Breathtaking views, impeccable ski slopes, cozy chalets, sumptuous interiors and Michelin-starred restaurants – these are some of the things that bring winter sports and hiking enthusiasts together in the world's most luxurious winter destinations. We present to you 5 of the top ski resorts in Europe as a great idea for a getaway, even in early spring.
Great slopes, exclusive hotels and restaurants with Michelin stars - Courchevel 1850 is the jewel in the crown of European ski destinations, attracting affluent visitors from all over the world. Located in the heart of the "Three Valleys", it is the largest connected ski area in the world. The resort offers over 600 km of excellently groomed and maintained slopes and 162 lifts, with facilities for various winter sports and activities, both for beginners and professionals. The leisure and entertainment options make the place an attraction for the rich and famous from all over the world.
Courchevel is home to two of only eight officially recognized 6-star hotels in France, offering some of the most elegant and glamorous après–ski and gourmet experiences in the Alps. The resort has seven Michelin-starred restaurants, four of which have two stars, including Le Chabichou, as well as boutiques of various luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Valentino, Loro Piana, Prada, Cartier, Fendi, Dior and Chanel.
Where to stay: The Cheval Blanc is among the most prestigious places to stay on this slope – with a three-star Michelin restaurant and an amazing spa. As one of the largest and most luxurious ski chalets in Courchevel, Chalet Edelweiss is another preferred address for the elite. Finished to the highest standards, the spacious luxury ski lodge offers premium service. Another luxury hotel worth visiting is Le K2 Altitude. It is favored for its direct access to the resort's ski slopes.
Gstaad has always been among the best ski resorts in Europe, a favorite vacation spot for royalty and celebrities. With its popular slogan "Come up, Slow down", the luxury destination invites its visitors to relax and enjoy the moment. Although the place offers all the modern conditions of a premium destination, the microcosm of Gstaad exudes that special quality of life with which the bon vivants of the past defined the place in the minds of the elite. To this day, you can still see the smiling, sun-kissed faces of the world's rich and famous here, both on the ski slopes and in the resort's stylish restaurants and lively bars.
Located in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps, the picturesque resort town is surrounded by majestic mountain slopes. The cable car connects the surrounding ski areas such as Wispile and Rinderberg with hundreds of kilometers of pistes and walking trails. The Glacier 3000 offers opportunities for almost year-round skiing. Apart from its beautiful slopes, the destination is known for its authentic chalets, luxury hotels, spas, fashion boutique and high-end restaurants.
Where to stay: Number one on our list is the legendary Gstaad Palace Hotel, which has a reputation as one of the best hotels in all of Switzerland. Next is the Grand Hotel Park Gstaad, which dates back to 1910 and is our suggestion for fans of traditional Alpine style. It is located close to the slopes and features 4 themed restaurants, a wine bar, an indoor saltwater pool, an outdoor pool, a spa and a tennis court that turns into an ice rink in winter.
Located 40 kilometers from the Austrian border, Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the oldest and most expensive ski resorts in Europe. The "Queen of the Dolomites" attracts the elite of society with the quality of its slopes and the possibilities for true Dolce Vita experiences. Located in the wide and sunny Ampezzo valley, the resort has 70 pistes with a total area of 82 km, served by 36 lifts, and is suitable for all levels of skiers as well as snowboarders. The pleasure of your stay in the luxury destination is complemented by the shopping opportunities in the many boutiques located on the legendary designer street Corsa Italia. The essence of Cortina d'Ampezzo can be found in the long lunches at El Camineto, San Brite and Tivoli, with which we associate the genuine Dolce Vita moments. Here, the après–ski culture is significantly different from that in France or Switzerland – the ski suits of the day are replaced by glamorous designer clothes, with which the cream of society ends the slalom of the slopes with dancing in the sophisticated nightclubs and bars of the resort.
Where to stay: If you're looking for a premium experience, Cortina's „grande dames“ Cristallo Palace Hotel and Spa and Grand Hotel Savoia are among the places where the rich and famous stay.
The resort is among the favorite destinations of several royal families, including Princess Diana. In Leh, you can enjoy the classic alpine spirit and charm of the mountain, as well as the impeccable skiing opportunities. The snow-capped mountains, picturesque rivers, charming buildings, old churches and lively markets in the resort town give it a special atmosphere that makes it a favorite place not only for active skiers, but also for holidaymakers. Along the banks of the Lech River you can enjoy the old wooden huts and cafes, bearing the typical spirit of the Austrian Alps. Among the must-try culinary masterpieces is the Rud-Alpe schnitzel and the warm apple strudels that tempt weary skiers. In the cozy tavern Hus Nr 8 you will be served traditionally prepared delicious meats and fondue.
Where to stay: The most famous hotel on the slopes is the Alberg, known for its royal pedigree. If you're looking for something more modern, try Severin*s Lech Hotel.
Located at 1,800 m above sea level, the luxury destination is known for having one of the longest winter seasons in Europe. Linked by lifts and slopes, Tignes and Val d'Isère form one of the largest ski resorts in France, also known as Espace Killy. 300 km of pistes of all difficulty levels are available here. The resort regularly hosts World Cup ski competitions and is renowned for its reliable snow cover from November to May. Thanks to the wide range of off-piste slopes, the resort is also a great place for more experienced skiers. With its restaurants, bars, fashion boutiques and wellness centers, the lively center of Val d'Isère offers unparalleled opportunities for après–ski experiences. At L'Atelier d'Edmond they offer a sophisticated menu of arctic carp and crab, while at L'edelweiss, just above Le Fornet, they stick to traditional cuisine with their recipes for cockerel tartiflette and La Casse-croûte du berger.
Where to stay: Among our suggestions are the elegant Refuge de Solaise, located at 2,551 m above sea level, the majestic Airelles Val d'Isère and the Mont Blanc eco-lodge bordering the Rogoney Forest.