The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
The ski season begins when the temperatures begin to descend across Europe. This is welcome news for the many that now consider spending Christmas abroad, as planned ski trips into mainland Europe to savour the crisp powder of its lofty peaks get ever closer.
Skiing is a luxurious form of holiday in and of itself – at least, if the relative cost of bookings, accommodation, ski training and ski equipment is anything to go by. But the upfront cost of getting involved in skiing can create a counterintuitive phenomenon, whereby skiing holidaymakers feel the need to spend less on the ‘travel’ part of the equation.
But ski holidays are meant to be enjoyed. And can be far greater than the sum of their parts, where good gear and great destinations are combined. They can also represent the pinnacle of luxury, with different resorts offering numerous different, compelling experiences to their guests.
Megève is the most beautiful of Alpine villages, residing in the south-east of France and offering unparalleled access to some of Mont Blanc’s most incredible slopes.
Its relatively diminutive nature as a resort destination shouldn’t fool you; its under-the-radar nature made it a uniquely popular destination for the world’s glitterati as far back as the 1920s.
Just as the south-east of France can be luxury ski heaven, so too is can the northern reaches of Italy. Cortina is one of the premier destinations for ski holidays in Italy, and a welcome departure from the commonality of Alpine ski destinations; instead, you’d be kicking back in the Dolomites, enjoying the best Mediterranean food in the continent and the company of the elite in the process.
St. Moritz is an Alpine resort location with pedigree. Twice host of the Winter Olympics, the highest town in Switzerland is steeped in skiing culture and reverence – to say nothing of the incredible facilities afforded by some of St. Moritz’s glitziest resorts.
Around four hours west of the Engadin Valley in which St. Moritz sits, there is the Bernese Oberland Valley – and the beautiful chalets of Gstaad. Gstaad is a resort town that offers up access to nearly 140 square miles of slope, as well as some of the finest restaurants you’ll ever find in the Alps.
Though, Gstaad is given a run for its money by Courchevel, the French resort town some four hours and one border southwards. Courchevel is home to well Michelin-starred restaurants and highly-accoladed chalet hotels besides, being a personal favourite destination for many VIPS.
Of the many incredible resorts that stipple Europe’s various ski-able mountains, these are simply among five of the best. There is a whole world of luxury skiing to discover, and one well worth your time and money.
