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. 

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.

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.

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.

Measuring 5.5 million square miles 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. 

Enjoy both hot and cold climates in Chile, beginning with sunshine and bright night skies in the Atacama Desert with a view of snow-capped volcanoes. Head down to Patagonia to explore the iconic Torres del Paine, then head to Chile’s beautiful wine country, glass in hand. 

Highlight experiences: Hike or bike through Valley of the Moon, ride horseback in Torres del Paine and take a photographic tour of the glaciers, wine tasting in the Central Valley 

Iceland is mysterious, magnetic and unlike anywhere else on Earth. Marvel at mighty glaciers, erupting geysers and dramatic volcanoes. Hike across impressive icescapes, roam the wilderness on a husky-drawn sled or try your hand at snowshoeing or snowmobiling. And the ultimate antidote to all this activity? Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon and hope to catch sight of the northern lights. 

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. 

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

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.