The 10 Most Luxurious Ski Resorts in the World

At the crossroads of luxury and winter sports , the resorts that you will discover in this article are the most prestigious in the world.

Bringing together luxury shops and boutiques, starred restaurants, high-end spas, 4 and 5 star hotels and luxurious activities of all kinds, this is what a luxury-loving clientele is looking for.

1. Courchevel in Haute Savoie

To start, what could be better than Courchevel . Located in the French Alps, this posh resort attracts millionaires and billionaires from all over the world.

The winter sports resort is by far the most luxurious in the world. It has no less than 5 palaces out of the 6 Alpine and 31 French. These places with criteria of excellence are part of a unique know-how to sublimate the French art of living.

In this selection, you will find " K2 ", " Les Airelles ", " Cheval Blanc ", "l' Apogée " and " Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges ". These establishments will welcome you in a setting of elegance and authenticity with the interiors of the suites decorated with alpine woodwork with intoxicating scents. Offering top-of-the-range restaurants , you can experience a unique moment of cuisine during which epicureans will be thrilled. In a cozy and refined setting, you can admire a view of the surrounding landscape, where the forest, the valleys and the mountains will take shape.

To accompany these palaces, the village also has 16 5-star hotels , 8 4-star hotels and many sumptuous chalets.

With a large number of ultra-upscale accommodations, the village also boasts 9 starred restaurants, including 4 with 2 stars and 1 proudly displaying 3 stars. Only 29 restaurants in France have the supreme grade of 3 stars. In Courchevel 1850, it is the 1947 restaurant at the Cheval Blanc which has the Holy Grail.

However, it should be noted that this prestigious restaurant is only reserved for a lucky few. With 5 tables, the starred chef Yannick Alléno composes a contemporary cuisine of exquisite creativity by constantly seeking new flavors. Guaranteed taste experience!

After enjoying a delicate meal, go to the Courchevel center, where you will find a large number of luxury stores. The Alpine Village has the world's largest concentration of luxury boutiques per square kilometer . You will have a wide choice to do your shopping.

For mountain lovers and ski enthusiasts, the World Ski Capital is a reference. It is indeed connected to the largest ski area in the world, Les 3 Vallées. Offering more than 600 kilometers of slopes, with panoramas more exceptional than the others, skiing on these slopes is an experience in itself. Culminating at 2300 meters, temperatures can be freezing , below 0 degrees . It is therefore essential to dress well to fully enjoy it. We advise you to opt for one of our latest generation heated jackets . Studied for performance, comfort and aesthetics, it is the garment adored by ski professionals.

3. Megève in Haute Savoie

Offering less ostentatious luxury, Megève is the specialist in French mountain refinement. Perched at an altitude of 1113 meters, the village is a resort comprising some 7 5-star hotels .

The town is known to be a holiday resort where life is good all year round. Renowned for its tranquillity, it nevertheless denies being one of the most luxurious French ski resorts. Possessing high-level shops, its town center is a place where it is very pleasant to shop during the cold season.

When the time comes to eat, Megève will satisfy your cravings. It has three starred restaurants, one of which, the "Flocons de Sel", has the highest distinction: three stars in the Michelin guide . There, your dishes will be in the hands of starred chef Emmanuel Renaut . Best worker in France, he worked alongside Marc Veyrat for seven years. Today, it offers exquisite cuisine revisiting Savoyard products.

Before being one of the most fashionable resorts, the history of Megève dates back to 100 years ago. The village was founded in 1921 by the Rothschild family who hoped to design a ski resort to attract the French aristocracy. Today, the town attracts personalities from all over the world. Its luxurious clientele comes here to seek calm, tranquility and above all high quality ski slopes. Shaped by noble families, the domain offers 445 kilometers of slopes with two main summits having an exceptional view of the Mont Blanc Massif .

Whether you are a skier or not, the area will delight you with its snowshoe hiking trails and its exceptional environment.

3. Chamonix in Haute Savoie

Known worldwide, thanks to the roof of Europe which overhangs it, Chamonix is ​​undoubtedly one of the most luxurious resorts.

With 5 5-star hotels , the French town located on the France/Italy border allows you to admire Mont Blanc all year round. Among its hotels, there is the " Hameau Albert 1er " located 13 km from the foot of the giant.

Resort with high-end customers, the heart of the village hosts a pedestrian street where there are many luxury shops . The big French houses such as Louis Vuitton or Coco Chanel have their place there. Upscale, the town retains a unique charm because of its architecture of yesteryear. Indeed, many buildings date from the 1900s. Among these is the Palais des Congrès called " Le Majestic ". In the heart of the village, its aesthetics bring undeniable charm and refinement to the village.

Characterized by its aristocratic allure, combining the great tradition of the palaces of yesteryear and decoration with modern influences, Chamonix is ​​one of the most unique places.

The kitchen is also particularly well worked. We recommend the " Albert 1er ", restaurant with a sober and elegant decor, crowned with a star in the Michelin guide . Chef Damien Leveau will introduce you to a cuisine influenced by Savoyard and Piedmontese flavors.

With many activities available, you will have easy access to the areas and other nearby ski slopes. To enjoy a panorama of the Chamonix valley and have a view of Mont-Blanc, go to the center of the resort. You can go to Brévent or Les Houches to have an exceptional panoramic view. From here, the powder slopes will be yours and you can hurtle down them while enjoying the view.

4. Méribel in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Attracting an international clientele since the 1940s, this luxury resort perched at 1,450 meters has 1 5-star hotel and 7 4-star establishments .

Idyllic place in the heart of the French Alps, many exceptional chalets are emerging on the sides of these mountains. Some even have immediate access to the slopes, which makes them very prestigious properties.

Founded by British Colonel Lord Lindsay, Méribel is located in the Vallée des Allures . Appreciated as one of the most beautiful resorts in the world, its architecture is preserved, which gives the village a most unique character. Associated with the elegance of great skiing, its area is linked to that of the 3 valleys, which gives it access to more than 600 km of slopes.

On these, the panoramas are innumerable, the snow is of excellent quality and the facilities are top of the range. The largest ski area in the world, its altitude of more than 2000 m explains the quality of its slopes. The cold is constant there, which is a blessing. However, this means dressing properly so as not to suffer the discomfort of these low temperatures. Heated gloves are therefore ideal. Developed with state-of-the-art materials, their sobriety and their performance at all times, make them the obligatory accessory of any self-respecting skier.

When the time comes to return to the village, we recommend that you go to " Ekrin by Laurent Azoulay ". This 1-star restaurant takes place in a chalet where luxury meets absolute elegance. The chef, Mr. Azoulay, offers dishes with Provençal and Savoyard inspirations. Playing with colors and flavors, we will remember its more than daring associations.

5. St. Moritz in Switzerland

As one of the most beautiful and prestigious Swiss resorts, Saint Moritz is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious resorts in the world.

The high-end clientele of the Swiss village comes mainly from Western Europe. Attracting an aristocratic public, its 9 5-star hotels display architecture dating from the 20th century.

Among them, the luxurious "Kulm Hotel St. Moritz" is ideal for a wonderful stay in the village. Founded in the 19th century, it is not far from the slopes. A 5-minute walk away, you will have access to the funicular which will take you to the Corviglia domain. Skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of 155 kilometers of slopes . Perfectly maintained, the glide is pleasant and the view stunning.

A luxurious Alpine resort, St. Moritz also includes 3 2-star restaurants and 2 1-star restaurants .

We will recommend the "IGNIV by Andreas Caminada" with 2 stars. The wine list is very interesting and the menu amazing. The kitchen is open and the atmosphere delicately combines romanticism, modernity and a touch of antiquity.

When your day ends and the sun sets behind the mountains, it's a good time to enjoy one of the spas in the village . Plenty of them, these are great places to unwind with a massage, warm up in a sauna, and swim outdoors when the lights of St. Moritz twinkle.

6. Zermatt in Switzerland

Also located in Switzerland, Zermatt is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful resorts in the world. Luxurious, it offers 5 5-star hotels as well as 2 1-star restaurants .

Among them, we fell in love with "The After Seven". When you arrive, you have to take a glass elevator, which takes you to a sumptuously decorated restaurant. Directed by " Heinz Julen ", the artist, architect and designer has designed a real jewel of elegance here. In this famous restaurant, you can eat a cuisine of great finesse concocted only with the best products.

When it comes to choosing where to sleep for the night, you have the choice between various hotels and chalets of inescapable luxury. Offering terraces to enjoy the view of the village and the Matterhorn, the experience is all the more unique. Adepts of the Savoyard style, the interiors beautifully combine natural materials and modern designs.

When the mood takes you, you can stroll through the streets of Zermatt to enjoy its warm atmosphere and potentially go shopping there. With plenty of designer upscale shopping , it's an upscale ski resort as it should be.

For winter sports enthusiasts, head for the slopes to savor quality snow and a breathtaking view. The highest ski area in Europe , offers ski enthusiasts more than 360 km of slopes.

If you are not in Zermatt for the slopes, you can go on winter hikes with a guide who will show you places with sumptuous panoramas.

7. Davos in Switzerland

With 4 5-star hotels , Davos in Switzerland is one of the most luxurious international ski resorts. Its clientele comes from all over the world.

Known for its 214 km long domain, the annual World Economic Forum in Davos is the reason for its fame. Aiming to improve the state of the world, this forum attracts the attention of the whole world to the small village in the Swiss Alps.

Located in the southeast of the Swiss Confederation, in the valley, the station is at an altitude of 810 meters. It is bordered by various mountains, the two main ones being the Weissfluh and the Jackbshorn. Perched respectively at 2843 m and 2590 m, the slopes that emerge on their mountain sides are of high quality.

After a day on the slopes and to replenish your energy, we recommend the "Golden Dragon". This chic restaurant located in the village, offers refined Chinese cuisine. It is not a regional cuisine, however the quality and the flavors are there. If you are at least three people, you can for example taste the Jasmin menu which is composed of delicate and fine dishes.

Finally, when the time comes to spend the night, you can choose from top-of-the-range hotels or the luxurious Davos chalets . Offering a mountain universe with textures of wood and stone, these are places of dazzling splendour.

8. Baqueira Beret in Spain

Taking place on the side of the Catalan Pyrenees , the resort culminates at 1500 meters above sea level and has a large area of ​​157 km long.

Of great luxury, this Spanish ski resort has 1 5-star hotel . Named "Val de Neu GL", this establishment is the very definition of top-of-the-range. Modern, it is dressed in an interior made with natural materials such as fir wood and granite stones.

Among its restaurants, we recommend "El Bosque", which offers an interesting wine list as well as succulent gastronomic menus . For example, the "Supreme of grilled turbot with onions and aniseed tomatoes" is a real delight for the taste buds. It is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in the resort.

With a peak at 2500 meters above sea level, the ski area benefits from an Atlantic orientation which guarantees very good quality snow.

Whether you are a skier, snowboarder or neither, Baqueira Beret is full of snow activities. A competition stadium, toboggan runs, a snowshoe trail, marked trails for cross-country skiing, the Spanish resort is ideal for a luxurious stay in the mountains.

Finally when the day comes to an end, head for the center of the village. Perfect for ending the evening, the shopping mall is home to shops and disco bars where the atmosphere is jovial and warm.

9. Aspen in the United States

Founded at the end of the 19th century, Aspen is recognized as the most luxurious winter sports resort in the United States. Capital of Pitkin County in Colorado, it includes 4 5-star hotels and 16 4-star hotels .

For those who do not wish to stay in a hotel, and prefer the comfort of a chalet, the village of the American Rockies will satisfy you. Many multi-million chalets take place on the surrounding hills. Some valued between $40 million and $100 million.

A holiday resort appreciated by customers from Hollywood or the Silicone Valley, the gastronomy is magnificently crafted there. Known for its luxury restaurants, we recommend the "Element 47". Located in the five-star hotel " The Little Nell ", its starred chef Matt Zubrod offers cuisine combining fresh, classic and modern products. Working with producers who have a passion for cultivating quality products in a responsible approach, your taste buds will be amazed.

In the afternoon, after enjoying a delicious meal, the luxurious city center is perfect for walking in a place with a relaxing atmosphere. This pedestrian center is home to various shops of prestigious brands , such as Burberry or Ralph Lauren . In addition, art galleries and in particular the Aspen Art Museum, adorned with graceful architecture, stand out in the luxuriant alleys of the village. When the sun goes down and night falls, the Christmas lights come on, which amplifies the romantic aspect of Aspen.

A top-of-the-range resort, winter sports enthusiasts will also be seduced by the vast Aspen Snowmass ski area of ​​237 km . Perched at 2405 m, temperatures can be freezing, between -5 and 5°C. It is in fact necessary to equip yourself warmly to enjoy the American resort. For a casual chic style, our heated vests will be ideal. Designed with great attention to detail, their stretch cut is perfect for finishing off an outfit and layering it over a chunky knit sweater.

10. Whistler Blackcomb in Canada

Further north, in the country with the maple leaf, Whistley Blackcomb offers its bourgeois clientele 5 5-star hotels equipped with spas and direct access to the slopes. Located less than 100 km from Vancouver, it is here that the 2010 Winter Olympics took place.

Juxtaposing the station, various chalets are available for rent to enjoy a unique experience in the surrounding mountains.

When it's time to eat, go to the " Rimrock cafe ". Cooking gourmet dishes of high standing , their specialties based on seafood and fish are a real delight. Decorated in a chic mountain style, the atmosphere is romantic thanks to the subdued lighting.

In the center of the resort, the shopping mall is perfect for luxury winter shopping. Featuring designer boutiques and art galleries , it's a nice place to take a romantic stroll on cold winter days.

Skiers and snowboarders will be won over by the area with its nearly 200 km of slopes . Fully equipped, the bottom of the station is at 675m when the top of it is at 2284m. Equipped with ski lifts, gondolas, chairlifts as well as tows, it is easy to move around in this vast area.

Due to its location close to the Arctic Circle, temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius. You will therefore need to opt for high-performance clothing to take full advantage of the powder. Designed for winter activities, our heated jackets will allow you to enjoy these sumptuous slopes without the discomfort of the cold.

Here we are at the end of this article, tell us in the comments which of these luxury resorts you plan to visit. What we can tell you is that for our part, the choice is made. They all have unique characteristics that make them sumptuous and pleasant places to spend an unforgettable ski holiday.