Planning a luxury skiing holiday in 2023? Whether you’re an amateur at the sport or a seasoned pro, Europe offers a host of breath-taking mountain destinations where you can take to some spectacular runs and satisfy your craving for adrenaline. Nowadays, the most luxurious ski resorts go far beyond their winter sports offerings alone, and serve up a plethora of lavish, high-end accommodation options, stand-out dining spots and, of course, an enviable apres-ski scene to enjoy after a long day on the slopes.
The best luxury ski holidays comprise all of the above, and these lavish resorts tick all of the right boxes and more. Here are five of the best high-end ski resorts to consider for your next trip, and all of them have the ‘wow’ factor you’re looking for.
Courchevel, France
Frequented by the rich and famous, Courchevel is a ski resort that needs no introduction, and as well as being home to the kind of plush hotels and chalets you’d expect, it also boasts not one, but eight spectacular Michelin-starred restaurants. As if that wasn’t enough to tempt foodies, one of them even holds an impressive three stars. Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc was named after the most prestigious vintage of Château Cheval Blanc, and here, guests can enjoy a truly decadent menu in sleek and contemporary surroundings, and an evening that’s certain to make it a ski trip to remember.
Of course, before you start booking places to eat, you’ll need somewhere to stay – and exclusive hideaway Les Arielles, a breath-taking five-star hotel that looks like a fairy-tale castle, is the ultimate choice. For shopping, you’ll be spoilt with plenty of high-end boutiques from famous designer names – and of course, the skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports are fantastic.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Undoubtedly one of the most sophisticated ski resorts in Europe for luxury ski holidays, Zermatt is home to a whole host of lavish five-star hotels and chalets, which means it couldn’t be easier to find a luxurious base for an action-packed break. That said, the amenities on offer are so good that you might not even want to venture outside, and they range from private saunas and Jacuzzis to cinema rooms, but the spectacular views of the Matterhorn will certainly tempt you – and then, of course, there’s the apres-ski.
For dining, head to Chez Vrony which, at 2130 metres in Findeln, above Zermatt, and with 100 years of history behind it, is arguably the best eatery in the resort and offers spectacular mountain views on the terrace as you indulge in some truly decadent cuisine and sip on fine wine. One of the few restaurants in the region that still uses its own organic products from animals nourished only on Alpine grass, the quality of the menu is exceptional, so you can be certain you’ll be in for a treat.
Livigno, Italy
When it comes to stunning scenery, world famous slopes and a great selection of luxurious accommodations, shops and eateries, visitors to Italy will often find themselves spoilt for choice, and knowing which ski resort to choose can feel tricky. But according to the experts at luxury ski holiday provider Snowtrex, the picturesque resort of Livigno in the Dolomites is the place to be.
Located near the Swiss border, this awe-inspiring spot is well-known for its incredible slopes, trails and snow parks, and in the small town of Livigno itself, you’ll be able to scratch that cultural itch by visiting the Mus! Livigno and Trepalle Museum or indulge in a spot of shopping at one of the many luxury boutiques. And, once again, there are plenty of sumptuous places to stay, dine and enjoy an aperitif, too.
Meribel, France
Another of France’s most highly sought-after ski resorts, Meribel draws in an affluent crowd each season thanks to its excellent range of high-end amenities. Stay at the plush Premium Résidence Le Crêts, located directly on the piste, and you’ll enjoy some impressive vistas over the surrounding mountain landscape and lake as well as easy access to the nearby shops, restaurants and cafés of nearby Méribel-Mottaret, which is only around 500 metres away.
Meribel is also popular amongst those seeking a hedonistic nightlife scene and some of the best spots to enjoy some apres-ski action include the sun terrace at Le Rond Point, located just above the Meribel Centre at Le rond Point des Pistes, and La Folie Douce, where you can enjoy a more sophisticated vibe with modern, jazzy dance beats and plenty of dancing.
East Tyrol, Austria
If maximum sunshine is a must when choosing where to ski in Austria, then head to East Tyrol, which offers long cross-country trails and hikes between the picturesque Hohe Tauern national park and the impressive peaks of the Lienzer Dolomites.
Located between the Arlberg and the Kitzbüheler Alps, the resort has earned itself a reputation for being one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, and when it comes to accommodation, the five-star Dolomitengolf Suites, with its 36-hole golf course and the award-winning Vincena restaurant both available for guests to enjoy, offers some of the most awe-inspiring views down over the Lienz Dolomites.
Whilst these are undoubtedly some of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe and the perfect spots for a lavish 2023 holiday on the slopes, they are also just a taster of what’s on offer, because the likes of France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and even lesser-known destinations like Slovenia are all home to an array of truly impressive mountaintop hideaways and resorts that are guaranteed to provide all you need for a truly memorable break.
When it comes to making the most out of the winter months, holing up in a spacious private chalet and spending your days indulging in adrenaline-fuelled winter sports to your heart’s content, sipping on cocktails, and relaxing in opulent spa facilities is a great alternative to jetting off to a Caribbean island for a beach getaway – and there’s no time like the present to get it all booked.
