Best ski destinations for the season

The season is off to an early start in many of the ski resorts around the world, and in preparation of your very own ski holiday, this bespoke collection features several of the best locations and hotels for world-class skiing, and first-class services.

The season is off to an early start in many of the ski resorts around the world, and in preparation of your very own ski holiday, this bespoke collection features several of the best locations and hotels for world-class skiing, and first-class services. From grand hotels to boutique chalets, this bespoke collection of accommodations provides guests with exclusive services, customised experiences and luxurious amenities to meet the demands of the most discerning traveller. These dream destinations will provide you with memories to last a lifetime, and the hotels will make sure that you need for nothing while under their roofs. This is a great season to be adventurous and explore one of these picturesque ski villages for yourself.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Canada

The ultimate ski-in and ski-out hotel experience in Whistler is waiting for you at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler – a hotel that is so grand that it is often recognised as the heart and soul of this Canadian ski town. Showcasing classic elegance with modern touches, every element of this hotel is dedicated to an elevated guest experience. As an added perk, the hotel has recently completed the latest enhancements of fireplaces in all the suites, just in time for the snowy nights.

Fairmont Gold provides a personalised stay in the hotel’s finest rooms, which includes a dedicated concierge, food and beverage services throughout the day in the exclusive Gold Lounge. The town of Whistler is just outside your door, and the winter activities, boutiques and restaurants round out this picture-perfect ski holiday destination.

Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley, Utah, USA

The Stein Eriksen Lodge has won numerous awards for a reason – the location, accommodations and all-around amenities and services are worthy of these notable distinctions. Named after Norwegian Olympic Gold Medal skier Stein Eriksen, the lodge is beautifully nestled mid-mountain at the celebrated Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. When travelling with larger families or groups, the Lodge Grand Suites and Lodge Luxury Suites can accommodate up to 14 and 18 people; and the newer addition of 15 homes and 39 condominiums are also available now as part of the Stein Eriksen Residences.

For the wine connoisseurs, their wine collection tops 10,000 bottles and is valued at over a million dollars thus wine tastings and pairings are first-rate during your stay at this luxurious, yet unpretentious lodge situated within this winter wonderland destination.

Hotel Mont-Blanc, Chamonix, France

This legendary hotel at the foot of Mont-Blanc is everything you expect from a hotel with more than 100 years of making history and as one of the true symbols of the Valley. The hotel has been completely renovated to now include modern touches and an entirely new level of high-mountain exclusivity; while still maintaining that Hôtel Mont-Blanc level of personalised services and prestige. A short shuttle ride away, the world-class slopes of Chamônix await; be sure to take advantage of local sledge dog adventures, or stroll along the charming streets of the city centre right outside of your hotel. Hôtel Mont-Blanc also features inventive cuisine and blissful spa offerings at their intimate Spa by Clarins.

Cheval Blanc, Courchevel, France

When only the absolute best will do, Cheval Blanc provides a luxury ski vacation beyond compare – complete with all the experiences that will satisfy everyone in your group. This sleek chalet has direct access to the slopes of Trois Vallées, which happens to have the recognition of being the world’s largest ski resort. Today, it is all about the unique experiences that hotels offer, and Cheval Blanc has taken this to an entirely new level.

The adventure-seeker can take advantage of “gliding” down the summit of Courchevel peak, or take a sledge journey to an igloo for an exquisite glass of champagne; or choose to relax with the speciality après-ski beauty regime or take advantage of one of the culinary experiences they offer. A favourite is the “Perfect Gentleman’s Day” that features a custom tailored suit and other perks throughout the day.

Schloss Elmau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

The skiing at Garmisch-Partenkirchen is outstanding, but to truly appreciate this beautiful region of Germany, staying at Schloss Elmau is perfection. A wellness getaway for the mind, body and soul, the services and amenities here include several spas for adults and families; a host of restaurants and lounges; and cultural opportunities in the concert hall.

Kids will never be bored both on and off the slopes, and for the ski days, the slopes are only a short shuttle ride away. Schloss Elmau comes alive in the winter with the expansive grounds being ideal for sleigh rides, ice-skating and more for kids of all ages – and the views in every direction are simply spectacular!

Cristallo, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

For the travellers who take comfort in staying with an international hotel brand, Cristallo is part of the Luxury Collection by Marriott, and far from being a standard hotel. The individualised amenities and style of this property are exactly what you expect from a beautiful Italian hotel tucked into this valley with surrounding views of the Alps. Short shuttle rides can take you to the slopes, or into town – or you can choose to simply enjoy the serenity that comes from a stay at this charming hotel.

The world-renowned spa is a favourite amongst guests looking to take advantage of the breathtaking atrium with an indoor pool or the Turkish Bath before selecting one (or several) massage and beauty treatments. Enjoy an unforgettable stay at this iconic jewel of the Italian Dolomites.

Ki Niseko – The Penthouse, Japan

Ki Niseko has managed to execute a hotel experience in Niseko that is not only sophisticated, but also contains that alpine charm perfect for an unforgettable ski holiday. Nestled at the base of Grand Hirafu Resort, the boutique ski-in ski-out hotel is ideally situated for the ultimate in convenience, and the penthouse is simply dazzling. Spacious and beautifully decorated, the penthouse includes expansive decks with views of the resort; a living room with a vaulted ceiling and a table that seats 12 people; and four bedrooms all with en-suite, and then an additional room ideal for children.

Ski Valets at the hotel make sure you start and end your day on the slopes in style, and the level of local shopping and dining is unequalled. In addition to the fun activities for the entire family, a unique must-try experience here locally is reindeer sledging – your photos are guaranteed to be a hit on social media!

The Ritz-Carlton Club Vail, Colorado, USA

As the largest ski resort in the United States, skiers of all levels flock to Vail each year. However, the villages of Vail and Lionshead are what make this destination so special – a true feeling of vacationing in a charming Alpine village, complete with great local restaurants and international boutiques. The Ritz-Carlton Club Vail features 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom residences with all the conveniences of home, but also includes the customised services of a very attentive staff. The Lobby Lounge and outdoor heated pool are great places to meet with friends and family after a full day of skiing the mountain or shopping around the village; or simply relax and unwind in the comfort of your own residence – complete with gourmet kitchens, large living room areas and balconies with priceless views of the snow-covered mountains. Prepare to fall in love with this property, and the villages of Vail and Lionshead.

Chalet N, Lech Zurs am Arlberg, Austria

When you are fortunate enough to hit the slopes in Arlberg – the birthplace of alpine skiing – an equally impressive place to call ‘home’ while in Austria is a necessity. Look no further than the Chalet N, a boutique travel experience where nothing is overlooked, and the bespoke amenities and services make for a heavenly Austrian ski holiday. Perched on the mountain, this ski-in ski-out chalet is available weekly, and sleeps up to 18 people in the eight luxury suites, a larger master suite and unique to this chalet, a charming children’s suite with four bunk beds and a room for the nanny.

From the bulletproof glass and indoor pool to the extraordinary team of chefs providing culinary masterpieces three times daily and a private butler there to take care of every detail during the week; Chalet N is noted to not only be one of the most expensive chalet rentals in the world, but is also one of the absolute best chalet experiences.

Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, Switzerland

Switzerland is always a popular winter getaway, and St. Moritz has everything necessary for that quintessential Swiss ski holiday. St. Moritz’s local mountain Corviglia along with the neighbouring ski areas of Corvatsch, Diavolezza and Zuoz promise a first-class skiing experience. Situated in the heart of the village, guests of the Kulm Hotel are able to enjoy the finest services available to them from a team of staff as efficient as the Swiss timepieces of the area.

This grand hotel dates back over 160 years with a fascinating history, but today boasts modern amenities, cutting-edge technology and contemporary comforts that all combine to create a stay with Kulm Hotel one that you will not soon forget.

However, even with all of the winter activities and shopping just outside the doors, you need to make time to sample the culinary offerings from their global collection of restaurants, or take the time to visit the spa for the opportunity to feel the benefits of their three pillars of wellness: relaxation, detoxification and regeneration. ◼

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© This article was first published in Dec-Jan 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.