Few kinds of holiday scream wealth and luxury more than a ski trip at one of the world’s most exclusive resorts. Whether you’re planning to mark a special occasion with a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, or you’d just like to see the best of what the mountains have to offer, it’s worth checking out some of the resorts listed here.
Bear in mind that some of these places are so exclusive that they can only be reached via non-commercial flights. Taking advantage of private jet hire enables you to get to your destination in style and comfort, but you will also have to account for this expense when planning your trip.
Cortina, Italy
There aren’t many Italian ski resorts that can approach the level of luxury offered by the so-called ‘Queen of the Dolomites’, Cortina d’Ampezzo. There are Michelin-star restaurants to enjoy, as well as a wonderful retail experience. That’s before we consider the thousand kilometres of ski slope to descend!
St Moritz, Switzerland
This Swiss resort is a favoured haunt for big-name celebrities. It’s to be found in the centre of the Engadine Valley, from where you’ll enjoy unparalleled Alpine views. There are a number of legendary hotels here, including the iconic Badrutt’s Palace.
Courchevel, France
There are three hotels in this French resort which boast a ‘Palace’ rating. This is the accolade awarded by Atout France, the country’s official agency for tourism development. The resort is split into four distinct villages, and offers access to The Three Valleys – which collectively offer around 600km of piste.
Olafsfjordur, Iceland
If seclusion and novelty are what you’re looking for, then Olafsfjordur has much to offer. Deplar Farm is a particularly luxurious place to stay, and perfect for those who’d like to enjoy a spot of heli-skiing. Naturally, this is a resort that’s suited to experienced skiers with deep pockets. If that’s you, then your Icelandic experience will probably be different from any other trip you’ve had.
Aspen, Colorado
This American resort is synonymous with luxury, with a number of big-name locals and excellent boutique shops. If you’ve seen Dumb and Dumber, then you might have an idea of what to expect. But there’s more to Aspen than shopping and glamour – it’s also a resort with a rich history as a silver-mining community. So, if you have an interest in these things, there’s plenty to keep you interested.
Lech, Austria
This little corner of Austria is arguably among the world’s most opulent ski locations. It forms part of the wider Arlberg ski area, and, for many, represents the pinnacle of class when it comes to European skiing. Stay in an upmarket timber chalet, hit the slopes in the morning and return to a private ice rink in the evenings.
