Skiing With the Stars at the World’s Most Luxurious Ski Resorts

Whether you’re hitting the slopes in St. Mortiz, Switzerland or making the same ski run as former Olympians in Whistler, BC, Canada, nothing beats experiencing the excitement and adventure of skiing in luxurious locations where details like heated sidewalks and limited lift tickets matter.  In these locations, not only can you ski like the stars, you can ski with the stars, royalty and jetsetters.  These places pride themselves, not only on fresh powder, but also exclusivity, luxury and amenities.  Here are some of the most luxurious ski resorts from around the world.

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Known for its abundance of skiing accompanied by Canadian hospitality, Whistler Blackcomb is a location that is hard to beat.  The resort attracts jetsetters from around the world, offering them ample opportunity to hit the slopes and be entertained.  Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, two hours from Vancouver, Whistler boasts 8,000 acres across two mountains.  As home to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games, Whistler is one of the biggest and most complete ski resorts in North America.  Teeming with nightlife, it is the place to see and be seen.  And not only can you be seen at luxurious resorts, you can also spend the day shopping at over 200 shops in the Village, where you’ll find everything from native artwork to high-end fashion.

 

 

St. Moritz, Switzerland 

Two-time host of the winter Olympics and birthplace of winter tourism, St. Moritz is a ski resort destination that is fit for the stars.  Known for its luxury and exclusivity, you’re sure to find the location comfortably populated, without overcrowding.  With over 350km of ski pistes and an abundance of powdery snow and sunshine, there’s no want for options when looking for places to ski.  With places to stay like Badrutt’s Palace, which offers hotels and luxury residences, with butler and limo services, bobsledding lessons and a luxurious spa, you’ll be able to relax after a full day of skiing like the pros and enjoy the social sport of people watching.  This resort town, located in the Graubunden region in the Engadine valley in Switzerland, offers everything you’ll want and need and a little bit more.  Don’t miss out on this luxurious ski resort located in the heart of Switzerland.

 

 

Cortina, Italy

Located about three hours outside of Venice, Cortina is the largest ski resort in Italy and has been coined “The Queen of the Dolomites.”  The Dolomites are the beautiful and challenging mountains surrounding the area, which is located at an altitude of about 4,000 ft.  Because of its fame, Cortina has been featured in movies such as Pink Panther and James Bond’s For Your Eyes Only.  This destination, which offers both luxury and history, has been hosting visitors on its slopes for about two centuries.  To add to the historical value of this town, Cortina was host of the 1956 winter Olympics.  To enjoy this winter wonderland in style, try the Michelin-starred Tivoli restaurant that’s located a little bit out of town.  Not only do people come for the skiing, they also come to see and be seen.  And it’s easy to be seen as you do like the locals and go for your evening stroll at the Piazza Venezia in your fur coat and designer gear to rub shoulders with Roman and Milanese high society in the upscale shops.

 

 

Courchevel, France

Noted for having its own airstrip and the largest reserved area for private planes of any ski resort in the world, it’s a well-known fact that Courchevel is the playground of the rich and famous.  Home of several Michelin-starred restaurants and of the 1992 Ski Jump competition hosted by Albertville, this resort is teeming with stardom.  Outfitted with a plethora of luxurious spas and activities, such as hot air ballooning, Nordic walking, dog sledding and flying in a helicopter, to name a few, you won’t be at a loss for activities that range from relaxing to energetic and active.  When looking for a place to reside during your stay in Courchevel, there will be no shortage of places as there are 11 five-star hotels in the area.  To top it off, it is the only ski resort in France with 2 six-star rated hotels, which indicates the hotels are on “palace” status.  This winter, take your vacation with VIPs and royalty in Courchevel.

 

 

Aspen, Colorado, USA

One of the best resort towns in the United States, Aspen is well known as home to many celebrities and billionaires.  In fact, the annual X Games, which take place in January, are a welcome sign for stars and their entourages.  Given that Aspen boasts the most expensive real estate prices in the United States, it’s to be expected that its ski slopes are equally as luxurious.  With 5,000 acres served by 40 lifts, there is plenty of snow to go around, and in those moments that the snow is light, the resort is equipped with snowmaking equipment to ensure that the fun continues.  When looking for somewhere to stay, look no farther than Little Nell, designated as one of Colorado’s best mountain resorts and the only hotel with ski-in, ski-out access to Aspen mountain. If you’re looking to relax after a vigorous day of skiing, you’ll find spas galore that are waiting to pamper you.