For decades, the British Royal Family has quietly embraced the Alps as their winter playground. From traditional Swiss villages to glamorous French resorts and storybook Austrian mountains, royal ski holidays have unfolded across some of Europe’s most iconic alpine destinations.
Skiing became a favourite winter pastime for the Royal Family in the late twentieth century, with King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) helping establish the tradition of annual Alpine escapes. Over the years, these winter holidays became cherished family moments, with young princes learning to ski against the backdrop of some of Europe’s most celebrated mountain landscapes.
Switzerland, Austria and France have all played their part in the royal skiing story. The discreet village of Klosters became synonymous with royal ski holidays in the 1980s and 1990s, where Prince William and Prince Harry first discovered the slopes.
Meanwhile, Diana, Princess of Wales introduced her sons to the elegant Austrian resort of Lech, creating some of the most recognisable royal ski photographs of the early 1990s.
Today, the tradition continues with the next generation. As the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, Princess of Wales are often associated with more contemporary alpine destinations such as Verbier and Courchevel 1850, known for their expansive ski terrain, vibrant atmosphere and exceptional luxury hospitality.
For travellers seeking a taste of the same alpine elegance fit for Royalty, these resorts remain among some of the most sought-after winter destinations in Europe.
Klosters, Switzerland
Royal heritage
The British royal ski story truly begins in Klosters, a charming Swiss village that became synonymous with royal winter holidays from the late 1970s onward.
Then Prince Charles began visiting regularly, drawn by Klosters’ understated elegance and the exceptional skiing of the Davos–Klosters area. The resort quickly became the Royal Family’s preferred winter escape.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Princes William and Harry spent many childhood winter holidays here, learning to ski on the gentle slopes before venturing onto the wider mountain terrain.
Unlike many high-profile ski destinations, Klosters remains refreshingly discreet. Traditional chalets line the village streets, horse-drawn sleighs glide through the snow, and the atmosphere feels quietly refined, qualities that helped make it the Royal Family’s ski home for decades.
Chalets in Klosters fit for royalty
| Haus Alpina | |
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A modern penthouse apartment designed by renowned designer Nicky Dobree, the property is beautifully decorated with soft light tones and has an elegant, calming feel. |
| Silvretta Penthouse | |
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This stunning chalet apartment flawlessly blends traditional alpine décor with contemporary design and boasts thoughtful, luxury details throughout. |
Lech, Austria
Family nostalgia
In the early 1990s, a new chapter in royal ski history unfolded in Lech.
Here, Princess Diana brought young Princes William and Harry for winter holidays in the Arlberg region, creating some of the most memorable royal ski photographs of the era.
Lech offered the perfect environment for family skiing: welcoming ski schools, a picturesque village setting and access to the legendary Arlberg ski area, one of the largest interconnected ski regions in the Alps.
Today, Lech continues to attract discerning travellers seeking traditional Austrian hospitality, exceptional snow reliability and beautifully maintained slopes.
Chalets in Lech fit for royalty
| Aurelio Club Chalet | |
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Grand and exclusive, the Aurelio Club Chalet enjoys ski-in/ski-out access and full use of the exceptional facilities at the hotel of the same name. A residence truly fit for royalty. |
| Chalet 1551 | |
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Occupying one of the finest locations in the resort, Chalet 1551 offers ski-in/ski-out access alongside an exceptional spa and exquisite dining prepared by a world-class private chef. |
Verbier, Switzerland
Modern adventure skiing
As royal ski traditions evolved, so too did the destinations.
The vibrant Swiss resort of Verbier represents a more contemporary chapter in the Royal Family’s Alpine story for Prince William. Known for its vast ski terrain and energetic atmosphere, Verbier has been linked to ski trips taken by the Prince and Catherine in their youth.
Part of the expansive Four Valleys ski area, Verbier offers some of the most thrilling skiing in Switzerland, with dramatic high-altitude terrain, challenging off-piste routes and breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Combined with a lively après-ski scene and exceptional luxury chalets, Verbier has become one of the Alps’ most dynamic winter destinations.
Chalets in Verbier fit for royalty
| Chalet La Truffe Blanche | |
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A masterpiece of luxury and opulence, Truffe Blanche is unique and bold in all the right ways. Boasting multiple living spaces, grand suites and a spa and indoor pool akin to a Roman thermae. |
| Chalet Norte | |
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Elegant at every turn, Chalet Norte is one of Verbier’s finest family-friendly luxury chalets. After exploring the resort’s vast terrain, the exceptional wellness facilities provide the perfect place to unwind. |
Courchevel 1850, France
Contemporary family ski break
The most recent chapter of the royal ski story leads to Courchevel 1850, one of the most prestigious resorts in the French Alps.
Located in the world-renowned Three Valleys, Courchevel 1850 offers exceptional skiing alongside some of the Alps’ most luxurious hotels and private chalets.
Known for its discreet atmosphere and world-class hospitality, the resort has become a favourite among high-profile travellers and has been associated with private family ski holidays taken by Prince William and Catherine and their children.
With direct access to the largest ski area in the world, Courchevel combines remarkable skiing with refined alpine luxury, making it one of the most coveted winter destinations in Europe.
For larger groups travelling together, multi-generational chalets offer space, privacy and tailored service for every member of the family. Discover more in our guide to Ski Holidays for Every Generation.
Chalets & Hotels in Courchevel 1850 fit for royalty
| Chalet 1946 | |
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Beautifully designed by Christophe Tollemer with fabrics from Loro Piana Interiors, Chalet 1946 combines traditional alpine elegance with first-class service. Located just moments from the slopes, guests also enjoy a resort driving service with a fleet of chauffeured Rolls-Royce Cullinans. |
| Hotel L'Apogee | |
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A family favourite in Courchevel 1850, Hotel L’Apogée enjoys ski-in/ski-out access and is part of the prestigious Palace Hotel Collection in the Alps. With exceptional dining, wellness facilities and excellent children’s amenities, the impeccable service ensures every guest feels treated like royalty. |
Enchanting ski itineraries fit for royalty
From the timeless charm of Klosters to the glamorous slopes of Courchevel 1850, the Alps have long provided the perfect setting for royal winter escapes. Today, these same destinations continue to offer travellers exceptional skiing, refined hospitality and the kind of discreet luxury that has attracted the British Royal Family for generations.
Other Royal Favourites in the Alps
While the British Royal Family’s ski traditions span destinations such as Klosters, Lech, Verbier and Courchevel, other European royals and members of the extended British royal family also have their preferred alpine retreats.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
A long-standing playground for European high society, St. Moritz regularly welcomes royal visitors from across the continent, including the Swedish Royal Family, who are known to spend winter holidays enjoying the resort’s glamorous atmosphere and excellent skiing.
Crans-Montana, Switzerland
This sun-drenched Swiss resort is a favourite of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who have been spotted skiing here with their son James, Earl of Wessex.
Morzine, France
Part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine has long been favoured by Anne, Princess Royal and her daughter Zara Tindall, reflecting the family’s love of traditional alpine resorts with exceptional skiing.
If these royal-favourite resorts have inspired your next ski holiday, our team would be delighted to help you plan an alpine escape fit for royalty contact us to start your journey.
