotel Santos Val de Neu rests at the base of the ski slopes. It boasts being the only five-star hotel in the village. Compared to other ski resort hotels, the Hotel Santos Val de Neu lacks wood furnishings, and goes for a more clean, modern look. You may even forget you are in the mountains thanks to the hotel’s unique interior touch. Boasting VIP treatments and an activities coordinator, the Hotel Santos Val de Neu is a perfect base for a ski holiday to Baqueria Beret.
Perfecto!
Journalist and author. Contributor
