The ski season is under way. Here are twelve of the best places to ski, to see and be seen in this winter, in no particular order. Some are classics which never go out of style; some are new in-destinations for the ski elite. All offer the ultimate in luxury accommodations, gourmet restaurants and sublime skiing.
Aspen, Colorado, USA. Haunt of the rich & famous since the 1940’s. The slopes are as groomed as the celebrities who ski here, the runs as smooth as a botoxed face. Serious skiers go for the snow of Aspen Highlands. The older crowd still head for après-ski at the bar at Little Nell Hotel, the younger crowd head to 39 degrees in the chic Sky Hotel. EVERYBODY wants an invitation to the members-only Caribou Club. Stay at Little Nell or the Viceroy Snowmass.
St Moritz, Switzerland. The European jet set has always loved St Moritz. The landmark Badrutt Palace Hotel has been welcoming celebrities and royalty since 1896. High flyers also like to head to Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains when they are not trying out the 400 kilometres of downhill runs. Eat at Chadofo grill in Chesa Veglia.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. A place of furs and Ferraris. During the obligatory early evening stroll down the main street you’ll see a parade of fur coats and perfectly coiffed hair, the owners of which may never actually get on skis. Classy and costly, this historic Dolomites resort also has a great range of serious skiing. Make like the Italians and get above the tree line early, eat on the mountain and ski the bowls all day.
Corchevel, France. Frequently voted the world’s best ski resort, this is definitely the place where the French, always good at striking a pose, love to be seen. It is rivaled in style only by Megeve in the Mont Blanc region. A playboy’s paradise, the resort offers the vast linked ski terrain of the Three Valleys. Jardin Alpin is a billionaire’s boulevard of chic chalets and ritzy hotels.
Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. Those who like a little traditional style will love the fairy tale sleigh rides on frozen Lake Louise and the charm of Banff. Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies also has Canada’s largest ski area. Stay at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Stay at the Post Hotel & Spa, a boutique delight.
St Anton, Austria. This picturesque Tyrolean resort has a mix of great skiing and serious après-ski activity. This has long been Austria’s resort of choice for luxury skiing, although those searching for a new ‘in’ destination are also heading to Ischgl.
Beaver Creek, Colorado, USA. Serious money looking for a pretty and more exclusive ski town, head for Beaver Creek, west of Vail. Stay at the Ritz Carlton at the foot of Bachelor Gulch and take a snow-cat ride to fine dining at Beano’s Cabin on the mountain.
Telluride, Colorado, USA. Secluded Telluride is very much an open secret. Locals will tell you,”Aspen is where the stars go to be seen, here they come to escape” Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes escape here often. After a hard day skiing, try the golden Door spa at The Peaks.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Regularly named one of the top ski resorts in the world because of its snow and terrain, Whistler also offers enough to keep luxury lovers happy. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler at the foot of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains is still the place to stay.
Klosters, Switzerland. Big in the Sixties and always a favorite with the British royal family, the Klosters-Davos ski area is now back in vogue not least because Prince William and Kate are fond of its slopes.