Enjoyed by both the experienced and beginners alike, skiing is a thrilling sport and pastime loved all around the world. With picturesque surroundings and unique experiences, ski resorts are the perfect getaway with friends, family or even a solo trip, no matter your skiing ability.
With incredible views, beautiful chalets, luxury hotels, and anything else you could possibly need to relax and unwind, a luxury ski holiday could be exactly what you’re looking for. When looking for a luxury ski resort, it can sometimes be overwhelming. How do you know which one is right for you?
Whether you’d like to go to France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, or even the US or Japan, we’ve found the top 10 luxury ski resorts for your 2021 holiday.
Val d'Isère Ski Resort, France
Located high in the Tarentaise Valley in the Sovie department of south-eastern France, and just a few kilometres from the French-Italian border, Val d’Isère is considered one of the world's finest ski locations.
The resort is remarkably snow-sure and boasts a large selection of runs, more than 50% of which are suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers. You’ll also find a number of more challenging runs for those that are more advanced.
Val d'Isère offers something for everyone with the resort’s varied architecture. With the traditional chalet style architecture within the central and western areas of the town, and the eastern part of the town being home to a number of modern and stylish complexes, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
If you’d like to see what other resorts France has to offer, have a look here.
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Chamonix Ski Resort, France
Chamonix is an extremely popular destination in both Winter and Summer. Boasting an array of luxury hotels and chalets, local restaurants helmed by Michelin-acclaimed chefs and a variety of activities away from the slopes, Chamonix is the go-to for travellers looking for their ideal getaway.
When the first Winter Olympics were organised in 1924, Chamonix was where they were held. This, however, wasn’t the start of the village’s rise in popularity. In the 1740’s Richard Pococke and William Windham shared tales of the location’s winter-sports potential, and since then ski enthusiasts have been visiting the resort.
Thanks to the amount of time Chamonix has been involved in hospitality, you’ll experience a refined, luxury stay, which we’ve found regularly exceed guest expectations.
If you’d like to see what other resorts France has to offer, have a look here.
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Zermatt Ski Resort, Switzerland
Zermatt is located in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn mountain, boasting an array of activities all year round, including glacier skiing in the summer.
We believe this resort is somewhere every skier should visit at least once, so why not go now? With restaurants, bars and plenty of shops, this luxury ski resort can be enjoyed by the whole family, not just skiing enthusiasts.
The resort has 183km of groomed pistes ranging in altitude from 620 metres to 3,883 metres, and 394km of off-piste terrain for advanced skiers to explore. There is also the ‘Gravity Park’ freestyle area, perfect for snowboarders.
So, whether you’re an advanced skier and want to experience the challenge that this resort can offer, or you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway, Zermatt has everything you’ll need on offer.
If you’d like to see what other resorts Switzerland has to offer, have a look here.
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St. Anton Ski Resort, Austria
Lively, fun and luxury - the three words that perfectly describe St. Anton. Our team at Oxford Ski Company have somewhat of a love affair with St Anton. As a team of skiing enthusiasts, we have loved compiling a list of the best luxury chalets in St Anton so that you can choose from their best accommodation options, including luxury chalets, hotels, and apartments, all of which this luxury ski resort has to offer in abundance.
Located a short drive from the airport, it’s easy to get to, making it great for travelling as a group!You can expect some of the best skiing experiences Europe has to offer with its three interconnecting ski areas.
Not only will you be blown away by the skiing facilities, this luxury resort boasts a great selection of critically acclaimed dining options, as well as a lovely party atmosphere. What more could you want?
If you’d like to see what other resorts Austria has to offer, have a look here.
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Kitzbuhel Ski Resort, Austria
Whether you’re a beginner or one of the most seasoned of ski enthusiasts, this luxury ski resort can offer everything you need and want.
Kitzbühel is an iconic ski resort and has been a luxury ski destination for over 100 years. With world class restaurants, boutiques and activities to visit and experience, you won’t ever be without something to do - even if you don’t ski yourself!
This resort is home to five star luxury hotels and chalets, all with access to beautiful spas.
With 168km pistes and seven distinct ski areas, all covered with one lift pass, this is a great destination for whatever your skill level. More experienced snow enthusiasts are all very much catered for within this resort, with more than 40km of cross-country skiing terrain that includes the well known Kitzbuhler Horn and Raintal area.
If you’d like to see what other resorts Austria has to offer, have a look here.
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Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort, Italy
This beautiful, traditional Italian resort, home to cobbled streets, boutique shops and amazing restaurants, is not only idyllic but the perfect getaway.
You’ll be surrounded by stunning Dolomite mountains, and have access to four ski areas, giving you the perfect range of ski slopes to tackle, depending on your skiing ability. These include tree-lines, couloirs and winding, rolling pistes. In total, you’ll have more than 120km of routes to explore!
Top tip - the laid-back atmosphere of Cortina means the slopes are quiet during the long Italian lunch times as well as the beginning of each day.
The team at Oxford Ski Company have on-the-ground experience with this beautiful resort and have carefully selected the best luxury chalets and hotels for you.
If you’d like to see what other resorts Italy has to offer, have a look here.
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Vail, Colorado Ski Resort, United States
Vail is one of the largest resorts in North America, boasting over 5,280 acres of skiable terrain with perfectly maintained tree lines. Vail also offers 7 back bowls including Blue Sky Basin. This luxury resort offers a wide range of hotels and apartments with a range of qualities to suit your holiday needs.
Vail offers a vast array of trails, suitable for skiers of all abilities. Over half of the trails attract a black diamond rating, meaning you can enjoy the thrill of the challenges that come with these slopes.
They also have plenty of slopes for beginners and offer excellent ski schools to get you started. This also makes the resort a great place to go as a family - taking children for lessons and enjoying the facilities couldn’t be easier!
Aside from the skiing activities, Vail is known as a cultural destination, so you’ll have plenty to do when you’re not on the slopes. In town, you’ll find events from classical music to dance festivals. Check out the bars and restaurants while you’re there too!
If you’d like to see what other resorts the United States has to offer, have a look here.
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Snowmass Ski Resort, Colorado, United States
Snowmass offers an extensive 3,362 acre ski area, providing fantastic childcare facilities and it is the perfect destination for families. At an elevation of 2,473 metres, Snowmass provides spectacular views over the four peaks of Aspen Mountain.
The luxury ski resort is conveniently located 15 minutes from downtown Aspen and offers a great range of ski in - ski out hotels, apartments and luxury chalets. The village has a variety of attractions, such as an arts centre and museum along with a range of other tours you can take part in.
One of the most popular spots in Snowmass is the Sundeck, a beautiful restaurant at the tip of the Silver Queen gondola, offering a wide, flat terrace, attracting sunshine and deemed the perfect place to stop for lunch! You’ll also find many upmarket restaurants, designer boutiques and luxurious facilities in the village.
If you’d like to see what other resorts the United States has to offer, have a look here.
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Whistler, BC, Ski Resort,Canada
Home to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Whistler is, without a doubt, one of the best ski resorts in North America.
A year round getaway, and an average of 10 metres of snowfall each season, this luxury resort is renowned for powder skiing. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have over 8,171 acres of terrain, with ski-in ski-out chalets available to offer an exclusive getaway in the heart of the slopes. This is a popular destination for all ability levels and provides plenty of activities for non-skiers including dog sledding and snowshoeing!
Indulge with a spa experience at one of their luxury spas, or discover their family-friendly activities too. Whistler is not only the perfect break for adult groups and couples, but it’s great for families too. Young skiers will love the Adventure Zone, offering both indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year!
Whistler offers a beautiful array of luxury chalets and hotels. Whether you want a chalet to sleep a family of 6 or a group of 14, you’ll be easily accommodated. You could also book one of the beautiful hotels Whistler has to offer.
If you’d like to see what other resorts Canada has to offer, have a look here.
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Niseko Ski Resort, Japan
Niseko is renowned for delivering light, dry snow in huge quantities. Known for having a place on many ski enthusiasts' bucket lists, this luxury ski resort is the place to go.
Niseko offers a beautiful selection of chalets and luxury hotels, giving you the opportunity to make the most of this dream experience. With a range of Michelin star restaurants and traditional Izakaya, you’ll love the dining as much as the skiing. The lively resort bars offer plenty of options to while away your evening after a satisfying day on the slopes.
With four interlinked resorts, there are more than enough pistes, powder bowls, tree runs, half pipes and mogul fields to keep you busy and enjoying yourself.
If you’d like to see what other resorts Japan has to offer, have a look here.
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