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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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.
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.
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.