Welcome to a snowy paradise where the slopes are as pristine as the clientele’s taste for luxury. For those who jet in on private aircraft, it’s not just about skiing but where you ski — and, very likely, where you’ll sip champagne afterward. With so many world-class resorts, let’s cut through the fluff and focus on five Alps skiing icons: St. Moritz, Zermatt, Chamonix, Val d’Isère, and Courchevel. Each has its own flavor of exclusivity, so here’s our guide on how to pick your snowy sanctuary.
St. Moritz is home to some of the world’s most luxurious accommodations. The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is iconic, a fairytale castle offering impeccable service, a legendary spa, and a lakeside view that’s straight out of a postcard. If you prefer something a little more contemporary, Kulm Hotel combines chic interiors with equally stunning amenities, including one of the area’s best après-ski terraces.
Dining here is equally opulent—don’t miss La Marmite, famed for its truffle and caviar-laden menu. For après-ski, head to the King’s Club for an exclusive nightlife scene. Off the slopes, winter polo and the frozen lake’s infamous White Turf horse races are worth sticking around for.
Why go?
St. Moritz is a legend. Sitting pretty in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley, it’s the birthplace of winter tourism and still wears the crown of exclusivity. Think fur coats, five-star hotels, and a glamorous crowd that seems to live on caviar and compliments.
The skiing:
With over 350 kilometers of slopes and its famous sunshine (300 days a year), it’s perfect for skiers who enjoy impeccably groomed runs. Off-piste? Not really the vibe here. The experience is more about perfection than adrenaline.
Extras:
Curling and Cresta runs for those who like their activities old-school, plus designer shopping and Michelin-starred dining when you’re off the snow.
Who it’s for:
Lovers of tradition, glamour, and unparalleled service. If your après-ski wardrobe costs more than a car, you’ll fit right in.
Zermatt’s top-tier accommodations include The Omnia, a design-forward mountain lodge that feels both intimate and luxurious, perched on a rock overlooking the village. For traditional charm, Mont Cervin Palace delivers with old-world elegance and ski-in, ski-out convenience.
Food lovers will want to reserve a table at Chez Vrony, a must-visit on the slopes for rustic yet refined Alpine cuisine. Back in town, After Seven offers Michelin-starred delights. Beyond skiing, Zermatt offers incredible heli-skiing adventures and the Gornergrat Railway for a breathtaking journey through the Alps.
Why go?
Zermatt is Switzerland’s jewel, tucked beneath the iconic Matterhorn. This car-free village combines rustic charm with ultra-luxury—picture horse-drawn carriages clinking past designer storefronts.
The skiing:
Ski year-round on the glacier or explore 360 kilometers of pistes, with routes spilling into Italy. It’s a haven for intermediates and experts, especially with those endless, scenic runs.
Extras:
Gourmet mountain restaurants are a Zermatt speciality. After skiing, cozy up in one of its chic chalets or dine in the world’s best mountain eateries like Chez Vrony.
Who it’s for:
Discerning adventurers who appreciate a mix of charm, luxury, and breathtaking views. If “drinks with a Matterhorn backdrop” sounds like a good Instagram moment, Zermatt’s calling.
For accommodation, Hôtel Mont-Blanc is a standout, a boutique option blending historic charm with modern luxury. Alternatively, the Hameau Albert 1er is a five-star chalet-style property with a stunning spa and a two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Speaking of food, the Auberge du Bois Prin is perfect for a post-ski meal, serving elegant French fare. For a more casual vibe, head to La Maison Carrier for hearty local dishes. When you’re not tackling Chamonix’s famed slopes, take a trip on the Aiguille du Midi cable car for jaw-dropping views or go ice climbing on Mont Blanc’s glaciers.
Why go?
If you’ve got a taste for adventure, Chamonix is the one. Set in the shadow of Mont Blanc, this French resort is where the world’s best freeriders and climbers gather to conquer vertical terrain.
The skiing:
Hardcore, with a capital H. Chamonix is known for its gnarly off-piste routes, like the Vallée Blanche—a 20-kilometer descent through glacial landscapes. Beginners beware; this isn’t the place for bunny slopes.
Extras:
The town buzzes with après-ski bars, from rustic to rowdy. It’s also a hub for non-ski activities like ice climbing and paragliding for the thrill-seekers.
Who it’s for:
Adventurers who crave adrenaline over five-star fluff. If you like your skiing served with a side of risk, Chamonix delivers.
Luxury meets comfort at the Les Barmes de l’Ours, an elegant chalet with a beautiful spa and fine dining options. For a contemporary vibe, Hotel Avenue Lodge offers sleek interiors and a prime location close to the lifts.
Foodies flock to L’Atelier d’Edmond, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant serving inventive French cuisine. For something more lively, La Folie Douce serves great food with a party atmosphere. Off the slopes, Val d’Isère is famous for its winter markets and activities like ice driving and husky sledding.
Why go?
Val d’Isère is the heart of the massive Espace Killy ski area, offering some of the best skiing in the world. Its chic yet unpretentious vibe attracts a mix of families, celebrities, and die-hard ski fans.
The skiing:
From wide cruisers to challenging steeps, there’s something for every skill level across its 300 kilometers of pistes. Its snow reliability is excellent, and après-ski options are top-notch (hello, Folie Douce).
Extras:
Gorgeous chalets, buzzing nightlife, and dining that balances rustic charm with high-end culinary experiences.
Who it’s for:
A crowd that likes balance: epic skiing and a buzzing social scene. If you want luxury without losing a sense of fun, Val d’Isère ticks the boxes.
Courchevel 1850 boasts Cheval Blanc, a hotel that redefines luxury with ski-in, ski-out access and a three-Michelin-star restaurant, Le 1947. Another favourite is the Airelles Courchevel, where Baroque elegance meets mountain chic, complete with an excellent spa.
When it’s time to dine, La Saulire is a must for its divine truffle fondue. For something trendier, try Le Cap Horn, a buzzing spot on the slopes with excellent seafood. Away from skiing, Courchevel offers designer shopping, a glamorous ice-skating rink, and heli-skiing for the adventurous.
Why go?
Courchevel is synonymous with opulence, boasting everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to some of the most expensive chalets in the Alps. It’s part of the Three Valleys—the world’s largest linked ski area.
The skiing:
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Courchevel delivers with 600 kilometers of terrain. That said, skiing might take a backseat to shopping or lounging in one of its many luxe spas.
Extras:
The resort is split into tiers (1850 is the glitziest). Wherever you go, expect champagne bars, designer boutiques, and possibly a celebrity spotting or two.
Who it’s for:
Those who equate skiing with status. If your holiday checklist includes private chefs and ski-in, ski-out mansions, Courchevel is the obvious choice.
Choosing the perfect ski resort in the Alps is less about narrowing down options and more about deciding what kind of experience you’re after. Do you want storied elegance steeped in tradition, heart-stopping views of iconic peaks, or adrenaline-pumping adventure on world-renowned slopes? Maybe it’s the après-ski social scene or sheer opulence that seals the deal. Whatever your style, these five elite destinations have mastered the art of catering to travelers who demand nothing less than the extraordinary.
- For tradition and glamour: St. Moritz
- For jaw-dropping views and charm: Zermatt
- For thrill-seekers: Chamonix
- For a mix of ski and social buzz: Val d’Isère
- For unapologetic luxury: Courchevel
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with any of these resorts. Each offers world-class skiing, exquisite dining, and luxury accommodation tailored to those who prefer the finer things in life. So, where will it be this season?
