Top 5: Luxury ski resorts

Creative Commons / msquirrell

Courchevel, France

Courchevel is at the heart of Three Valleys, the most extensively linked ski resorts in the world. With the best snow and the most diverse terrain, Courchevel guarantees a superb ski experience for all skill levels. The resort was built from scratch in 1850, which means that the entire four-village complex is tailored towards the skier’s comfort and convenience. Famous for off-slope pampering is the 5-star Hotel Byblos. This hotel specializes in revitalizing spa treatments and healthy cuisine, leaving guests with energy and fresh legs for the next day of snow. With slopes right out the front door and a regal chalet style décor, this hotel is one of the most sought-after lodgings in Courchevel.

Telluride, Colorado

Skip the crowds in Aspen and Vail with a trip to Telluride, a fast-growing ski resort. This former mining town has blossomed into a little-known treasure with the grand opening of the Capella Telluride Hotel and Spa in 2009. Telluride offers all the amenities of other luxury ski resorts, and the Capella Telluride Hotel brings a touch of cosmopolitan elegance to the mountain village. Instead of a concierge, each guest has a personal assistant to make dinner reservations, keep track of luggage, and arrange transport. There is five-star dining at the Onyx Restaurant, an indoor pool and Jacuzzi, and a gym and spa facility. With legendary Colorado slopes and sparse crowds, Telluride is perfect for travellers searching for a diamond in the rough.

Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada

As the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler prides itself on its epic winter sport conditions and friendly, energetic atmosphere. Meteorologists are predicting a La Niña winter with heavy snowfall, making conditions ripe for heli-sking, terrain parks, and deep-powder runs. In these parts, the Westin Whistler Resort and Spa is the beacon of luxury, with gondola access, the popular Firerock Lounge, and award winning dining at the Aubergine Grill. Not to be missed is the new and improved Avello Spa and Health Club, offering more than 75 treatments, and the Westin’s unique, residentially designed suites, each with their own fireplace and windows overlooking the mountains.

Alta Badia, Italy

For electrifying limestone peaks and pristine skiing, Alta Badia is one of the best resorts nestled within the famous Sella Ronda “Superski” circuit, which exceeds the area of France’s Three Valleys. For breathtaking views of the Dolomites, advanced ski options, and sunny weather, Alta Badia ticks all the right boxes. Better still, for food-lovers, there are three Michelin star restaurants to choose from: St. Hubertus at the Rosa Alpina Hotel, La Siriola at Hotel Ciasa Salares, or La Stüa de Michil at Hotel la Perla. All three specialize in local ethnic Ladin food for something truly worth splashing out on.

Klosters, Switzerland

Klosters is famous as a celebrity playground and for its long, rewarding intermediate ski runs. While the temptation is to stay in one of the ritzy hotels like Hotel Walserhof or Hotel Alpina, these often feel over-rated. Hotel Vereina offers the same luxury experience, but in a intimate setting with friendly staff. Vereina’s Scotch-Bar has an excellent selection of cigars and whisky, properly enjoyed after the award winning gourmet dining. The spa, located at the heart of the hotel, is over 1,000sq m (10,754 sq ft) and includes a gym, pool, and massage center. In addition, Hotel Vereina is very near the city centre if you want to catch a glimpse of Prince William on holiday.