Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a keen beginner, there’s something magical about the thought of snow-covered slopes, vast pine forests and roaring fires in cosy chalets. Our list of the world’s top ski hotels highlights charming family-owned hideaways as well as impressive contemporary resorts across the globe, fit for all manner of tastes and budgets. Race down runs with friends in Canada, glide along cross-country trails as a couple in Europe, or encourage the whole family to hone their winter sports skills in snowy New Zealand. No matter what sort of ski holiday you have in mind, you’ll be looking for warm hospitality, easy access to the slopes and fantastic food. That’s exactly where we come in.
Adelboden — Switzerland Show the map
71 rooms 
Alpe di siusi — Trentino Alto Adige, Italy Show the map
56 rooms 
Alpe di siusi — Trentino Alto Adige, Italy Show the map
20 rooms 
Andermatt — Switzerland Show the map
281 rooms 
Andermatt — Switzerland Show the map
106 rooms 
Arc 1600 — France Show the map
87 rooms 
Bourg-Saint-Maurice — The French Alps, France Show the map
18 rooms 
Arosa — Grisons, Switzerland Show the map
128 rooms 
Arosa — Grisons, Switzerland Show the map
125 rooms 
Aspen — Colorado, U.S.A. Show the map
101 rooms 
Aspen — Colorado, U.S.A. Show the map
126 rooms 
Aspen — Colorado, U.S.A. Show the map
92 rooms 
Hafling — South Tyrol, Italy Show the map
44 rooms 
Hafling — South Tyrol, Italy Show the map
53 rooms 
Morzine — Upper savoy, France Show the map
42 rooms 
Morzine — Upper savoy, France Show the map
35 rooms 
Azet — Midi Pyrénées, France Show the map
4 rooms 
Badgastein — Salzburg, Austria Show the map
36 rooms 
Badgastein — Salzburg, Austria Show the map
32 rooms 
Badgastein — Salzburg, Austria Show the map
30 rooms 
Baie-Saint-Paul — Canada Show the map
133 rooms 
Balderschwang — Bavaria, Germany Show the map
41 rooms 
Big Sky — Montana, U.S.A. Show the map
107 rooms 
Radovljica — Gorenjska, Slovenia Show the map
69 rooms 
Bormio — Lombardy, Italy Show the map
27 rooms Ski holidays and ski hotels can vary enormously. Consider, first of all, the sort of ski experience that you have in mind. Some resorts are geared towards experienced downhill skiers, with challenging runs on dizzying mountainsides; others champion more laid-back cross-country skiing around glittering lakes; still more are famed for their brilliant ski schools.
Many top-notch ski hotels offer ski-in/ski-out access and equipment hire, perfect for active adventurers. With hotels, bars and eateries clustered close to the slopes, European and North American ski resorts often promise a lively après-ski vibe popular amongst groups of friends or families with older children. Glitzy St Moritz, which played host to the 1948 Winter Olympics and has welcomed multiple World Championships, is one such example; bustling Courchevel, part of the legendary Les Trois Vallées, is another. Those seeking seclusion, on the other hand, might consider escaping to Chile, stepping off the beaten track in Slovenia, or unwinding at romantic retreats in Italy and Japan. Some of our favourite ski hotels have expansive wellness centres with thermal spas, gyms and saunas, whilst others boast Michelin-recommended cuisine.
Design plays a huge part in the ski hotel experience, too. Expect old-school alpine style with pale wood and patterned quilts, lavish luxury hotels promising absolute indulgence, or minimalist resorts with a sophisticated contemporary feel. Come spring and summer, some ski hotels are transformed into hubs for hiking, mountain biking and paragliding in spectacular surroundings. These can also be very special mountain holidays!
When it comes to European ski holidays, the hotel choices are almost endless. Our French favourites include Les Roches Fleuries, for Savoyard luxury with views of iconic Mont Blanc in Cordon, and the exceptional Les Airelles Courchevel, an opulent heritage gem.
Switzerland, too, boasts an impressive array of ski hotels, including grand dames such as Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St Moritz, dating back to 1896, and Belle Epoque Hotel Walther Pontresina, run by the same family for three generations. For contemporary indulgence, consider The Chedi Andermatt or The Alpina Gstaad.
In Austria, we adore design-led The Comodo Bad Gastein, nearby Alpine Spa Hotel Haus Hirt with its thermal spa, and the panoramic views from family-friendly Wiesergut. Families will also love fun-focused Bachmair Weissach Spa & Resort, close to Lake Tegernsee in Germany, and the minimalist tree houses at Hotel Björnson in Slovakia.
For understated modernist luxury in the Italian Dolomites, consider the elegant Schgaguler Hotel. We’d also recommend blissful holidays to Adler Lodge Ritten, near Soprabolzano, or adults-only Silena, with East Asian-inspired interiors in South Tyrol; two further Italian highlights.
Boutique Hotel Vila Planinka, in the Slovenian Alps, is fabulous for nature-focused holidaymakers; as is 42-bedroom Grau Roig Andorra Boutique Hotel & Spa, with ski-in/ski-out access and gourmet cuisine.
When it comes to winter sports in the USA,AWOL Stowe in Vermont is a sophisticated property with great romantic appeal, whilst Montana’s Montage Big Sky, and Limelight Hotel Snowmass in Colorado will thrill adventurers of all ages. Lake-facing Hotel Quintessence, in Mont Tremblant, Canada, is also wonderful.
Experience the marvels of Japanese hospitality at the impeccable Zaborin near Niseko, or escape into the wilderness at the acclaimed andBeyond Vira Vira in Chile and Blanket Bay on New Zealand’s Lake Wakatipu. Both are breathtaking.
