Top 12 most luxurious ski resorts in the world
Luxury ski resorts have long been part of the experience of many winter tourists. The rich and famous enjoy skiing as much as anyone else. However, they also expect certain aspects of their holiday to be treated in a very special way, with personalised service and extreme comfort at all times. What's more, there's one thing that sets the rich apart from other skiers: money. The more you have, the more luxury amenities you can afford.
The world's most luxurious ski resorts are home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels. From comfortable facilities to extravagant services and comforts, there's no shortage of opulence in these luxury ski getaways if you have the budget to enjoy it. Not all skiers seek out the best slopes on the planet. For some, skiing is part of a whole, a holiday that takes place in a chic resort, where cocooning and voluptuousness are also on the agenda.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the 10 most luxurious ski resorts in the world today!
Saint Moritz, Switzerland
Saint Moritz is surely the most beautiful luxury ski resort on the planet. It regularly plays host to the biggest names in Hollywood, as well as numerous European royal families.
Baqueira Beret, Spain
One of the top luxury destinations is Baqueira Beret, a literally royal resort. Its location in the Catalan Pyrenees, just a two-hour drive from Toulouse, makes it easily accessible and its varied slopes are a challenge for all skiers.
Megève, France
Megève is to France what Saint Moritz is to Switzerland - a luxury ski resort with undeniable charm. Nestling between the Italian and Swiss borders, Megève offers quiet slopes and narrow cobbled streets lined with luxury boutiques and traditional shops.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Aspen is one of the most famous resorts in the world. Every year during the festive season, celebrities from all over the world flock here, filling the columns of specialist magazines.
Lech, Austria
Lech is one of the royal families' favourite resorts. Princess Diana loved going there, as did the Dutch royal family! And while it may not be as lavish as Saint Moritz, don't be fooled - Lech offers an unrivalled range of top-of-the-range facilities.
Courchevel, France
Situated at the end of the 3 Valleys, one of the largest ski areas in the world, Courchevel is actually made up of four villages. The highest, Courchevel 1850, is certainly the most chic. It's here that you'll find not only some of the best snow in Europe, but also some of the most famous hotels in France.
Lenzerheide, Switzerland
Roger Federer has chosen to set up his holiday home in Lenzerheide, one of the country's finest luxury ski resorts. Although relatively unknown beyond its borders, the town has more Michelin-starred restaurants and hotels than any other luxury ski resort in Switzerland.
Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada
Whistler-Blackcomb looks like something straight out of Walt Disney's imagination, with its two huge pine-covered mountains connected by the world's longest and highest cable car. Whistler-Blackcomb is home to some of Canada's most exclusive hotels, restaurants and bars, all set against an absolutely magical natural backdrop.
Cortina, Italy
In Cortina, skiing is a serious business. The resort hosted the Olympic Games in 1952 and boasts one of the best ski areas in Italy. But beyond that, the village of Cortina is also an absolutely charming place.
Val d'Isère, France
Once a simple family resort, Val D'Isère is now one of Europe's busiest upmarket ski resorts, with around 45 truly superb hotels. Fortunately, the traditional ambience has not been spoilt by luxury.
Deer Valley, Utah, United States
Deer Valley is a little paradise that rivals Aspen every year for the title of America's best luxury ski resort. Deer Valley is renowned for its understated luxury, with quaint but humble hotels.
Zurs, Austria
Located near Lech, Zurs is even more intimate and chic, but still in that understated Austrian style. The slopes here are never crowded, as most of its upmarket clientele prefer to bask in the sun all day in the comfort of a trendy bar. But they're still fabulous, and you'll have access to one of the biggest ski areas in Europe.