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Nothing cuts through the winter gloom like a holiday on the slopes. And no region better exemplifies a ski holiday than The Alps, where vast swathes of powder-topped peaks and sweeping pristine valleys meet glitzy resorts, high-end chalets and lively après ski.
The region boasts impressive ski and winter-sports options, catering for every taste and skill level, with many resorts providing a broad spread of green, blue and black runs, as well as fantastic off-piste runs, making for a truly inclusive region for a winter holiday.
But for those who want their holidays set apart from the rest, The Alps also offer more prestigious resorts, where the fine dining, chic après ski and high-end services are matched only by the exclusive tastes of the clientele.
Today, from Courchevel to St Moritz, we take a look at some of the finest luxury ski resorts in the Alps.
Conceived by the Rothschilds as a French alternative to St Moritz, the celebrated ski region of Megève has been welcoming la crème of European society to its luxury chalets, charming restaurants and slopes for over 100 years.
Located in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, the elegant alpine town of Megève offers a wonderful backdrop of spectacular natural beauty alongside the finest amenities and local facilities, including gourmet restaurants and luxury shopping.
Its 450km network of ski runs include pistes to suit every level, as well as powder-filled spots for snowboarders to test their skills. Meanwhile, the après ski in Megève is as good as anywhere you can hope to find in the French Alps, with the top restaurants serving local haute cuisine a particularly strong draw.
>>> Explore our handpicked selection of luxury chalets in Megève
Very much the jewel in the crown of the Swiss Alps, Verbier hosts the most exclusive clients (including members of the royal family) looking for an elite, private resort from which to explore the very best in off-piste skiing while relaxing in the finest alpine luxury.
Perched atop a sunny plateau in the famous 3 Valleys ski area, Verbier lies under the watchful gaze of the iconic Matterhorn mountain and is surrounded by jaw-droppingly beautiful vistas and spectacularly steep slopes, the latter sure to test the skills and mettle of even the most advanced skiers.
Its après ski enjoys worldwide renown, providing a gentle blend of glamour and traditional fine-dining, evidenced in particular at the Michelin-starred La Table d'Adrien, where the visual delight of the dishes is matched only by their exquisite taste. All this comes together to make Verbier one of the most luxurious ski resorts in the Alps.
The highest in terms of altitude of the Courchevel resorts is also the most prestigious, with a private altiport to ferry in and out the rich and beautiful who flock to one of the highest spots in the Trois Vallées to enjoy its exclusive atmosphere and almost 600km of snow-sure pistes.
From elegant, high-end chalets offering ski in/ski out access to boutique shops, lively nightlife, gourmet dining experiences and wellbeing experiences, the town itself offers unparalleled luxury for those with the means to enjoy it. A whole constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants awaits, including the 3-star Le 1947 and the wonderful 2-star Chabichou, while the selection of luxury chalets on offer is of the very highest standard.
>>> Take a look at our exquisite selection of prestigious chalets in Courchevel
In the exclusive Swiss canton of Valais, lies the elegant resort of Zermatt, a haven for winter-sport enthusiasts set among vistas of exquisite beauty and an ambiance of exclusive luxury. What sets Zermatt apart as a ski destination, however, is its unyielding commitment to sustainability, which sees the whole place free from combustible engines, in order to preserve both the fantastic view of the nearby Matterhorn and the sense of serenity that pervades this charming village. Instead, we see electric and solar-powered vehicles and cable cars ferrying around the happy tourists and locals.
For skiers and snowboarders, Zermatt offers 54 mountain railways and lifts and over 350km of slopes, which can be enjoyed all year round, Comprising various diverse ski areas including the Gornergrat-Stockhorn, Sunnegga-Rothorn, Schwarzsee and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, every level of proficiency is catered to. Moreover, the local Snowpark beckons freestylers with ample opportunities to hone and exhibit their skills.
Zermatt also presents a tantalising proposition for a luxury family ski holiday, offering free ski passes throughout the region for children below nine. Truly one of the best ski resorts in the world.
Classy Lech is a favourite among the rich and famous. A quieter area away from the parties and events of Innsbruck and St Anton, Lech is the place to enjoy the serenity and quiet magnificence of the Tyrolean Alps. Home to the Michelin-starred Griggeler Stuba restaurant, where the hearty fare of traditional Austrian alpine cuisine meets a delicate, sophisticated touch, Lech's gentle charms offer the perfect place for the discerning traveller in search of a quiet, refined ski holiday.
Due to the village’s relative isolation, it can be more challenging to reach in Winter, when particularly heavy snow will close the most straightforward route. There are other ways around, however, and once there, it is remarkably easy to reach the St Anton ski area and to take advantage of many of the excellent runs on offer. And once a year Lech also holds the famous White Ring race, welcoming celebrity participants to the Austrian Alps to revel in the awe-inspiring natural landscape and friendly crowds gathered to witness the 22km race.
If you’re looking for a quieter stay in the Austrian Alps, a place with class and privacy, but with access to the fine slopes of the nearby Arlberg ski area, then Lech should be high on your list.
Set on the slopes of Mont-Blanc, Europe's highest mountain, the much-loved ski resort of Chamonix-Mont Blanc has been drawing its exclusive clientele to its enchanting environs since 1924, enabling it to stake a claim as the birthplace of winter tourism.
Although the village itself is set at a relatively low altitude of 1000m, its excellent accessibility to the Mont Blanc Massif via the famous Aiguille du Midi ski lift - the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world - means that it remains remarkably snow-sure. It also charms with some truly magnificent alpine vistas, allowing non-skiers to bask in the beauty of the fantastic alpine scenery.
Beyond the obvious appeal of the great outdoors, the village's main streets harbour a selection of high-end restaurants, a family-friendly atmosphere and chic boutique shops alongside its vibrant après ski make Chamonix a beautifully well-rounded alpine location and among the best ski resorts not only in France but in the world.
>>> Discover our full selection of high-end chalets in Chamonix
Home to the largest interconnected ski run in Austria and perhaps the finest of them all… this is a ski resort with everything; from awe-inspiring views, over 300km of interconnected ski runs (200km off-piste), with areas suited to all skill levels, as well as fun snow parks and racing circuits, carving areas and high-tech chairlifts.
Meanwhile, the apres-ski isn’t bad either… a cheerful mélange of sophisticated bars and chic, friendly nightclubs. Atmospheric locales such as MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh are renowned meeting points, where visitors can unwind after a day on the slopes with premium drinks, captivating music, and a suitable air of joie de vivre.
As for culinary experiences, St Anton offers a parade of delightful surprises. Whether it's sampling refined Tyrolean cuisine at the Hospiz-Alm Restaurant or savouring gourmet offerings at the Tannenhof Hotel, your palate is in for a delectable treat. St Anton also provides an assortment of luxury experiences including sleek wellness centres, stylish boutiques for high-end shopping, and plenty of family friendly activities. A bucket-list destination for any ski enthusiast.
>>> Discover our selection of luxury chalet rentals in the Austrian Tyrol region
Despite twice hosting the Winter Olympics, the town of St Moritz in Grisons, is so much more than just a luxury winter ski resort. While it does indeed possess some outstanding pistes - the local Corviglia boasts the steepest start slope in Switzerland, in the Piz Nair Wall 100 per cent vertiginous drop – and state-of-the-art infrastructure, it has much so more to offer the outdoor enthusiast, the gourmand, and those who simply want to relax in luxury and enjoy over 300 days of sunshine.
The region offers more than 350 kilometres of ski slopes ranging from well-groomed leisurely runs to challenging peaks and unspoiled off-piste trails. A mecca for winter sports, St Moritz also offers bobsleighing, curling, horse racing on frozen lakes, and even the rarity of snow polo.
The après-ski scene is brimming with elegance and diversity, while. the two Michelin-starred 'IGNIV by Andreas Caminada' at Badrutt's Palace and the Michelin-starred 'the K by Tim Raue' stand out, presenting gastronomic symphonies for discerning palates. Beyond skiing and feasting, St Moritz also boasts a picture-perfect high street housing stores from global luxury brands and local artisan treasures alike, ensuring that the shopping experience is as opulent as every other aspect of this incomparable resort.
Our chalet specialists at Villanovo have carefully chosen a selection of the finest luxury ski chalets in the most sought-after areas of the Alps. From Courchevel to Lech, St Anton to Val d'Isère, our collection of luxury chalets features ski in/ski out access, hot tubs, cosy fireplaces and, of course, beautiful mountain views close to the very best ski resorts in the world.
Our guests can take advantage of our in-depth knowledge of the local area, with a local concierge service on-hand to provide assistance in organising everything from ski equipment and ski passes to a private chef and airport transfer. Speak to Villanovo and see how we can help to take the stress and guesswork out of planning your ski holiday in the Alps.
>>> Take a look at Villanovo's guide to the French Alps
>>> Discover the best ski resorts for large groups
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