Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today (October 19, 2020): Top 10 world’s most luxurious ski hotels, resorts & lodges.
Winter is almost there, and that means it’s time to plan your next ski getaway. From Aspen to Crans-Montana, the season will be here faster than you can throw a snowball, although this winter’s ski holidays may feel totally different compared to previous years because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s my selection of the top 10 best ski hotels and lodges in the world, to help you plan your next downhill expedition.
There is more information (with reviews & YouTube clips) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite ski hotel in the comments section, or take my poll below!
10. FOUR SEASONS RESORT WHISTLER (CANADA)
A year-round getaway nestled at the base of Whistler Blackcomb (North America’s largest ski resort), Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler offers renowned service and convenience that leaves more time for exhilarating adventures in the alpine. Guests can ski in and out with the ski concierge, treat their senses at the award-winning spa, and rest in one of the newly renovated 273 guest rooms, suites, townhouses, or 20 luxurious private residences, each with fireplace and most with balconies. Named for the curvature on the side of a ski or snowboard, the resort’s restaurant Sidecut declares its spectacular alpine location with glorious views of the local mountains and a brilliant, fire-lit setting.
- Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Whistler
- Other accolades: Four Seasons Resort Whistler also features in my top list of the best luxury resorts of Canada.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).
9. THE CHEDI ANDERMATT (SWITZERLAND)
Surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Swiss Alps, The Chedi Andermatt nestles elegantly in the idyllic heart of Andermatt, a village of timeless charms in the Urseren Valley, about a two-hour train ride from Zurich. For GHM’s first European property, the Asian brand synonymous with style, service and serenity, chose renowned architect Jean-Michael Gathy to design these 105 spacious guest rooms and suites. Traditional materials such as warm woods and natural stone create intimate yet visually striking accommodations. The extensive facilities include fine dining restaurants and cosy lounges, a ski-in living room with sports boutique, and a comprehensive spa and wellness featuring hydrothermal baths and a duo of swimming pools against the stunning outdoor Alpine landscape.
- Hotel website: The Chedi Andermatt
- Other accolades: The Chedi Andermatt also features in my top 10 lists of the best hotels in Switzerland, the best hotel spas in the world, the world’s most amazing indoor hotel pools, and Europe’s best ski hotels.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, $100 USD hotel credit, early check-in and late check-out).
- Review: read my review of The Chedi Andermatt here.
8. ST REGIS ASPEN (COLORADO, USA)
Embrace the extraordinary at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, a five-star luxury destination nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain. From the hotel’s enviable vantage point, guests can enjoy world-class skiing or stroll over to historic Aspen, where luxury boutiques and charming restaurants beckon. The resort’s is renowned as one of the world’s premier hotel spas, with a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs overlook stunning Aspen Mountain. The property also offers excellent culinary experiences: Velvet Buck presents modern mountain cuisine and Mountain Social is the definitive après ski destination serving handcrafted cocktails. Guests can retreat into sophistication of luxurious rooms, suites and residences, each featuring sumptuous 400-thread-count Frette linens, spacious marble bathrooms and custom furnishings by Ralph Lauren.
- Hotel website: St Regis Aspen
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, late check-out, and a welcome note accompanied by fresh fruit bowl and mineral water).
7. PARK HYATT BEAVER CREEK RESORT AND SPA (COLORADO, USA)
With sweeping views from the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa offers guests a luxurious year-round escape in Colorado’s Vail Valley. The ski-in/ski-out location in the heart of Beaver Creek Village is adjacent to the ski school and home to skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and more in winter. The wood and sandstone interior complements the magnificent Rocky Mountain views, which you’ll enjoy through the French doors of your room. All 190 guest rooms have dramatic views of Beaver Creek. Dine après-ski at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill, but be warned: you may have problems concentrating on the delicious organic dishes when the brilliant sunset is on display. Make sure you leave time for the ultimate dessert: a decadent Ginger Peach Body Wrap at Allegria Spa.
- Hotel website: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
6. AMAN LE MELEZIN, COURCHEVEL (FRANCE)
The only alpine property of Aman Resorts, one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands, Le Melezin has taken the minimalist Aman-Asian style and added some alpine warmth. Standing four storeys high under a distinctive black slate roof it provides an aprés-ski home set in a mesmeric wonderland of groomed slopes – both nursery and couloirs – framed by snow caressed conifer forests under a piercingly blue midday sky. Ideally situated on the Bellecôte ski slope, the hotel is a lively home of glowing warmth, a stroll from the epicentre of one of Europe’s most fashionable and exclusive resorts, Courchevel 1850, with access to some of the most exceptional skiing in Europe … directly from the front door.
- Hotel website: Aman Le Melezin
5. LECRANS HOTEL & SPA (SWITZERLAND)
Two hours from Geneva, in the Valais region of Switzerland, LeCrans Hotel & Spa is a true ski-in, ski-out lodge, just 100 m (320 ft) from the Crans Montana slopes. All rooms and suites are decked out in a traditional Alpine style, complete with heavy wood planks, but uneven textures and muted colors give a thoroughly modern feel. To enjoy the dazzling mountain scenery, guests can choose to sit with a glass of wine on their private balconies or in the Alp-facing rotunda restaurant, Le Mont Blanc, which serves gourmet French cuisine with a twist and offers an irresistible dessert menu. Le Cinq Mondes spa provides a calming respite after a day on the slopes, with a range of calming treatments plus more astounding views.
- Hotel website: LeCrans Hotel & Spa
4. LE CHALET ZANNIER (FRANCE)
Nestled in a beautiful part of the French Alps, not far away from the famous alpine village of Mègeve, Le Chalet Zannier is a delightful mountain retreat offering a truly luxurious experience. Established over a vast area, the site has three alpine-style chalets, the decoration of which expresses the very essence and sophistication of the project when it was created as an “exceptional place” to stay. All different, each one of the 12 bedrooms evokes style, beauty and taste – it’s a way of life never seen before in the mountains. Located on site is the ski chalet offering all the equipment necessary to enjoy the winter sport domains around Mègeve. The wellness center with its indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam and two treatment rooms is the perfect place to relax after an enjoyable day on the slopes.
- Hotel website: Le Chalet Zannier
3. GSTAAD PALACE HOTEL (SWITZERLAND)
Perhaps best known as the Bernese Oberland’s winter paradise, Gstaad Palace Hotel is a favorite among active, discerning travelers and those truly in the know. The palace has presided over Gstaad since 1913, with splendid views of the Swiss Alps. You’ll find 90 rooms and suites, five restaurants (one rated 15 Gault Millau points), two bars with live music, a renowned nightclub, and a full-service spa. The last is a wonderful spot to rejuvenate with a soak in the hammam or a visit to the private spa suite after a day of skiing or golfing. A squash court, four outdoor tennis courts, and an Olympic-size outdoor pool are available in the summer season.
- Hotel website: Gstaad Palace Hotel
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).
2. AMANGANI (WYOMING, USA)
Amangani (peaceful home) clings to the crest of East Gros Ventre Butte, affording magnificent views of the Grand Tetons and Snake River Valley below. It was the first Aman resort in North America and evokes the atmosphere of the American West. Amangani is an all-season resort. Sensitively designed with materials native to Wyoming, Amangani features redwood walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and woven cowhide chairs. Spacious suites include king-sized beds, a fireplace, and a daybed. Your sliding glass doors lead to a deck with mountain views. Jackson Hole gets plenty of snow, so take advantage of snowboarding, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dog-sledding.
- Hotel website: Amangani
- Other accolades: Amangani also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in the USA.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and one lunch for two).
1. FORESTIS DOLOMITES, ITALY
Cool, calm and connected to its stunning setting, Forestis is a ski-in/ski-out, adults-only sanctuary in the Dolomites’ mountainscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Forests and snow-dusted peaks stretch out in every direction from the property, every part of which is in tune with the elements. Light streams in through the windows-for-walls, drawing the eye to the stunning views and illuminating the mellow, minimalist spaces. From the suites and ultra-luxe penthouses to the restaurant and spa, the Forestis interiors echo the mountains: stone basins and white-as-snow tones, crisp fabrics and clean lines. This is a boutique escape designed to immerse guests in the regenerative power of a winter landscape.
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Great list but I must take exception with the inclusion of the Jackson Hole Aman property. While it is a wonderful hotel, it is not exactly a ski resort. It is a considerable drive to Teton Village where all of the lifts are located and even further to Snow King Mt in the town of Jackson Hole. Despite the luxury of this property, I believe the vast majority of people would be very disappointed if they did not do their research and found out that they were not slope side A better selection in Jackson would be the Four Seasons or perhaps other European resorts. Love receiving your regular reports
Forestis seems like a logic of the current times ! A pure place in nature, that is as modern as ever regarding a location of a luxury spent holiday.
I would add the following for a complete nature connected pure bliss experience for sure:
CERVO, Zermatt, Ch.
RoyAlp, Villars, Ch.
An amazing and varied selection of places and hotels for our winter holidays !
Dear The Great Expert !
Your recommendations strengthen our desires and help speed up the decision-making time !
A very pleasant reminder about of sumptuous 400-thread-count ” Frette ” linens…
I would like to touch this night bliss , and not only because monarchs , ambassadors , guests of fashionable hotels and owners of super yachts sleep on the linens of this brand, but also those who love Your Channel and follow Yours good recommendations !
Your videos remind us :
it’s not a place that decorates a person , but a person a place …
and tell us :
beautify one of these hotels with your presence !
I immensely grateful dear The Great Expert !
If you cannot ski in/ski out, then it doesn’t matter how luxurious the property is. As a skier, most on the list, are not worth their cost unless they are ski in/out. The convenience of ski in/out, is worth its weight in gold.
I would add Llao Llao to this list.