Want to travel the world and get your fill of fresh powder, too? We’ve got you covered! Read on for a list of the best ski resorts in the world!
There’s no better activity in winter than skiing but when you’re looking for something special, it can be hard to choose between resorts. The US has phenomenal ski resorts but visiting other countries can make your trip extra special. With five star chalets, incredible restaurants to refuel at, and fantastic powder throughout the season, the best ski resorts in the world will give you a vacation you’ll never forget. Would you like to explore a new culture on your next ski trip? How does sipping Champagne high up in the French Alps sound? What about eating kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) with ice cream on a mountaintop veranda in Austria? For the most luxury ski vacation imaginable, you’ll need to choose the country and resort to head to. Not sure where to go? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out where the best luxury ski resorts are around the world and dust off those goggles. It’s about to get snowy. 
1. Whistler, Canada
With a thriving resort town and some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, Whistler is the top choice for many pros. This famous Canadian resort is an easy place for a magical ski vacation thanks to its easy accessibility from Vancouver airport and wide range of trails. The gondolas head up Whistler and Blackcomb mountain right from the center of Whistler town so you don’t have to worry about catching a bus to reach either peak. The ski area is vast, with over 200 trails and a peak-to-peak gondola linking the mountains at altitude. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro because Whistler caters to everybody. The Four Seasons Whistler has the facilities to make your trip as blissful as possible too and some suites have fireplaces where you can relax after a long day. The town is perfectly set up for luxury vacations, with high-end chalets, condos, and hotels. For fine dining, check out the Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar and the Rimrock Cafe.
2. Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier’s range of luxury chalets is so incredible that you’ll have a hard time leaving yours to go skiing. Modern yet built in traditional Swiss style, you’ll find roaring fireplaces, huge wooden beams, and vast windows overlooking the town and mountains. The skiing in Verbier is outstanding and, thanks to its south-facing aspect, you’ll be skiing in sunshine throughout the day. La Chaux is the best piste area for beginners and the blue runs are fun to do again and again. Verbier has excellent reds and black runs for some serious challenge. The off-piste here is world-class and you can book a local guide who’ll take you to the best places. The Swiss know luxury better than anyone so you’ll be treated to a great choice of first-class restaurants. Try out Restaurant La Grange and Au Vieux Verbier with its cozy interior. The closest airport to Verbier is Geneva. To make your vacation as blissful as possible in Verbier or anywhere else, book a VIP airport transfer. You’ll be whisked through the airport processes and can relax in style all the way to your chalet.
3. St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton is known for its incredible nightlife and pretigious atmosphere. Near Austria’s borders with Italy and Germany, this wonderful resort is a European hub for high-end skiing and has chalets that reflect its reputation. In St. Anton, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the most beautiful chalets and hotels. Packed with accommodation that boast saunas, indoor pools, and spas, those aching muscles will recover in time for dinner. You’ll find almost 200 miles of groomed trails in St. Anton with a huge number of beautiful intermediate trails. The gondolas are all in the town center and the crowds are spread out so you’ll never have to queue for too long. The Hospiz Alm is the restaurant to visit for the best local cuisine on the mountain and the award-winning Verwallstube is iconic when it comes to luxury dining. Book in for lunch or head up late one evening on the gondola for a romantic dinner. After dinner, explore St. Anton’s nightlife from Krazy Kangaruh to the candlelit Underground on the Piste.
4. Lech, Austria
This resort may not be as well-known as nearby St. Anton but it’s far more exclusive. This stunning town feels like traditional Austria but a fantastically luxurious version. Intermediates will be in paradise here and Lech is more beginner-friendly than St. Anton too. Still in the Arlberg ski area which includes St. Anton, staying in Lech gives you the opportunity to explore everything. The choice of luxury accommodation in Lech is massive and even royal visitors like Princess Diana have stayed here. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a magical way to see the area and when you want to go skiing, you’ll rarely find queues. Heli-skiing is also on offer here for intermediates and pros. Not only will you ski amazing trails, you’ll see the whole area from a bird’s eye view.
5. Tignes, France
If you want some of the best snow in the Alps, it’s time to head to France’s Tignes. Tignes shares a ski area with Val d’Isere and has over 180 miles of pistes. Tignes is actually five villages dotted around a purpose-built resort and it has everything you could possibly want. Val Claret and Tignes Le Lac are the best villages to stay in thanks to their proximity to shops, restaurants, and lifts. While not the most luxurious place to stay on this list, they still offer their fair share of high-end chalets with astounding mountain views. Head up the Grand Motte funicular to dine at the amazing Le Panoramic restaurant. True to its name, this restaurant has stunning views from 3000 meters.
6. Happo-One, Japan
In the Hakuba valley, you’ve got a choice of eleven ski resorts to pick from and none will disappoint. Happo-One is one of the most popular and here you’ll find chalets so beautiful you’ll want to make one your new home. Happo-One has plenty of excellent restaurants serving high-end local and international foods. Don’t forget to try the sake either, to embrace Japanese traditions. Happo-One is easy for English speakers to navigate and you’ll find piste maps in English as well as Japanese. Intermediates will have a ball here but there’s plenty for beginners and experts too. The off-piste is outstanding and Japan is well-known for its huge powder dumps.
7. Courchevel, France
In France’s three valleys, Courchevel is the perfect place for a longer vacation. Why? Because when you stay in one of Courchevel’s beautiful chalets, you’ll have access to the world’s largest ski area with more than 350 miles of groomed pistes. This resort is littered with Michelin-starred restaurants like Cheval Blanc and Le Farçon so it’s easy to dine like royalty. Courchevel is made up of a mixture of villages at different altitudes. If you’re looking for sleek French ski glamour, stay in Courchevel 1850. Not only is the accommodation the best in the area, but the gondolas are right there too. You can choose the easiest airport for you and book a VIP airport transfer easily. Fly into Geneva, Chambery, Lyon or Grenoble.
8. Revelstoke, Canada
Whistler and Revelstoke battle it out for the title of best Candian ski resort and no matter which wins, Revelstoke is still one of the best ski resorts in the world. While beginners don’t get a huge amount of choice here, advanced skiers will be in their element. Revelstoke is a renowned hub for heli-skiing and the backcountry trails are world-class. This is the perfect location for skiers who enjoy skiing through forests, a magical experience when the trees are covered in snow. Getting to Revelstoke can be a challenge with a long drive from Kamloops or Calgary. To get there in style, fly in on a helicopter and get astounding views as you travel.
9. Cortina d’Ampezzo
Skiing in Europe is dominated by France, Switzerland, and Austria but don’t forget Italy. The Dolomite mountains offer fantastic skiing and every day you’ll get to enjoy the finest Italian food. Cortina is a prestigious place to stay on a ski vacation and while it’s not as well-organized as its French or Swiss neighbors, it’s still easy to get around. With over 70 miles of groomed trails, the ski area in Cortina is smaller than Austria’s or France’s across the border but its size is part of what makes Cortina so exclusive. You’ll find designer shops, incredible restaurants, and high-end hotels all in the town center.
10. Niseko, Japan
Niseko is famous for having some of the best snowfall in the world so if you love skiing powder, this is where you should go. You’ll find lots of ski schools here, including English-speaking teachers, so beginners won’t struggle. Niseko has four main resorts in total with Grand Hirafu being the largest and best for nightlife and restaurants. You’ll find an excellent range of exceptional accommodation and cozy bars to relax in after a long day. Niseko Village is another resort where you can lounge about in luxury spas and even hot springs. This is a more laid back resort than Grand Hirafu and ideal for families. Beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers will all find runs that suit them right out of Niseko Village.
Pick From the Best Ski Resorts in the World
The best ski resorts in the world are places you’ll never want to leave. If you’re after backcountry paradise, Revelstoke and Verbier are fantastic choices. For exhilarating nightlife, St. Anton and Courchevel are top picks. Happo-One and Niseko are Japan’s best ski areas and you’ll get to embrace the Japanese culture together with some of the best powder conditions in the world. Wherever you go, you’ll find luxury chalets and fine dining to help you kick back. If you’re looking to make your vacation as perfect as possible, book our VIP services. With luxury airport and helicopter transfers, we work to ensure you get everything you need. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements and we’ll meet them.
