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As a luxury travel journalist with 20 years of experience and dedicated to the summit of alpine culture, I am often asked my favorite places to ski. As one can imagine this is a nearly impossible question to answer so over the years I have developed a few choice replies: How much time do you have? What would you say if I asked you your favorite restaurant? Or my favorite — Which of your children do you love the most?

My point is, everything worth ranking in life demands a qualifier. In the US, due to the vastness of the American continent, it’s almost impossible to rank by region with any sort of canonical certainty. For example, the Rockies are too vast spanning six states running for thousands of miles from north to south bleeding into Canada before ending in Alaska. Lumping a ‘region’ together by state is almost just as futile, as the real personality of a ski resort lies in hundreds of micro factors, not to mention skiing as we know it in the USA is barely a century old. However, in Europe, the tightly packed topography, natural borders, and additional hundreds of years of human settlement and culture have made for a far easier coupling of regions.

With that said and after careful study, I have decided to focus on the following and hone in on a few of my all-time favorites:

  • The French Alps – Megève
  • The French Alps – Chamonix
  • The Dolomites 
  • The Austrian Alps – The Arlberg – Lech Zurs and St. Anton
  • The Swiss Alps – St. Moritz

THE FRENCH ALPS – Megève

suite at les fermes de marie
Courtesy of Les Fermes de Marie, L’Alpage des Fermes de Marie

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Megève is more than just a ski resort — it’s a timeless refuge from the friction of the modern world, blending rustic charm with the unparalleled extravagance of “grand tour slow luxury.” Renowned for its picturesque village, cobblestone streets, and world-class slopes in the shadow of Mont d’Arbois, Megève offers a level of alpine opulence born from aristocratic roots. Legend has it that following the end of the First World War, Baroness Noémie de Rothschild was visiting St. Moritz and was so taken with its natural beauty that she desired to replicate a version in France with a distinctively French character. On the advice of her ski instructor, she was introduced to Megeve, a picturesque village dating back to the 13th century. Today, the world’s aristocracy still descends on this quaint village now filled with chic boutiques, gourmet dining, cozy chalets, world-class hotels, and breathtaking vistas. To this day, the heritage established by the Baroness has been passed on from generation to generation.

Where to Stay

Les Fermes de Marie: The ideal combination of rustic charm and refined elegance, this five-star, family-owned property comprises 9 restored interconnected chalets featuring 70 immaculately appointed rooms and suites and even 2 chalets. A superb concierge, on-premise ski shop, spa, kids club, and two of the hottest tables in town round out an ideal experience. 

L’Alpaga: A hamlet of 10 architecturally significant chalets come together as a sophisticated mountain hideaway offering the perfect blend of modern luxury and alpine tradition across 33 rooms and suites.  This five-star hotel features a one Michelin-starred restaurant, a more casual bistro, indulgent spa, and stunning views of Mont Blanc.

Most Accessible From: Geneva (one hour), Lyon (two hours), Milan (three hours).

Don’t Miss: Closed for the ski season is legendary three Michelin-starred Flocons de Sel. Its Chef Emmanuel Renaut will be setting up ‘La Table d’Emmanuel Renaut,’ opening December 2024, as a unique and ephemeral gastronomic experience.

Skier Level: Plenty of beginning and intermediate level runs with a solid mix of steeper expert terrain accessible by more than 100 lifts.

THE FRENCH ALPS – Chamonix

hotel mont blanc
Image by Fabrice Rambert

Slightly larger and more adventurous than its subtler neighbor to the southwest (Megève), Chamonix — one of the cradles of alpine skiing — has sung its siren’s song to intrepid travelers since 1924 when it hosted the first-ever Winter Olympic Games. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak, this iconic French ski resort appeals to nature lovers, thrill seekers, and those seeking opulent escapism alike.  

Where to Stay:

Hotel Mont Blanc – This Belle Époque palace opened its doors in 1849 and might as well have inspired the Wes Anderson aesthetic more than 100 years before the director’s birth. Across 41 rooms, 18 junior suites, and 1 penthouse, visitors have access to the Clarins Spa, elegant Matafan Restaurant, and a picturesque heated outdoor pool.

Most Accessible From: Geneva (one hour), Lyon (2.5 hours), Milan (four hours).

Don’t Miss: Skiing down the Vallee Blanche by light of the full moon with a guide.

Skier Level: Chamonix spans four principle ski areas and features fantastic opportunities for advanced and expert skiers thanks to accessible off-piste opportunities. 

THE AUSTRIAN ALPS – The Arlberg

skiing lech zürs
Photo by Sepp Mallaum, Lech Zürs Tourismus

In the heart of Austria’s Arlberg region, the ski resorts of Lech Zürs and St. Anton offer a perfect fusion of world-class skiing and refined luxury. Renowned for their pristine interconnected slopes, deep powder, and traditional alpine culture, these resorts perfectly harmonize elegance and adventure. Lech Zürs is famed for its exclusivity on the international stage, attracting elite clientele known to revel in its serene ambiance and upscale amenities. St. Anton, on the other hand, is widely considered the birthplace of downhill skiing and leans heavily into its reputation for legendary après-ski. If Lech Zürs is for families, St. Anton is where you gather with your best friends. Together, these resorts showcase unparalleled winter ski experiences set within the legendary beauty of the Austrian Alps.

Where to Stay

Lech Zürs –  The Arula Chalets: This divine pair of ski-in/ski-out chalets, set just above Lech in Oberlech, might be some of the finest on the planet. Chalet 1 sleeps up to 22 guests across 7 bedrooms, while Chalet 2 accommodates 8 guests across 4. Both feature impeccably detailed living spaces, in-house chefs, a sommelier, butler, spa therapist, fleet of house cars, and the latest in entertainment from a cinema to an outdoor hot tub and ice rink.

St. Anton – Hotel Tannenhof: This five-star privately run hotel features just seven suites, each flawlessly designed and full of character (I do love a private wood-burning fireplace). When you stay at the Tannenhof, you might as well be visiting loved ones whose sole wish is your enjoyment of their home. Even though the Tannenhof is on the outskirts of St. Anton, your always-on private valet will whisk you to the buzzing main streets and gondolas in less than ten minutes.

Most Accessible From: Innsbruck (2.5 hours), Zurich (three hours), Munich (three hours).

Don’t Miss: The Hospiz Alm – Located directly between Lech Zürs and St. Anton in St. Christoph and accessible by both ski and automobile, The Hospiz Alm is one of those legendary destinations that defies any label. Sure, it’s a restaurant open for lunch and dinner, of course there is an aprés-ski scene, and yes, it has one of the largest wine cellars in all of Europe, but this ski lodge/gourmet temple/alpine bacchanal needs to be experienced to be believed. Reservations are very much recommended.

Chef’s Table at Walch’s Rote Wand: A truly unforgettable dining experience is an understatement. From the surroundings (Zug’s old schoolhouse built in 1780) to the 18.5 Gault Millau dining helmed by Chef Julian Stieger who has worked in many of the world’s dining palaces, all I can say is this: If you can score a coveted reservation, you will not be disappointed. 

Skier Level: Excellent for all skier types due to the breadth of the terrain.

THE DOLOMITES 

the dolomites
Courtesy of Dolomite Mountains

To speak of the Dolomites is less about describing a place or region and more about describing a state of being. Maybe this is why it was granted the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. The Dolomites are home to some of the most breathtaking ski resorts in the world, where natural beauty and high luxury are seamlessly intertwined. Comprising multitudes of villages, valleys, and towns ranging from the sophisticated (almost cosmopolitan) elegance of Cortina d’Ampezzo to the hidden gems of Val Gardena and Alta Badia, the Dolomites perfect that unique blend of adventure and elegance we crave. Here, winter sport is a lifestyle, not a hobby, and hospitality is pushing the boundaries of innovation. The region boasts 12 ski resorts and a massive network of more than 400 lifts and almost 800 miles of ski runs, including the legendary Sella Ronda.

Where to Stay

Rosa Alpina (San Cassiano):  Reimagined in partnership with Aman (and set to reopen in June 2025), this multi-generation, family-operated luxury alpine property originally opened its doors in 1939. Each of the 52 rooms and suites is individually decorated with local antiques from the region, many of which connect (perfect for families). The setting is idyllic, just feet from the nearest chairlift.

La Perla (Corvara): A luxurious alpine retreat exuding warmth and refined elegance around every corner. This family-run, five-star gem — set against a backdrop of one of Italy’s most stunning mountain settings — offers exquisitely appointed rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant La Stüe de Michil (that happens to boast one of the largest cellars of Sassicaia Super Tuscan wine in the world), one of the Dolomite’s top aprés-ski bars (L’Murin), and a world-class spa. 

Most Accessible From: Venice (two hours), Innsbruck (two hours).

Don’t Miss: A Ski Safari – one of the treasures of winter in The Dolomites is skiing from valley to valley, town to town staying in five-star suites and rustic family-owned rifugio all while not having to worry about maps or luggage. I’ve been twice with the speciality tour operator Dolomite Mountains which excels in these multi-day treks; truly a bucket list experience.

Skier Level: Excellent for all skier types due to the breadth of the terrain.

THE SWISS ALPS – St. Moritz 

kulm hotel in st moritz
Courtesy, Kulm Hotel

A suggestion to plan a vacation around an amenity-packed hotel might sound like a thinly veiled attempt to guide you toward an all-inclusive holiday. However, “all-inclusive” and “St. Moritz” probably shouldn’t be uttered in the same sentence. After all, this is a posh ski town perched in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley. Here, snow polo on a frozen lake is the event to see and be seen (among other snowy, equine-driven spectator sports like February’s ‘White Turf’) and where the aforementioned have-it-all hotels include a grand castle that dates back to 1896. For the sake of this old-school town that’s favored by everyone from royals and CEOs, it’s best to embrace the modern take on ski lodge lifestyle — and imagine your trip accordingly as simply ski, stay, ski more, uncover the mysteries of your accommodations, repeat. 

Where to Stay 

Kulm Hotel: As the legend goes, the winter scene in St. Moritz started with a bet that was placed while sitting in front of a fireplace at this very resort. This was back in 1864 when hotelier Johannes Badrutt (his son, Caspar, opened Badrutt’s Palace) was trying to convince summertime guests to book a return trip during the colder months; by 1890 this sleepy village became the birthplace of winter sports, plenty of which took place at this very property. But despite being the oldest hotel in town, the Kulm is effortlessly contemporary, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, a not-to-be-missed spa, and some of the most unique views in the Engadin Valley, including a pristine vantage of Lake St. Moritz. The lobbies and other common areas feel regal — think sparkling chandeliers, marble columns, and velvet couches fit for royalty — but the rooms, especially the recently redesigned suites, are the definition of subtle alpine luxury. 

Badrutt’s Palace: Even if you’re not staying in this historic hotel located in the heart of St. Moritz (both in terms of geography and social scene), it’s worth a visit just to ‘ooh and aah’ over every corner of this alpine-chic castle. Marvel at the mix of medieval and modernity from your perch in the lobby — aka “Le Grand Hall,” aka “the living room of St. Moritz.” With 156 rooms and suites, a dozen restaurants and bars, the likelihood of a run-in with one of your fellow members of the jet set is quite high. If you happen to be lucky enough to book (or at least get invited to) the recently reopened “Tower Penthouse Apartment” (once the personal residence of German industrialist Gunter Sachs), it can not be missed. This super luxe lodging spans more than 3,400 square feet across three levels and features four bedrooms — and is one of the finest suites in Switzerland.

Suvretta House: With views of the upper Engadine and a private ski lift to the Corviglia ski area, Suvretta House is like a fairytale for skiers — and the 171-room and 10-suite resort (with twin turrets) certainly looks the part, too. The rooms are tastefully appointed and there are plenty of original details dating back as far as 1912 to fawn over, including the triple-height arched windows in the entrance lobby that offer pristine views of the mountain vistas. While Survetta House is situated about a quick mile from St. Moritz’s city center (the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle every 30 minutes or better yet, a horse-drawn sleigh), there’s plenty to do without leaving the grounds which include an indoor pool and outdoor hot tubs, plus an onsite ski locker (where rentals are available), a private ski school, and an outdoor ice skating rink. 

Most Accessible From: Innsbruck (2.5 hours), Milan (2.5 hours), Zurich (2.5 hours).

Don’t Miss: A private caviar tasting at Glattfelder where three generations of the family have been creating caviar addicts out of novices for over 80 years. 

Skier Level: Excellent for all skier types due to the breadth of the terrain.

Featured image courtesy of Kulm Hotel; Travel Curator may earn a commission from shopping links on this page.