26 Feb Five Best European Luxury Ski Resorts
If you’re looking for a ski holiday with glitz and glamour, then here we present 5 luxury ski resorts for any winter sports traveller who enjoys the finer things in life…
1) Courchevel, Three Valleys, France
Many consider Courchevel to be the best ski resort in the world. Renowned for fabulous snow conditions, easy access to the pistes and an incredibly efficient lift system, it is also part of the Three Valleys, the largest ski area on the planet!
But it’s not just its slopes that have made it a legendary resort – Courchevel’s reputation as a playground for the rich and famous is well known; a recent visit from William and Kate reaffirmed its position at the top of the list. Courchevel also boasts the most Michelin starred restaurants of any ski resort, with a total of twelve in 2018. Three-star Le 1947 (named after a particularly fine vintage of Chateau Cheval Blanc) it is one of only three 3-star restaurants in the French Alps.
The fabulous Folie Douce for legendary apres-ski
The Courchevel-Meribel Folie Douce is a popular spot for fabulously flamboyant après-ski, and Le Cap Horn next to the Courchevel Altiport is convenient for those flying in by private jet or helicopter. Nammo’s is a new addition to the glamorous mountain restaurant apres-ski scene.
Where to stay in Courchevel?
Think Courchevel 1850’s Jardin Alpin for uber-glamorous hotels such as Le K2’s palace, or for a more modest budget, Courchevel Moriond or Le Praz also offer easy access to the lifts and a myriad of fine dining restaurants.
Chalet Dulcis Casu
Alpine Escape’s new 5-star, 6-bedroom chalet is a seriously stylish Alpine retreat located in the heart of the exclusive village of Courchevel Le Praz. With no expenses spared on the fixtures and fittings, Chalet Dulcis Casu has an indoor current flow pool, hammam, massage room and an outdoor hydrotherapy spa in the courtyard. Alpine Escape’s chefs are highly trained in fine dining and the majority having Michelin experience, so you can expect food with the ‘wow’ factor when choosing one of the catered chalets on offer.
Alpine Escape’s talented chefs
2) Mégève, France
This chic ski resort is part of the Mont Blanc ski area, and access is easy with a vehicle with which you can access 16 resorts including Courmayeur and Chamonix and all are covered with the Ski Pass Mont Blanc.
Fabulous shopping for fashion and interior design is on offer, and après-ski is taken seriously here, as are the nightclubs, with 8 late-night venues. The casino (originally a 1930s bus station) has 8 games tables. Restaurants include La Ferme de Mon Père, with 3 Michelin stars.
3) Klosters, Switzerland
British Royals and A-list film stars are regularly spotted in this sophisticated luxury ski resort, which was known as ‘Hollywood on the rocks’ during the fabulous fifties. A traditional alpine feel means that the ski resort retains its charm, whilst also boasting some of the most luxurious hotels in Europe, located around the Klosters Platz.
Three hundred kilometres of pistes, shared with neighbouring Davos, mean that there is a good sized ski area to enjoy.
During a full moon, sledgers and skiers gather for a fondue party on the Gotschna and then descend into Klosters. The best restaurant in town is the Michelin-star restaurant in the Hotel Walserhof, Prince Charles’ hotel of choice.
4) Lech-Zurs, Austria
These two neighbouring resorts in the Arlberg mountains are proud to offer an incredible one hundred five-star and four-star hotels between them. These luxury mountain village hotels regularly accommodate high society clientele who gather for the renowned off-piste terrain as well as the beautifully groomed slopes.
Princess Diana stayed in Lech, and Pricess Caroline of Monaco and Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands enjoy a ski trip to Zurs.
The exquisite Aurelio hotel owned by a Russian oligarch is THE place to stay, and for dining on the mountain, be sure to get a table at Zur Kanne, part of the Hotel Montana. In the evenings, the Hotel Zurserhof is the place to be seen, but don’t forget your jacket, gentlemen…
5) Zermatt, Switzerland
A mecca for A-list ski fans, you may brush shoulders with Nicole Kidman, Thierry Henry, Robbie Williams Brad Pitt or even Madonna on the lifts of this luxury ski resort.
The car-free centre features free electric buses and taxis that transport skiers to and from the slopes. A picturesque resort, crowned by the world-famous Matterhorn mountain, the horse drawn carriages add to the luxurious feel of the place.
The shopping is second-to-none, with exclusive boutiques lining the streets of Zermatt village. For places to stay, Chalet Zermatt Peak is a private chalet costing in excess of 200k Swiss Francs during peak season. Choose from over 50 mountain restaurants on the mountain, or in the evenings try The Omnia.
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