Winter often brings with it dreams of escaping to a tropical paradise. Although this is certainly a luxurious way to spend winter, it is nothing compared to embracing the cold and spending the end of the year in a true winter wonderland.
Only a small handful of places in the world fully embrace the winter spirit to the ultimate degree, where mountains become havens that strike the perfect balance between being immersed in the elements and receiving the end-of-year pampering and luxury that many travelers are seeking.
Whether you are experiencing this winter wanderlust for the first time or fiftieth, here is our pick of the best winter destinations and best ski resorts in the world, including everything from famous European Alpine retreats and celeb mountain hideouts to traditional old-world towns and Japanese powder-snow paradises.
Contact an authorized luxury travel agency for more information and start planning your next adventure!
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Airport: Samedan Airport (SMV)
Where to Eat: Chesa Veglia at Badrutt's Palace Hotel and Ecco St. Moritz
Where to Stay: Badrutt's Palace Hotel or Giardino Mountain
Why is it the best ski resort in the world: Glamour and infamous lake winter sports
As the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and two-time host of the Winter Olympics, St. Moritz is the place of world firsts and adventurous, pioneering spirits.
With its official headline as “On Top Of The World”, the ski resort 5900ft above sea level first became popular among the likes of Marlene Dietrich and Charlie Chaplin. Today, it's a magnet for royal families and celebrities such as Robbie Williams and Madonna, among many others.
The town is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, upscale hotels, gourmet dining, snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities with a range of slopes catering to all skill levels. St. Moritz is especially known for its historic bobsleigh and Cresta Run, where adventurous visitors can experience the thrill of high-speed Olympic winter sports.
Courchevel, French Alps
Airport: Courchevel Altiport (CVF) and Chambéry Airport (CMF)
Where to Eat: Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc Courchevel and Le Chabichou
Where to Stay: Cheval Blanc Courchevel or La Datcha Courchevel
Why is the best ski resort in the world: Access to the 3 Valleys area and Michelin-starred restaurants
One of the six main resorts that make up the 3 Valleys, Courchevel in the French Alps, is part of the largest interlinked ski area in the world that has 600 kilometers of marked ski slopes and more than 180 ski lifts.
Courchevel itself is made up of several different altitudes or villages, each denoted by its altitude in meters: Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz), Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), and Courchevel 1850.
With access to so much terrain, Courchevel is vast, varied, and equally compelling for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike. In particular, Courchevel is one of the best resorts for beginner skiers, with wide and well-groomed gentle pistes for perfecting technique and gaining confidence.
For luxury, it doesn’t get much better than Courchevel 1850. Often named the best ski resort in the world, 1850 attracts high-net-worth visitors to its Michelin restaurants, designer stores, incredible chalets, lively Après-Ski Scene, and heliskiing and off-piste adventures.
Tignes, France (for Val d'Isère Espace Killy skiing)
Airport: Chambéry Airport (CMF) and Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport (GNB)
Where to Eat: L'Armailly Restaurant and Le 1921
Where to Stay: Hotel Les Suites du Montana or Hotel Les Barmes de l'Ours
Why is the best ski resort in the world: Snow-sure conditions and vibrant après scene
Paired with neighboring Val d'Isère, Tignes forms the expansive Espace Killy ski area: one of the largest, most varied and snow-sure ski areas in the world.
Linked to its sister resort, Val d'Isere, it boasts over 300km of pistes, and its altitude means it has one of France's highest snow-sure factors. Tignes itself consists of five distinct villages, the largest and most animated of which is Tignes Le Lac.
This high-altitude ski destination (6,890 feet) is home to a well-known snowpark called Tignes Park, catering to freestyle enthusiasts with various jumps, rails, and features, as well as popular ice diving activities when Lake Tignes freezes over.
Tignes is a great option for those looking for access to the Val d'Isère area, which is great for beginners and offers free beginner passes, while also enjoying a vibrant après scene, high-end amenities, and luxury ski chalets.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
Where to Eat: Element 47 and Matsuhisa Aspen
Where to Stay: The Little Nell or Hotel Jerome
Why is the best ski resort in the world: Celebrity experience and challenging slopes of Ajax Mountain
Aspen is internationally known as a ski hideaway for celebrities and high-profile travelers. One of the reasons for this is that it's difficult to get to, and private air travel is important for arriving.
But as well as being difficult to get to, Aspen is also one of the best backcountry ski areas in the nation, with the same deep powder and long descents of rival resorts, plus luxurious resorts and an infamous après-ski scene.
For these reasons, each year thousands of ski enthusiasts visit the town to conquer the trails of the Rocky Mountains, mingle with stars, indulge in luxurious spas and wellness retreats, attend festivals, and visit art galleries and theaters.
The most exclusive ski pass in Aspen is the Aspen Snowmass Premier Pass. This pass is specific to the Aspen Snowmass resort area and provides exclusive access to the four major mountains: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.
Megève, France
Airport: Annecy Mont-Blanc Airport (NCY)
Where to Eat: Flocons de Sel and Le 1920
Where to Stay: Les Fermes de Marie or Four Seasons Hotel Megeve
Why is the best ski resort in the world: Traditional old-world charm and views of Mont Blanc
A traditional alpine village tucked away in the French Alps, Megève is a picturesque winter wonderland and a huge ski area with 235 slopes for all levels.
From 3649ft to 7710ft, Megève enjoys 400km of secure and meticulously maintained slopes. The ski area is complemented by the village’s Old World charm, featuring quaint cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, a medieval church at its center, and a sophisticated après-ski scene.
At nearly 100 years old, Megève has also built up notoriety among the world’s elite for its fine dining, such as the iconic 3-star Michelin restaurant Flocons de Sel, excellent shopping, and some of the best views of the Mont Blanc Massif. Megève also has some of the most luxurious, traditional chalets in the Alps, combining traditional Savoyard architecture with opulent modern amenities and services.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Where to Eat: Snake River Grill and The Kitchen
Where to Stay: Amangani or Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
Why is the best ski resort in the world: Western town ambiance and buzzing nightlife
As well as being the gateway to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson Hole mostly consists of protected wildlands and is therefore an incredible natural spectacle and a valuable habitat for local wildlife.
But the ski resort in the heart of the American West is perhaps most known because a lot of celebrities either have a home in Jackson Hole or visit often. The resort is one of the best ski resorts in the world, and the town of Jackson features upscale lodges, fine dining, live music, and a buzzing nightlife.
Jackson Hole is also home to renowned hotels like the Amangani and Four Seasons, and the world-class Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Here, elite skiers enjoy challenging slopes and private wilderness experiences such as heliskiing adventures and exclusive ranch retreats.
Niseko, Japan
Airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS)
Where to Eat: Kamimura and The Barn by Odin
Where to Stay: Aman Niseko and Zaborin
Why is the best ski resort in the world: Powder snow conditions and traditional onsens
Rising in popularity among international travelers, Niesko has long been known as Asia's premier year-round ski resort, with the world's best powder snow throughout winter and endless outdoor activities during the summer months.
With deep, powdery snow and a stunning landscape, Niesko offers a unique winter experience. As well as skiing & snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and snow tubing, it’s also home to a generous selection of onsens.
Onsens are traditional Japanese hot springs that are known for their therapeutic and relaxing properties. These geothermally heated natural baths are a significant part of Japanese culture and offer a tranquil space for communal bathing and a great way to soothe aching joints and muscles after a long day on the mountain.
To start planning your trip to one of the best ski resorts in the world, complete with exclusive transfers, event booking, and accommodation - contact an experienced luxury travel concierge today.