Don’t Get Overwhelmed Choosing Your Winter Getaway
From corduroy-pisted cruisy blues to deep-powder backcountry routes, Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to lively apres ski bars, and quaint mountain chalets to extravagant 5* hotels, the ways in which a luxury ski trip can be enjoyed are seemingly infinite. Similarly, the destination options available are varied, often presenting different and unique reasons to visit.
Consequently, selecting the perfect resort for your idyllic winter getaway can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide, covering a few of our top picks for your 2023/24 luxury ski escape.
Courchevel 1850, France
Regarded as one of Europe’s most chic ski resorts, Courchevel is split into multiple quaint villages offering upscale 5* hotels, Michelin-starred dining and a private airstrip and helipad. With direct access to the Three Valleys, one of the world’s vastest ski areas made up of seven interlinked resorts, visitors are also treated to a huge variety of mountain terrain to explore.
When it comes to fine dining, Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc is an intimate, three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering an exquisite French-themed menu, while La Saulire is known for its refined and delicate gourmet menu and extensive wine list. As you’d expect, high-end accommodation certainly isn’t lacking in Courchevel and two of our favourite 5* spots are Six Senses and Le Chabichou.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites”, the lavishly exclusive Cortina is a picture of beauty and sophistication. Perched in one of Europe’s most stunning mountain ranges, around two hours north of Venice, the resort reaches nearly 3,000 metres at its highest point. Also, as part of the Dolomiti Superski, there’s no need to worry about getting bored on the slopes, as endless ski opportunities can be accessed with the right pass.
Cortina offers stunning panoramic mountain views and a picturesque town full of luxury amenities. Among our favourite spots is Graziano Prest’s Michelin-starred Ristorante Tivoli, which sits at the foot of the Tofane mountain group and specialises in traditional Italian mountain cuisine. Additionally, the vibrant but elegant Masi wine bar is located on the piste and is the perfect first stop after a day on the slopes.
Aspen, USA
Moving out of Europe and into North America, Aspen, Colorado is one the most famous ski resorts in the world. Nestled within the Rocky Mountains, Aspen has gained international acclaim as a winter playground for the rich and famous. Designer stores line the town’s streets, while sophisticated bars and high-end restaurants provide the evening entertainment. Aspen is also one of the few ski towns in the world where visitors can enjoy the opera and ballet.
The Little Nell Hotel is 5-star and ski-in/ski-out, making it the perfect residence for any ski lover who enjoys the finer things. The town will also play host to the Winter X Games for the 23rd consecutive year at the end of January. You can read more about the X Games and how Aspen became the luxury destination it is today in our Insight about last January’s competition here.