Whether you are holding on to the hope that your summer holiday is still going ahead or not, it may be time to forget about that for now and focus instead on your next winter holiday. Yes, it seems a little bit too far away to be considering digging out your skis and donning your finest Slope winter gear, but it will certainly give you something to look forward to in these uncertain times.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on your next European destination in which to hit the slopes in style, then read on for Snow Finders’, the leading ski holiday search company, round up of five of the most luxurious ski resorts to head to in 2021.
St. Moritz
Open from December to mid-April, St. Moritz is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious and event filled resorts in Europe. Host to two Winter Olympics, the region boasts 87 pistes that all conform to World Cup quality standards. Whether you are looking for fine dining with views of the white carpet, family friendly activities or alternative winter sports such as snow kiting, paragliding or even golf at 1800m, St. Moritz is the place for you.
Place your trust in Michelin star ratings and add Da Vittorio, Ecco and Igniv to your list of ultimate foodie destinations to visit and stay at the iconic Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, you will not be disappointed.
Val d’Isere
Whatever level of skier you are, the 3,000km of slopes of Val d’Isere will be able to provide you with some quality winter sports. Open throughout the year for hiking, cycling and events galore, this charming location in France, near the border to Italy delights with its picturesque mountain village setting. Rent your own sophisticated chalet, opt for a stay in a luxurious spa hotel or purchase your very own residence in this refined resort, just make sure that you head to Atelier d’Edmond for some exquisite two-Michelin star dining.
Zermatt
When you think of Zermatt, you will surely recall the image of the Matterhorn – the mountain with its pyramidal peak and 4,478-metre-high summit. If you’re a keen skier this is place for you; head to the highest ski area in Switzerland for 360 km of blue, red, black and yellow runs, take part in ski tours, freerider or heliskiing and take in the beautiful Swiss surroundings.
Stay in the five-star Riffelalp Resort 2222 for the facilities and balcony views of the Matterhorn or the CERVO Mountain Boutique Resort, the only ski in/ski out resort in the town in winter. Chez Vrony, Findlerhof and Paradies all offer award-winning cuisine too.
Verbier
From skiing and snowboarding in winter to mountain biking in summer with an impressive array of dining, shopping and nightlife to partake in, Verbier is a popular choice for many, for good reason. The charming alpine village is the gateway to the 4 Vallees ski area boasting more than 400km of ski runs for any level of skier. When you have had your fill of skiing, snowboarding, sledging, paragliding and dog sledding, try your hand at ice climbing, outdoor yoga, or head indoors to the spas and pools and keep up the fitness with tennis or squash.
In summer, play golf, bask in the natural surroundings on a bike, go fishing, mountaineering, rafting or horse riding and enjoy the selection of festivals that run throughout the year. Stay at the five-star Chalet d’Adrien or W Verbier and choose from a selection of fine dining eateries including La Grange, La Cordee and La Channe by Marco Bassi.
Courchevel
Connected by ski lifts and shuttle buses, six villages make up Courchevel to create one large resort that offers a little world within each place. Whether you are looking for family-friendly runs, vibrant bars, or cosy eateries, you will find something to suit the type of holiday you are searching for.
Stay at the Grandes Alpes Private Hotel and Spa, Hotel Barriere Les Neiges or L’Apogee Courchevel and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining with an array of Michelin stars spread across the restaurants. Le 1947 holds the highest accolade of three, while Le Montgomerie, Sarkara, Le Kintessence and Le Chabichou by Stephane Buron all hold two and Baumaniere 1850 has one of the coveted stars.
