For the discerning traveler, there's no better way to enjoy winter sports than at a luxury ski resort, where the lodges are plush, the views are breathtaking, and the slopes are as perfectly groomed as the affluent skiers that grace them. If you're in search of an amazing winter getaway, we've rounded up a list of the world's top luxury ski resorts. These world-class ski resorts are not only about skiing; they are about experiencing a lifestyle of wonder, discovery of nature, and a touch of decadence in the beauty of winter.
European Luxury Ski Resorts
Courchevel, France
Nestled in the French Alps, Courchevel 1850, home to the 2023 Alpine World Ski Championships, is known for its world-class skiing and luxurious accommodations. The resort has a diverse range of slopes, making it suitable for both beginners and expert skiers. After a day on the slopes, indulge in the après ski scene: gourmet French cuisine and fine dining, relaxing in the spa at one of the many five-star hotels, or shopping in the vast array of boutique shops, where you can find everything from designer ski wear to artisanal crafts.
Courchevel 1850 Luxury Ski Lodges:
- Chalet Shemshak Lodge: This ski-in/ski-out luxury ski chalet is one of the few establishments in Courchevel 1850 to feature an above-ground swimming pool.
- Chalet Bruxellois: One of the world's most luxurious ski resorts, Chalet Bruxellois is located in a prime spot near the lively center and slopes of Courchevel 1850. It has seven beautiful bedrooms and a fantastic indoor swimming pool.
- Chalet Eclipse: With an astounding array of amenities including a lavish spa area and swimming pool, the luxury ski resort and Chalet can comfortably accommodate up to 12 adults and 2 children across its seven bedrooms.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Arguably one of the more exclusive luxury ski resorts on this list with its stunning views of the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz is a favorite destination for the elite. The skiing conditions are as excellent as the events are glamorous. This includes off-piste skiing in backcountry terrain and cross-country trails. To complement the quality of skiing, the town offers top-notch restaurants, exclusive boutiques, and high-end hotels that provide the utmost in service and comfort.
St. Moritz is more than just a luxury ski resort town. It is credited with being the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism in 1864 and has twice served as the host for the Winter Olympics. However, the town's fame began much earlier with the discovery of its mineral springs over 3,000 years ago, which led to its eventual establishment as a summer spa resort.
St. Moritz Luxury Ski Lodges:
- The Carlton Penthouse: Situated on the top floor of the Carlton St. Moritz hotel, the Penthouse is a luxurious space spanning 4,155 sq. ft. (386m²), exclusively designed by renowned Swiss interior designer Carlo Rampazzi.
- Badrutt's Palace Hotel: This historic hotel boasts 155 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each offering stunning vistas of the lake or the enchanting village center. Add in outdoor hot tubs, breathtaking mountain views and excellent skiing and it's hard to beat.
- Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski: Nestled in the stunning Engadine countryside at the epicenter of St. Moritz's sporting scene, this 5-star hotel resembles a fairytale castle.
Zermatt, Switzerland
With the iconic Matterhorn as a backdrop, Zermatt takes the cake for the most stylish luxury ski resorts. Impressively, it also offers some of the best skiing in the world. The resort is known for its long ski season, which extends from November to April. When you're not skiing, you can explore the charming car-free village that looks like it's straight out of a Christmas movie, or enjoy fine dining at one of the many world-class restaurants.
Zermatt's snow parks accommodate intermediate skiers to freestyle skiers and everything in between. From gentle slopes to groomed pistes and tree skiing, Zermatt is one of the top contenders when it comes to luxury ski resorts.
Zermatt Luxury Ski Lodges:
- Chalet Zermatt Peak: Perched high above Zermatt, this spacious luxury ski chalet has elegant interiors, a private entrance suitable for the most distinguished guests, a decadent spa, and stunning views of the Matterhorn.
- Chalet Elbrus: With its sumptuous interiors adorned in soothing neutrals, breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn peak, and an exclusive spa, leaving luxury ski Chalet Elbrus for a day on the slopes may prove a challenge.
- High 7 Penthouse: This tranquil ski resort lodge seamlessly blends modern and traditional Alpine design in its expansive living areas, all set against the scenery of the majestic Matterhorn mountain.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the world's most beloved luxury ski destinations, known for its epic views of the Dolomites and its world-class skiing. The luxury resort is a favorite among celebrities and offers a range of luxury accommodations, from five-star hotels to private chalets. The town is known for its upscale shopping, dining, and all-terrain parks, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a glamorous winter getaway.
Cortina d'Ampezzo Luxury Ski Lodges:
- Montana Lodge & Spa: Montana Lodge & Spa seamlessly blends contemporary, iconic interior design and innovative materials within the framework of the classic Aosta Valley exterior.
- Auberge de la Maison: The Auberge de la Maison is a mountain chalet that offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, exuding traditional charm and warm Alpine hospitality.
- Franceschi Park Hotel: Strategically situated to embrace the splendor of Cortina, the Queen of the Dolomites, Park Hotel Franceschi is just a short stroll from Corso Italia, the town's vibrant heart. Additionally, it's conveniently located mere steps away from the ski lifts.
North American Luxury Ski Resorts
Aspen, Colorado - USA
While the USA has seemingly countless ski resorts, Aspen is its top luxury ski destination that combines world-class skiing with a vibrant cultural scene. Aspen has four different ski areas in the San Juan Mountains to choose from:
- Aspen Mountain
- Snowmass
- Aspen Highlands
- Buttermilk
Both casual skiers and serious skiers can find a slope that suits their skills with interconnected ski runs. For the super-advanced skiers, Aspen has an abundance of ski areas away from the ski lift, including backcountry skiing with perfect powdery snow, earning it a reputation as one of the best ski locations in the world. The town of Aspen offers high-end dining, shopping, and entertainment, including experiential tourism attractions such as the Wheeler Opera House and the Wheeler-Stallard House Museum.
Aspen Luxury Ski Lodges:
- Ritz-Carlton Aspen Highlands: Nestled at the base of a majestic 12,500-foot mountain, The Ritz-Carlton secluded luxury ranch resort boasts breathtaking views and access to 125 ski trails, including the legendary "Highland Bowl".
- The Little Nell: As the sole ski-in/ski-out hotel in Aspen to hold both Five-Star and Five-Diamond distinctions, this hotel offers unmatched luxury and attentive service.
- St. Regis Residence Club: Commanding arguably the best location in Aspen (as close as you get to the ski lifts), St. Regis offers classic, refined luxury, with many rooms offering features such as a grand fireplace.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming - USA
More low-key than Aspen but still solidly in the luxury ski resort category, Jackson Hole is known for its high-end private cabins and traditional chalets with heated outdoor pools. It is a premier destination for ski enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with its close proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
Nestled in the Teton Mountain Range, the resort is renowned for its challenging terrain, offering a mix of slopes for beginners and seasoned skiers, including high-altitude skiing and heli-skiing. In addition to its world-class skiing, the resort boasts luxurious accommodations, fine dining options, and a range of outdoor activities year-round.
Jackson Hole Luxury Ski Lodges:
- The Rusty Parrot Lodge: Located in the lively core of Jackson Hole, the Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa eagerly anticipates welcoming both returning patrons and newcomers to its entirely revamped hotel, set to open in 2024.
- The Four Seasons: Situated in a lush mountain valley, the Five-Star Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is encircled by some of the most formidable peaks in America, renowned ski trails, and the abundant wildlife found in neighboring Grand Teton National Park.
- The Wort Hotel: Since its grand opening in 1941, The Wort Hotel has stood as a symbol of historic elegance coupled with luxurious amenities and services, cementing its reputation as Jackson Hole's premier ski holiday hotel.
Whistler Blackcomb - British Columbia, Canada
Standing tall on the list as the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb sits in the Coast Mountains of southern British Columbia and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The resort offers a vast expanse of skiable terrain, with slopes suitable for avid skiers of all levels. One of the best things about Whistler Blackcomb is the pedestrian-only village at the base of the mountains, full of alpine character and charm. It has a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodations, ranging from cozy lodges to five-star hotels. (For an extra touch of magic, visit during the holiday season when they go all out with the decorative lights!)
Whistler Blackcomb Luxury Ski Lodges:
- The Four Seasons: Situated at the foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range, the newly transformed resort provides the perfect surroundings in which to relax after a day filled with adventure, offering unparalleled après-ski experiences in an idyllic setting.
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Sitting at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, Fairmont Chateau Whistler exudes classic elegance blended with contemporary alpine design and offers comprehensive resort facilities in a breathtaking setting.
- Delta Whistler Village Suites (Marriott): This hotel puts you in the heart of the region's best attractions, including chic boutique shops, local dining options, renowned ski slopes, and scenic bike trails along Whistler Mountain.
Asian Luxury Ski Resorts
Hokkaido, Japan
Niseko, located on the northern island of Hokkaido, is Japan's most celebrated ski resort, known for its powder-rich slopes and stunning views of Mt. Yotei. The luxury resort's global acclaim is due in part to Australian developers, who in the 1990s recognized the potential of Niseko's pristine snow conditions and set out to transform the area into a world-class skiing destination. Their investments led to improved ski infrastructure, the establishment of luxurious accommodations and enhanced amenities, catering to a global clientele.
Consequently, Niseko quickly became a hotspot for international tourists seeking deep powder skiing, authentic Japanese culture and breathtaking scenery. Today, Niseko stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between Japanese and Australian ski enthusiasts.
Niseko Luxury Ski Lodges:
- Setsu Niseko: Selected as one of only seven luxury hotels in the world to vie for the World's Best New Ski Hotel in the World Ski Awards, Setsu Niseko stands as the sole Asian representative in that esteemed category.
- Zaborin Ryokan: If you're looking for somewhere authentically Japanese, you might want to stay at this traditional inn, which is designed in Japanese style and comes with its own onsens (hot springs) -– a true delight in winter.
- Ki Niseko: This resort is the most conveniently located with ski-in/ski-out access and closest to the Tokyu Grand Hirafu's gondola lift stop. Like Zaborin Ryokan, it also comes with its own onsens (and the Japanese cuisine is next level!)
Jilin Province, China
Changbaishan Wanda International Resort, located in Songjianghe Town (Jilin Province, China), is a comprehensive resort offering luxury accommodations, fine dining, and extensive ski slopes. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Changbai Mountain Range, it provides a harmonious blend of adventure, relaxation and luxury, setting the stage for a truly unique mountain getaway.
Changbaishan Luxury Ski Lodges:
- Sheraton Changbaishan Resort: Situated in the heart of the Changbaishan International Tourism Area, the Sheraton Changbaishan Resort and The Westin Changbaishan Resort come together to form a dual-hotel complex.
- The Westin Changbaishan Resort: Tucked nicely into the forest and encircled by breathtaking mountain scenery, the Westin Changbaishan Resort serves as a perfect playground for nature enthusiasts.
- Park Hyatt Changbaishan: This five-star international resort enjoys a prime location on the mountain slopes within Changbaishan International Resort.
Pyeongchang County, Republic of Korea
Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang County was a central venue during the 2018 Winter Olympics and offers luxurious accommodations and a variety of winter activities. It features six diverse slopes for skiing and snowboarding, accommodating beginners and advanced enthusiasts, with runs extending up to 0.87 mi (1.4 km). An exclusive area is also designated for snowboarders.
Alpensia Luxury Ski Lodges:
- InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort: Situated 700m above sea level on the Taebaek Mountain Range in Pyeongchang, this ski resort is a lavish alpine retreat featuring 238 elegant rooms and suites, each of which offers breathtaking views of the varied terrain of Mount Balwang and Alpensia Lake.
- Dragon Valley Hotel: Featuring chic Korean-style and American-style rooms and situated at the foot of Yongpyong ski slopes with a view of the expansive Yongpyeong area, you can’t get a better combination of luxury and location than you’ll find at the Dragon Valley luxury hotel.
As you can see, the world is full of luxury ski resorts that offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and indulgence. Whether you're looking to carve down the slopes, unwind in a spa, or dine in style, there's a resort that's perfect for you. We hope this list has inspired you to plan your next winter getaway, where you can enjoy the peak of luxury and stunning destinations at some of the best ski resorts on Earth.
About Storylines
Storylines is a floating community of global citizens onboard the MV Narrative, a luxury travel residential ship continuously circumnavigating the world. The residents onboard can come and go as they please, which means skiing during the winter season and hitting the slopes for a few weeks before returning to their home at sea at their leisure. To learn more about Storylines and our community of seafaring residents, click here.