Some say the secret to a premiere aprés-ski experience is loud music, a table to dance on, sun in your face, and enough ABV to make even getting down the bunny slope a harrowing affair. I, however, find that a sumptuous robe, slippers, and the perfectly temperate environs of a private alpine pool (often connected to a world-class spa) are more my ‘aprés speed.’ From the onsens of Hokkaido, to the high pistes of the Alps and western Rockies — the perfect pool to soothe sore muscles after a long day on (or off) the slopes is very much the “new way to aprés.” Splash into a few of the sexiest pools the mountains have to offer — the more scenic the better and it’s definitely safer than schnapps.
UNITED STATES
Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Setting: The only ski in/ski out five-star property at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the Four Seasons Jackson Hole sets the stage for an idyllic sojourn into the heart of wild, untamed opulence. Situated in Teton Village, nestled amidst the dramatic peaks of the Teton Mountain Range, this pristine property unfurls a stunning tableau of luxury and nature, entwining the effusive elegance of bespoke travel with the raw, untouched beauty of the American West.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: More a habitat than a ‘pool’ per se, the freeform outdoor pool is heated year round, allowing guests to swim as snowflakes swirl above. Three hot spring-style jetted tubs are the perfect remedy to soothe sore muscles that spent the day on the slopes.
Insider Tip: What better way to brave frigid conditions than to have the poolside attendant hand you a warm robe and towel from the spa’s outdoor heater? The poolside s’mores and hot chocolate are yet another draw.
Montage Big Sky, Montana
The Setting: The untamed wilderness of Big Sky, Montana, where the breathtaking landscape of the American West seamlessly intertwines with the bountiful luxury of Montana’s premiere ski resort. The ski-in/ski-out Montage Big Sky is located within the Spanish Peaks enclave and features a modern-mountain design with aesthetics inspired by the natural setting and constructed with a timeless palette of local materials including regional woods and stone. The resort is home to 100 guest rooms and suites, 39 privately owned Montage Residences, and presents the ideal vantage point for tackling the 5,800 acres of skiable terrain.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: The 3,000 square feet of indoor pool space and heated outdoor pool (plus hot tubs) provide a peaceful respite after a long day spent on the slopes.
Insider Tip: This is one of the only locations in the Rockies to feature facials from the iconic Swiss skincare line, Valmont. At 7,000 feet above sea level, your skin needs all the love it can get.
The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado
The Setting: Quite possibly the most convenient pool on this list given its slope-to-plunge-proximity. The year-round pool at The Little Nell is triangulated between the Silver Queen Gondola (the main point of access for Aspen’s main mountain “Ajax”), and the Nell’s fine dining restaurant, Element 47, and the hotel’s lobby (also known as the town’s living room). Point being, if you are lucky enough to be a guest at The Little Nell, not a single second of ski time will be wasted.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: Surrounded by lush, landscaped, seasonal gardens and overlooking Aspen Mountain, the pool and hot tub are pristine.
Insider Tip: The year-round heated pool may be the main attraction, but the 24/7/365 hot tub is our favorite. Sheltered from the elements with a heated towel cabinet in arms reach, your sore muscles could not want for more.
ITALY
Forestis, Dolomites
The Setting: Located in a densely wooded area of the Dolomites, 1,800 meters above sea level, Forestis is the perfect harmony of and homage to the elements. The sunny slope of the Plose Mountain in the South Tyrolean Alps sets the ideal location for rest and relaxation. In fact, this area has had a reputation for wellness for hundreds of years. On this site, the Austrian monarchy established a sanatorium dedicated to healing and wellbeing.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: The indoor-outdoor heated pools (65 x 14 foot) and (72 x 16.4 foot) respectively are filled with an extremely rare artesian spring water with a dry residue mineral composition of only 22 mg per litre and a pH-value of 6.6. Such a combination corresponds precisely to that of human cells, accordingly the waters are among the purest and lightest in the world.
Insider Tip: Physical fitness is core to the ethos of Forestis. The property is ski in/ski out, with a tremendous focus on wellness. While the spa treatments are bar none, the embrace of saunas and steam baths are noteworthy. Featuring a brine steam sauna, (65°C), a Finnish sauna (85°C), a bio sauna (70°C), a textile sauna (Finnish sauna with 45°C), and an outdoor sauna (Finnish sauna with 90°C) in a traditional South Tyrolean wooden house.
SWITZERLAND
The Chedi Andermatt
The Setting: The Chedi, set in the heart of Andermatt, is a jewel of alpine enjoyment and modern architecture. Preening with majestic peaks and pristine landscapes, The Chedi has emerged a reputed a playground for the affluent traveler, in pursuit of a truly luxurious mountain escape.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: Boasting a multitude of aquatic pleasures including an indoor Olympic-style pool, as well as a 40-foot outdoor pool, and hot and cold plunges. Every angle of the space designed by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy exudes beauty and sophistication.
Insider Tip: Be sure to snag a daybed alongside the 115-foot indoor pool early for optimal people-watching.
Six Senses Crans-Montana
The Setting: Crans-Montana, the picturesque alpine paradise where indulgence meets the majesty of the mountains, the Six Senses opened in February 2023. Enjoying a prime slope-side location just above the main gondola, the property emerges from the mountainside with open terraces looking out to the iconic peaks of France’s Mont Blanc massif and the iconic Swiss Matterhorn. The 78 guest rooms and suites are designed in a modern chalet vibe featuring high ceilings, sustainable architecture, and a rooftop swimming pool nestled between the alpine garden and open-air cinema.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: The vast indoor pool opens onto a birch tree courtyard providing guests with easy access to the elements, while hundreds of timber beams hang vertically from the ceiling.
Insider Tip: Make sure you consult the property’s resident bio-hacker and integrated wellness practitioner to take your mountain holiday to new heights of restoration and relaxation.
The Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz
The Setting: Overlooking Lake St. Moritz, The Kulm Hotel represents much more than a five-star luxury hotel. As the legend goes, in 1865, proprietor Johannes Badrutt placed a bet with summer vacationing English tourists that the region was just as idyllic in the winter as it was in the summer months. When the visitors returned, Badrutt had won his bet and effectively created winter tourism in the process.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: The indoor /outdoor pool is a world of tranquility unto itself with the panoramic views and crisp air of the Engadine Valley instantly ingratiating visitors in alpine luxury. Swim laps or just float and relax while the underwater speakers pump out music.
Insider Tip: Start with an early-morning aqua-gym session to prep for a long day of skiing.
Mont Cervin Palace, Zermatt
The Setting: Welcoming guests since 1852, the 150-room Mont Cervin Palace is situated with breathtaking views of the Mischabel mountain chain, the Edelweiss, and the Matterhorn.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: The 65 x 27-foot indoor pool is heated to 82 °F, has two hot tubs heated to 95 °F, and is a stone’s throw from the spa’s ice grotto.
Insider Tip: On Thursday mornings, guests of the Mont Cervin Palace can ski the Matterhorn before anyone else – an exclusive for the hotel.
The Omnia — Zermatt
The Setting: Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt exudes an unparalleled aura of luxury and adventure. With the iconic Matterhorn backdrop and world-class skiing, this picturesque alpine paradise has beckoned to discerning travelers for over a century. The Omnia Hotel provides a sublime sanctuary and architectural haven perched on the mountainside 45 meters above the center of town. Its breathtaking views, impeccable service, and stylish amenities epitomize the peak of luxury in this Swiss mountain hamlet.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: The indoor/outdoor pool, located in the wellness center, peers over Zermatt through a floor-to-ceiling glass enclosure, perfectly heated to 30 degrees Celsius (86 F), and includes six massage jets.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the multiple steam rooms and Finnish sauna, and be sure to capture a FOMO-inducing post of yourself with the breathtaking backdrop.
CHILE
Ski Portillo
The Setting: Celebrating its 75th anniversary, South America’s premier ski resort feels almost as if a giant yellow cruise ship was beached long ago in the high Andes Mountains. Surrounded by pristine alpine peaks, Ski Portillo’s legend lies just as much in its setting as its reputation as an “off season” training facility for the world’s most prestigious national ski teams. The Southern Hemisphere setting means that “peak season” runs from June to September when much of the world is thinking of warm sands and sun.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: Quite simply, a view like no other on the planet. Overlooking the Lake of the Incas, this “jewel of the Andes” has lured adventurers for centuries.
Insider Tip: In celebration of its 75h anniversary, guests booking a 2024 ski week before 12.31.2023 will have the 2023 rates honored with a 50% deposit.
JAPAN
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
The Setting: Located within the snow-filled environs of Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, only the most intrepid powderhounds are lucky enough to experience the legendary Niseko ski area and luxury of Park Hyatt Niseko. Where most mountains are known for their height or difficulty, what draws skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts from all over the world is the average annual snowfall of almost 50 feet and 30 miles of trails.
Why It’s Worth The Dip: Located on the second level, the 82-foot heated indoor pool and four hot tubs are the centerpiece of the sanctuary-like spa.
Insider Tip: The mineral-filled waters of Mount Annupuri flow from deep within the earth through the hotel’s private onsen and are known for their unique healing properties.
Cover image, courtesy of Four Seasons Jackson Hole.
