Best Places for Winter Snow

Val d’Isère is a true gem, boasting incredible skiing as well as some of the best restaurants and après-ski the Alps has to offer. Everyone from total beginners to expert skiers will love the seemingly endless slopes, but non-skiers won’t be short of entertainment with alpine hikes, dog sledding and snowshoeing to choose from. Stay at Le Yule hotel for a prime spot at the base of the Solaise and Bellevarde slopes. 

Take the scenic route through the Swiss Alps, journeying by train to the cobbled streets of Zermatt, where a horse and carriage awaits to whisk you to your hotel, the historic Mont Cervin Palace. It doesn’t get more idyllic than this, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn. Plus, the village’s car ban means the air up here really is cleaner and crisper.

Courchevel is often referred to as one of the most glamorous resorts in the Alps, with superb shopping, outstanding après-ski and Michelin-star dining, but there’s some serious skiing to be had here as well. The vast network of slopes that make up the Trois Vallées region is at the tip of your skis, and there’s nowhere better to come home to after an active day on the mountain than your own private apartment at Six Senses Residences Courchevel.

Famed for its beautifully groomed pistes and atmospheric mountain restaurants serving up exceptional Italian cuisine, the Dolomites is one of our favourite ski destinations. There’s plenty to keep you busy aside from downhill skiing too. How do you fancy cross country skiing, alpine hiking, snowshoeing or ice climbing? 

Val Thorens is where records are set – not only is it renowned as the highest ski resort in Europe, but the luxurious Hotel Koh-I Nor also holds the title of the highest 5-star hotel in Europe. High altitude means snow-sure slopes late into the ski season. With over 600km of pistes to explore across the entire Trois Vallées region, this is a skier’s paradise – and the après-ski is pretty legendary too.

Swedish Lapland is a magical winter wonderland comprised of thick forests cloaked with snow, intercepted by thundering rivers and dotted with peaceful lakeside villages. Stay at the innovative Arctic Bath Hotel and catch a glimpse of the northern lights from your private terrace, try your hand at husky sledding or snowshoeing and warm up in the thermal spas. 

For those in search of an authentic mountain retreat, head to the Swiss village of Andermatt. Nestled in the meeting point of three mountain passes, skiers can enjoy large swathes of quiet slopes and deep powder on the legendary Gemsstock mountain. The Chedi Andermatt is our top choice in the village for a dose of alpine luxury, with roaring open fires and a lavish spa to ease weary muscles.

One of Austria’s most chic ski resorts, Lech is a romantic village that enjoys a peaceful spot in the Arlberg, a vast ski area with an abundance of intermediate slopes as well as stunning off-piste terrain. Try your hand at snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking, all topped off with a generous dollop of charming Austrian hospitality. 

Consistently voted best ski resort in North America, Whistler is a top choice for those looking for a stylish winter ski adventure. The resort has everything from backcountry and steeps for experts to beautifully groomed intermediate slopes to cruise. It’s also home to 90% of the world’s heli-skiing opportunities for the more adventurous among you, while peaceful lake walks provide a calmer pastime. 

Measuring 14 million square kilometres and covered in ice that in places can be over a mile thick, Antarctica is the ultimate cold weather destination. Think vast penguin colonies, earth-shattering scenery, epic tales of heroism and adventure, luxurious vessels, expert guides and 24-hour daylight. This ice-crowned wilderness will leave you totally in awe. 

Jackson Hole should be on every skier’s bucket list. A cowboy town with spectacular scenery in the Grand Teton National Park, this is skiing with a unique edge. Enjoy challenging chutes and bowls or stick to the mid mountain groomers. Away from the piste, you can go on a Yellowstone snowcat wildlife tour or visit the National Elk Refuge. 

The super chic resort of Megève is only a short transfer from Geneva and boasts some of the prettiest skiing in the Alps, with is exceptionally beautiful, bowl-like setting beneath Mont Blanc. Excellent intermediate ski terrain, horse-drawn carriage rides around the village and stunning walking routes make it a great choice for skiers and non-skiers alike. 

An enviable snow record, fantastic off-piste terrain and links to Lech and Zurs make St Anton one of the most popular resorts not just in Austria but in the Alps. Expect lively après ski, supper efficient lifts and hearty cuisine to boot! The resort is one of our top choices for larger groups looking for a spacious chalet and varied activities, including dog sleigh rides, ice skating and cross-country skiing.