The Best Ski Resorts for Winter Holidays – Something for Everyone
Imagine a winter escape where snow-capped peaks, breath-taking landscapes, and the thrill of new experiences come together for an unforgettable ski holiday. Across Europe and North America, premier ski resorts captivate adventurous souls with exceptional services, seamless ski-in/ski-out access, and a wealth of entertainment options. After a day conquering the slopes, unwind at luxurious spas, savour exquisite dining at fine restaurants, or explore charming local boutiques that cater to every taste.
Trois Vallées
Welcome to Trois Vallées, the world’s largest ski area, nestled in the stunning French Alps where the River Isère meanders and the nearby Vanoise National Park adds to the magic. Ideal for beginners and families alike, this resort offers private coaching lessons to help you master the art of skiing with confidence and ease. Spanning seven interconnected resorts, Trois Vallées has delighted visitors for years, with Meribel and Courchevel emerging as perennial favourites.
Meribel, founded by a British colonel, boasts 600 km of slopes suitable for all levels, complemented by charming wood-and-stone chalets, a soothing spa, and an exceptional gourmet French dining experience. Equally impressive is luxurious Courchevel, set at the heart of Trois Vallées, where the awe-inspiring peaks of Chanrossa and Saulire provide a backdrop of jaw-dropping vistas. Nestled at the base of a majestic bowl and surrounded by gentle green and blue slopes, Courchevel is the perfect haven for beginners seeking a graceful introduction to the world of skiing.
Where to Stay: L’Apogée Courchevel (Courchevel) and Le Coucou
Méribel (Méribel) redefine alpine luxury with ski-in/ski-out access, seamlessly blending modern elegance and mountain charm. Step directly from pristine slopes into sophisticated retreats where every detail – from sleek interiors to roaring fireplaces – invites relaxation.
Megeve
A jewel of the French Alps, Mégeve emerged as a playground for the elite in 1921, thanks to the visionary Rothschild family. At its heart lies Domaine du Mont d’Arbois, Baroness Noémie’s timeless masterpiece, where glamour meets tradition. Framed by the majestic Mont Blanc, Mégeve enchants with cobblestone streets, world-class slopes, and chic après-ski lounges where champagne flows as freely as stories of the day’s adventures. Here, history whispers through preserved chalets, while modern luxuries – from gourmet fondue to private sleigh rides – elevate every moment.
Where to Stay: Zannier Hotels Le Chalet captures Mégeve’s soul with understated elegance. This five-star haven marries rustic authenticity with panoramic mountain vistas, offering crackling fireplaces, bespoke service, and a serene escape where the Alps feel intimately yours.
Val Gardena
Tucked into the Italian Dolomites’ UNESCO-listed peaks, Val Gardena – a trio of storybook villages (Santa Cristina, Ortisei, and Sëlva) – is where adrenaline meets artistry. Carve down Olympic-grade slopes, scale dramatic rock faces, or wander galleries showcasing centuries-old woodcarving traditions. The valley thrills with alpine thrills by day and seduces by night, as the scent of speck-and-polenta delicacies mingles with pine-scented breezes. The Deryon River’s crystal waters weave through emerald forests, framed by the Dolomites’ jagged spires – a landscape so surreal, it feels plucked from a fairy tale.
Where to Stay: The Adler Dolomiti is your sanctuary amid nature’s grandeur. This five-star gem pampers with a holistic spa, gourmet South Tyrolean cuisine, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the Dolomites’ ever-changing palette of dawn pinks and twilight golds.
St. Moritz
Where Alpine winter tourism was born (1864!), St. Moritz remains the epitome of glamour Moritz remains the epitome of glamour. This Swiss icon lures jet-setters with effervescent mineral springs, the world’s only snow polo tournament on a frozen lake, and slopes that sparkle like diamonds. One of the region’s highlights is the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz. At Les Saisons in the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, Michelin-starred dishes meet curated wines, while the town’s Italian-Swiss-German fusion creates a cultural cocktail as intoxicating as the mountain air. St. Moritz’s location near Italy, its linguistic diversity, and its cultural authenticity create a unique blend of three different cultures.
Where to Stay: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel – a legend since 1896 – is St. Moritz in microcosm. Towering above the lake, this palace blends old-world grandeur with modern flair, offering ice-skating in its courtyard, haute cuisine, and suites where kings and celebrities have dreamed.
Zermatt
Nestled in the heart of western Switzerland’s Valais canton, Zermatt stands as a premier destination for mountaineering and skiing, with lifts that whisk you to slopes soaring over 3,600 meters high. Its world-class ski areas rank among the finest globally, offering endless thrills for every snow enthusiast. Dominating the skyline is the iconic Matterhorn, rising to 4,478 meters with its distinctive pyramidal silhouette – a breath-taking landmark visible from both the slopes and the town. Welcoming every traveller, Zermatt boasts an enticing mix of hotels, cosy apartments, and gourmet restaurants, all designed to create unforgettable experiences and a wealth of active leisure opportunities.
Where to Stay: For an exceptional stay, the Cervo Mountain Resort offers five-star luxury amid spectacular natural vistas, promising complete comfort and rejuvenation.
Verbier
Situated in south-western Switzerland’s Valais canton, Verbier is a charming alpine village renowned for its exceptional skiing on meticulously groomed slopes. Since the 20th century, this winter paradise has captivated visitors with its year-round snow, challenging pistes, and vibrant local culture. Favoured by royalty, the village has hosted illustrious guests such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Embrace the thrill of night skiing before celebrating the day’s adventures at après ski bars that buzz until 4 a.m.
Where to Stay: For a lavish retreat, The W Verbier offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms with stunning mountain views – an ideal starting point for your alpine escapades.
Sierra Nevada
Discover the unique allure of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in southern Spain, where winter holidays transcend the ordinary. Beyond skiing, immerse yourself in the Mediterranean charm of nearby coastal gems like Málaga and Marbella, or explore the rich cultural heritage of Seville, Ronda, Córdoba, and Granada.
Where to Stay: For a memorable experience, El Lodge, Ski & Spa combines stylish design with ultimate comfort, proudly representing the legacy of the famed Marbella Club Hotel.
Aspen
If you’re dreaming of a quintessential American winter getaway, Aspen, Colorado, is a destination not to be missed. Celebrated as one of the world’s foremost ski resorts, Aspen offers a dazzling array of winter activities and proudly hosts the renowned X Winter Games each year since 2002.
Where to Stay: For a stay steeped in history and comfort, The Hotel Jerome from the Auberge Resorts Collection provides a cosy, memorable retreat that ensures your Aspen adventure is truly unforgettable.
Whistler
For those heading to North America, Whistler, located in the Canadian province of British Columbia, will captivate you with its two mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb – offering over 32 square kilometres of skiable terrain. Whether you’re eager to showcase your skiing prowess or fine-tune your skills with expert instruction, Whistler delivers an extraordinary alpine adventure. For thrill-seekers, heli skiing provides a breath-taking ascent to the highest peaks, unveiling a world of untouched snow and boundless freedom. Stroll under starlit skies around Lost Lake, savour local mulled wine, and discover charming cafes, artisan bakeries, chic boutiques, and inspiring art galleries.
Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Whistler offers a sumptuous retreat, blending luxurious comfort with serene tranquillity.
Are skiing traditions close to your heart? If you’re looking to create new, unforgettable memories and explore fresh destinations, Glotera – the creators of one-of-a-kind travel experiences – are here to help.