Last year’s exceptional ski season saw hundreds of inches of fresh powder fall at ski resorts around North America. The National Ski Areas Association reports that average snow fall at ski areas during the 2022-23 season totaled 224 inches, while Utah saw a record-breaking 903 inches fall. If this season follows suit, skiers, snowboarders, shredders, snow bunnies and après-ski enthusiasts will be stoked. In fact, The 2024 Old Farmer’s Almanac reports that this season’s snowfall will be above normal.
To make the most of the snow, here’s a look at some of the most luxurious ski destinations in North America and Europe — not only to play in the snow but luxe spots to warm up, too.
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NORTH AMERICA
Alaska
When you think of skiing in North America, chances are you don’t think of Alaska, but that may change. Seven ski areas dotted throughout the vast state offer myriad opportunities for backcountry and heli-skiing. One of the most memorable backcountry skiing experiences, however, may be in the shadows of Mount Denali.
An exclusive, epic mountain experience awaits March through June at Sheldon Chalet, sitting all alone in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater of Mount Denali’s Ruth Glacier, just 10 miles from the summit. A stay at the all-inclusive five-bedroom, 2,000-square-foot chalet includes an inbound and outbound helicopter flightseeing tour, meals prepared by a world-class chef and a sauna for easing tired muscles. For the ultimate backcountry skiing experience, guests enjoy a private gear-fitting, custom backcountry skis and skins, and experienced guides who will help you make the most of the 35 square miles of untouched powder. You may even be rewarded with a private showing of the northern lights. Rates from $97,000 for up to four people, three-night minimum.
British Columbia
Travel the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler and you’ll feel as if you’ve arrived at the top of the world. This part of British Columbia boasts more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, not to mention an immense backcountry, from powder-filled bowls to groomed corduroy to untouched snowfall just waiting for you. Backcountry tours range from skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing, snowshoeing and ski mountaineering — climbing a mountain before you ski down it. The region also offers heli-skiing and heli-boarding, cat skiing and boarding, bobsleigh and skeleton rides, snowmobiling and heli-ice-cave exploration.
All of this wintertime fun is sure to have you more than ready to return to your luxurious accommodations at the end of the day. After freshening up in your guest room at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, sink into a chair in the resort’s new speakeasy, The Library by The Macallan. The space, which opened in December, reimagines the refined charm of an authentic library, blended with the beauty of The Macallan Estate in Scotland, and serves five cocktails featuring Macallan Single Malt whisky.
Or opt for an exclusive stay at the new Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa, which opened in November. The 12,000-square-foot lodge boasts 10 en-suite bedrooms that can accommodate up to 20 guests. Amenities within the lodge include a movie theater, curated wine cellar, poker and billiards room, bar, children’s area and access to a private chef. The private spa features a sauna, steam room, gym, massage rooms, hot tubs, refreshing pools and more. Full-service rates start at $12,500 a night.
Colorado
Think skiing in North America, and chances are the first place that pops into mind is Colorado — and with good reason: Colorado ski country boasts 26 world-class resorts and “a mountain for everyone,” not to mention its mild weather and 300 days of bluebird skies.
One of the most popular ski destinations in the state is Vail, with more than 4,200 acres of terrain boasting views of iconic peaks and access to seven legendary back bowls to conquer. About 90 miles west of Denver, there’s no shortage of luxurious stays in Vail, either — such as the Four Seasons Vail, with private retreats for extended stays; The Arrabelle at Vail Square, with 81 elegantly-designed guest rooms and private residences; and The Hythe, an Alpine haven in the Rocky Mountains.
Another option is Opus, a nine-bedroom, 15-bath house in Vail Village considered “the crown jewel of Vail” and surrounded by the natural mountain landscape found throughout Vail Valley. The décor inside is a blend of mountain-inspired custom art and luxury modern mountain living with state-of-the-art amenities. Two year-round outdoor heated swimming pools and hot tubs are the perfect place to soak muscles weary from days of winter play. Rates start at $24,950 a night.
About two hours from Vail is another popular destination when it comes to skiing in Colorado — Aspen. Long before it started attracting winter sports enthusiasts, Aspen was a silver-mining town that was booming in the late 1800s. Now people flock to Aspen in the wintertime for its four ski mountains that constitute the Aspen Snowmass Resort.
One place to stay in Aspen is The Little Nell, the mountain’s only ski-in/ski-out hotel. The pet-friendly five-star hotel elevates the ski experience with boot warming, equipment tuneup and storage services, and a ski concierge who can help arrange lessons, adventures and tours. At the end of the day, relax beside your in-room fireplace or indulge in a treatment at the new Spa at The Little Nell; it’s the only ski-in/ski-out spa in the area.
Utah
With an abundance of fresh powder already this season, Utah is a terrific skiing destination. That, and the slopes are easily accessible — seven are just 45 minutes or less away from Salt Lake City International Airport. From classic ski lodges in Alta to locals’ favorites Snowbird and Park City — the largest ski resort in the U.S. — and plenty of others, you’re rich for choices when it comes to having fun in the snow in Utah.
In and around Park City, you're rich for choices when it comes to lodging. Five-star properties include Montage Deer Valley, with stunning views from its perch atop Empire Pass; the ski-in/ski-out St. Regis Deer Valley, with a private ski valet; and Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley, voted the nation's Best Ski Hotel 2023 by the World Ski Awards.
Another option in downtown Park City is the intimate Washington School House Hotel, built as a school in 1889. At this elegant boutique hotel with 12 rooms and suites, guests enjoy impeccable service and a quiet retreat right in the middle of all of the action.
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EUROPE
Italy
About three hours from Venice, 3½ hours from Milan and four hours from Munich are Italy’s Dolomites, a world-class ski destination in a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, the Dolomiti Superski region is the world’s biggest ski destination, with 450 lifts in 12 resorts that make nearly 750 miles of slopes, ranging from long runs to gentle routes, easily accessible. Though it’s the world’s largest ski destination, you won’t find lift lines or crowds on the slopes; rather, perfect skiing conditions. And the region is perfect for experienced skiers along with first-timers.
In the Dolomites’ South Tyrol is the Hotel Chalet Mirabell, a 70-room wellness hotel with mountain villas that range from 1,722 to 3,261 square feet — perfect for an après-ski stay. This winter, the hotel is offering its Ski & Fun Winter Package through Jan. 20 and Feb. 25-March 29 — including a four-day ski pass for each guest, three-quarters gourmet board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), access to the 64,000-plus-square-foot adults-only spa, guided llama and alpaca hikes and more.
Another option in South Tyrol is Adler Spa Resort, a terrific choice for skiers who are also foodies. Here, head chef Martino Longo creates seasonal and authentic dishes that reflect the region’s heritage, while at the same time highlighting the best of Mediterranean cuisine. For example, tuck into a chanterelle strudel; Tyrolean dumplings with beetroot, radicchio and gorgonzola; and finish with an apple strudel or crème brulée with chocolate croquant.
At the other end of Northern Italy the “Wild Side of Mont Blanc” awaits in La Thuile and the Aosta Valley. Here powder enthusiasts will find nine ski areas, including the world-renowned Espace San Bernardo, with nearly 7,500 acres of terrain at an altitude of 4,000 to more than 9,000 feet.
The five-star Montana Lodge & Spa opened in La Thuile in December, making for a terrific après stay. The boutique retreat features 55 contemporary and innovative guest rooms, two restaurants, a stellar wine cellar and Erre Spa with an indoor heated pool, bio sauna, outdoor hot tub, Turkish bath and more.
An hour north of La Thuile is Courmayeur, one of the historic capitals of mountaineering and mountain hiking, not to mention a fantastic ski destination and the home of the world's first ski lift. The authentic Alpine village on Mont Blanc boasts more than 60 miles of pistes and, of course, the Funivia Monte Bianco or Mont Blanc Funicular.
Here you will want to make a reservation at the Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc, a new five-star boutique retreat with 72 elegant guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, and an Erre Spa complete with indoor heated pool, sauna, Turkish bath and more.
Switzerland
A few hours’ drive from Zurich, the Jungfrau Region boasts world-class skiing on more than 130 miles of pristine ski trails at an altitude perfect for powder. The charming Alpine village of Grindelwald is an idyllic homebase from which to adventure out. One highlight in the region is Big Pintenfritz — one of the world's longest sledding runs, with more than nine miles of continuous downhill thrills.
When it comes time to après-ski in the Jungfrau Region, opt for a stay at the Boutique Hotel Glacier, a four-star hotel with impeccable dining; or the Bergwelt Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort, a 90-room hotel that opened in 2021 with a selection of restaurants and bars, not to mention the Fire & Ice Spa for real après relaxation.
About 2½ hours south of the Jungfrau Region is Crans-Montana, with views across the Valais valley — from the Swiss Matterhorn on the left to the French Mont Blanc on the right. Make the most of a stay in the Swiss Alps at Six Senses Crans-Montana, where winter adventure awaits. The resort began its first ski season in December with myriad opportunities, such as First Tracks ski passes, paragliding off the slopes at sunset and landing back at the resort, a concierge to help you make the most of the 87 miles of ski runs, and cheesemaking classes. Don’t overlook the resort’s ski spa program to aid in muscle recovery as well as the sauna for deeper relaxation.
