Many of us dream about living the life of the top 1%, but in reality, the chances of living that life are slim to none. But that doesn’t stop us from wondering what life would be like at the most exclusive ski resorts in the world. So, we’ve decided to list the most luxurious ski resorts where you can expect world-class skiing, five-star hotels, Michelin-Starred restaurants, and stunning views.
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#1 Cortina D’Ampezzo, Dolomites Italy
If you’re looking for a luxury resort that is technically in the Italian Alps (Dolomites), the Cortina D’Ampezzo, widely considered the most exclusive ski resort in the world, is a great location.
Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” one of Italy’s best ski resorts, boasting well-groomed pistes, Michelin-Starred restaurants, and boutique shops.
While at the Cortina D’Ampezzo, you can enjoy spectacular snow-capped mountain views and over 1,000 km of slopes.
After enjoying world-class skiing, the fun doesn’t stop there. You can take a walk around the resort for a few aperitivo in one of the many fancy wine bars before hitting the pillow for the night.
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation, it doesn’t get much better than the Cristallo Resort and Spa. It’s one of the top five-star ski hotels in the Dolomites and is a short walk away from award-winning restaurants.
The hotel features everything you need to enjoy your trip, from fine dining experiences to a heated outdoor pool or a sauna to a fitness center.
After a hard day on the slopes, why not treat yourself in the spa for mind and body relief in their dedicated suite?
You can also participate in one of the hotel’s many winter experiences, from snowboarding to ski mountaineering to heliski and cross-country skiing.
#2 Aspen, Colorado, USA
If you are keen on alpine skiing, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the world-renowned location in Aspen.
Aspen lies in the rocky mountains of Colorado and boasts of being one of the most luxurious ski resorts. If you want to land in style, the ski resort even has its own airport where you can regularly see people landing their private jets.
The town has everything you can imagine for a luxurious stay. While there, you can shop in fantastic luxury boutiques from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, or Prada. And if that wasn’t enough, you can walk around over 50 art galleries.
It’s one of America’s most expensive ski resorts featuring 461 km of piste split between four main ski areas:
- Aspen Snowmass
- Aspen Mountain
- Aspen Highlands
- Buttermilk
If you’re looking for the most luxurious stay, it doesn’t get much better than the Four Peaks Estate, which was once owned by Prince Badar, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States.
The Four Peaks Estate covers over 13,000 square feet and features 3-acres of private land for you to relax.
You can relax in the hot tubs while looking at the fantastic views of Aspen’s beautiful mountain peaks. Also, some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to give you the best views possible when you’re not outside enjoying the hot tub.
You even have your own cinema room and a personal experience curator to ensure you have the perfect skiing weekend.
#3 Val D’Isere, French Alps, France
Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, Val D’Isere is considered one of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts in Europe. And for good reason…
One of the best things about Val D’Isere is that it is home to one of Europe’s longest winter seasons and offers some of the best terrains.
Skiers of all skill levels can come here to test their ability; even beginner skiers have a great time on the gentle slopes of the French Alps. And for expert skiers looking to challenge themselves, you can test out the 1992 Winter Olympics Downhill Slope.
Because Val D’isere is only a few kilometers from the French-Italian border, it combines with a cross-border resort, Tignes, which forms the 300 km Escape Killy ski area. With its pristine pistes and excellent lift system, it’s no wonder why this is one of the most iconic ski resorts.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Chalet Chene luxury chalet should be your accommodation of choice.
The open fireplace is perfect for creating the cozy atmosphere you need to relax after a long day on the slopes.
And that’s not all:
The chalet also comes with a luxury private chef & butler to cater to all your needs, a private spa & steam room to relax; you even get your own indoor heated swimming pool.
#4 Niseko, Japan
If you want to escape the larger crowds and find the perfect exclusive ski resort in a picturesque village, Niseko should be your number one choice.
The quiet ski resort lets you escape into the snow-capped peaks of Japan, away from the hustle and bustle of your average ski resort.
Niseko is renowned for its light, dry snow, firmly placing it as the number one bucket list location for avid skiers.
Niseko combines four interlinked resorts, so you’ll never run out of fresh powders. They include powder bowls, mogul fields, tree runs, and half pipes to keep you busy during your trip.
Additionally, they have several Michelin-Star restaurants and traditional Izakaya bars to enjoy while you’re not skiing.
As for the accommodation, the Kiraku Luxury Chalet is gorgeous yet minimalistic, offering two living areas on different floors.
Kiraku has everything you need to enjoy your stay, from an in-house gym to a billiard table. Also, they include a stunning open fire so you can stay warm while enjoying the spectacular mountains surrounding you.
#5 St. Moritz, Switzerland
Next on our list of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world is St Moritz. It’s so extravagant that it regularly hosts celebrities and some of the most prominent business executives and political leaders in the world.
And this is all because of the luxury options by this ski resort!
The ski resort is located in the Engadine Valley, in the Swiss Alps, where you can expect breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Not only that:
St Moritz is home to 326 km of pistes that you can enjoy, making it a great place for people that love to ski.
Thanks to the number of wealthy people that come to this area to ski, it’s not short of luxury 5-star hotels for people to stay at. If you want to feel like royalty for the weekend, these luxury hotels will undoubtedly provide that experience.
The services provided at these hotels are unrivaled by any other ski resort, especially when you include its world-class facilities.
One of the most luxurious of all the hotels is the Kempinski Grand Hotel, which is very well known for being the epitome of class.
The world-renowned hotel has a dedicated 2,500 square meter spa area, complete with everything you’ll need to make your trip memorable.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
If you’re looking for the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, these five options are your best bet.
While most of us will never get to live the high life some of these resorts provide, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the slopes there.
Many of these exclusive ski resorts provide cheaper accommodations than the ones highlighted in this article. We just wanted to give you a taste into the life of the top 1% of the world and how they plan their ski holiday.
Scott Meldrum
Scott founded FunOutdoors to connect his professional life with his passions. When Scott isn’t working, you’ll find him on the bike trail, riding a wave, or skiing down a mountain.
