The season begins before the lifts even start spinning: the quiet clink of boots on snow, the first gust of mountain air carrying a hint of frost, and sunlight catching the tips of peaks that stretch farther than the eye can follow. By midday, trails are carved, chalets glow from within, and every hot chocolate feels like a small triumph. The magic is as much in the villages you wander through – cobbled streets, smoke curling from chimneys, a welcome nod from the café barista – as it is on the slopes themselves. A luxury ski trip, done right, is measured in moments like these: spontaneous, fleeting, and impossible to forget.

At RASK Travel, we’ve been exploring ski destinations for years, curating escapes that combine quiet corners of the mountain with lodges that feel like home. From intimate Alpine chalets to sweeping lodges in the Rockies, we know where the slopes are consistently excellent, the sun hits the terraces just right, and the small touches make the day feel effortless. Each itinerary is shaped around how you want to move, eat, and unwind – whether it’s a festive family holiday, a spring break on the slopes, or a couple’s retreat.

Ready to see where we’d go next? Here’s our ever-growing guide to the world’s best luxury ski resorts, lodges, and hotels.

Timing Your Trip

The European season typically stretches from late December through April. Early December and festive weeks are perfect for twinkling village lights, mulled wine stalls, and skiing before the crowds arrive. January and February bring reliably soft powder and crisp, bright days. Spring skiing, from March into April, offers a gentler rhythm: longer lifts, warmer sun on terraces, and fewer people queuing for gondolas. Across the Atlantic, the Rockies and Canadian ranges offer similar windows, though high-altitude resorts like Whistler or Jackson Hole often carry snow well into late spring.

Picking Your Mountains

Europe has long defined luxury skiing. The French Alps combine expansive terrain with sophisticated village life – Courchevel and Méribel offer miles of runs and meticulously curated dining, while Chamonix pairs dramatic peaks with a sense of adventure. Switzerland balances high-altitude reliability with historic glamour: Verbier and St. Moritz feel polished yet alive, each with its own distinct character. Austria’s Tyrol hides intimate lodges in snow-filled valleys, and Italy’s Dolomites surprise with quiet slopes, bold vistas, and meals that rival those at top city tables.

North America is just as compelling. Aspen and Vail blend legendary slopes with bustling social scenes and private chalets; Jackson Hole keeps things thrilling and pared-back, with steep runs and lodges that feel simultaneously rugged and indulgent. Whistler in Canada stretches farther than imagination allows, offering terrain for every skill level and a village that makes après as effortless as skiing itself.

Where To Stay

Luxury lodging ranges from grand resorts with every imaginable amenity to boutique chalets tucked into quiet corners of the mountain. Ski-in/ski-out access is ideal, but smaller properties with thoughtful service often leave the most lasting impression. Many integrate wellness, spa, and culinary experiences into the stay – think steaming tubs after a day on the slopes, private chefs preparing alpine-inspired menus, or yoga classes to ease tired muscles before the next morning’s run.

Whether it’s a grand resort or a tucked-away chalet, the right property shapes the rhythm of your days on the mountain. From sunlit terraces to fire lit lounges, each place brings its own personality – some pulse with village life, others offer quiet corners where time slows. Below, we’ve rounded up a selection of lodges, resorts, and hotels that define luxury skiing in every way, from bold alpine design and sweeping views to intimate hideaways with just enough atmosphere to make every moment feel considered.

Forestis, Dolomites – Italy

Perched above Bressanone in the Dolomites, Forestis feels like a private stage set for alpine life. Timber and stone frame floor-to-ceiling windows that draw the mountains inside, while suites are quietly elegant, balancing warmth, texture, and sunlight. Ski-in access to nearby runs makes mornings seamless, and the lifts connecting to the wider Dolomiti network are just a short glide away.

The lodge’s history seeps through in subtle ways. Originally an Austrian sanatorium, its modern redesign respects the building’s past while adding sleek glass towers that mirror the verticality of the surrounding forest. The result is minimalism with purpose: spaces that feel open yet intimate, designed for both quiet reflection and shared moments.

Wellness here has a deliberately tactile, Alpine quality. The two-floor spa combines Nordic treatments with local ingredients – scrubs infused with mountain pine, saunas calibrated to perfection, and outdoor Finnish saunas and glacial plunge tubs that make the cold feel like part of the ritual. After a morning on the slopes, the hot-tub terraces and steam rooms feel simultaneously restorative and indulgent.

Dining follows the same philosophy: locally sourced ingredients elevated with care. Breakfast is a measured pleasure of smoked fish, house-baked breads, and mountain cheeses; dinner is refined but approachable, with menus that pivot with the seasons. By evening, a terrace glass of Dolomiti wine and the fading sunlight across jagged peaks feel like the perfect punctuation to a day in the mountains.

One&Only Moonlight Basin, Big Sky Montana – USA

Just opened, One&Only Moonlight Basin stakes its claim on Big Sky’s Madison Range with the brand’s signature mix of scale and intimacy. Soaring timbered ceilings, panoramic windows, and a layout that encourages wandering without ever feeling impersonal make it immediately clear why One&Only has such a devoted following.

Ski-in/ski-out access puts you straight onto some of Big Sky’s most varied terrain, from long groomers to powder-filled bowls, with lifts and snowcat runs ensuring the best lines are never far. Guests who value effortless service will notice the little touches – prepped equipment, expert guides, and even a ski valet who remembers exactly how you like your boots fitted. Even if you’re not a skier, though, you’ll find great joy in time spent here.

The spa has all the One&Only hallmarks: understated luxury paired with restorative design. Steam rooms, saunas, and a heated outdoor pool look directly onto the mountains, while treatments draw on local botanicals and Alpine techniques. Fitness studios double as yoga spaces, so you can stretch sore muscles in a room that feels more like a gallery than a gym. And, of course, dining is considered rather than staged. Locally sourced ingredients anchor menus that highlight Montana’s meats, cheeses, and produce, with indoor and terrace options ensuring apres-ski is as relaxed or social as you like.

This is a property for couples chasing a mix of adventure and downtime, families who want seamless ski days and thoughtful facilities, or small groups craving a mix of privacy and social spaces. Moonlight Basin proves that even a brand-new resort can feel lived-in, comfortable, and quietly unforgettable – exactly what you want from a One&Only.

Le Coucou Méribel – France

Le Coucou is a fresh, playful spin on a classic Méribel chalet. Opened by Maisons Pariente in 2019, its timbered interiors, pops of color, and quirky details — think owl motifs, cuckoo songs in the reception, and furniture carved from ski poles – make it immediately feel alive. Designer Pierre Yovanovitch’s hand is everywhere, from the curated art to tactile fabrics, giving the hotel a personality that’s equal parts sophisticated and fun.

Ski-in/ski-out access puts you straight onto the Méribel pistes, with lifts connecting to the Trois Vallées just a few moments away. Families appreciate the children’s playrooms and private ski instructors, while adults can linger in the spa, pool, or sun terrace. For groups wanting privacy, two integrated chalets sleep eight each, with kitchens, mini-spas, and ski rooms offering independent alpine living without leaving the hotel’s heartbeat.

Dining is lively and considered: The Beef Bar serves everything from tartare to teppanyaki, while Bianca Neve focuses on Italian classics like truffle risotto. Breakfasts are generous, with fresh breads, pastries, and eggs cooked to order. Après-ski spills naturally onto the terrace – cocoa for the kids, mulled wine for adults – all framed by Méribel’s snow-clad peaks.

Le Coucou suits families craving energy and convenience, couples looking for charm with a twist, or friends wanting style and easy slope access. It manages to be both playful and polished, making it one of the most dynamic addresses in the Alps.

Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz – Switzerland

Badrutt’s Palace has been a St. Moritz institution since 1896, and it’s the rare hotel that still feels alive with history. Drive up the Engadin mountainside and the neo-Gothic façade and iconic tower greet you like old friends, while inside, the Grand Hall hums with energy – a pianist playing all the classics, sunlight catching chandeliers, and the world’s most stylish winter crowd settling in.

The newly unveiled Serlas Wing adds a contemporary counterpoint: plush suites with sweeping alpine views, thoughtful modern touches, and enough space to feel entirely private, even in a hotel this storied.

Skiers have it all on tap: immediate access to St. Moritz’s famously varied slopes, expert instructors, private lessons, and the concierge can even arrange heli-skiing for the more ambitious. Families are equally spoiled: the Palazzino Kids Club keeps children happily occupied with ice-skating, cooking, or crafts, while parents slip away to the spa, panoramic pool, or a terrace with a cocktail in hand.

Dining here is a theatrical affair. From rustic Italian in a 17th-century farmhouse to Japanese-Peruvian fusion beneath a glass coupole, there’s no shortage of options. Paradiso, perched high in Corviglia, is a high-altitude après-ski hotspot: sheepskin-draped benches, bubbling Engadin cheese, crisp Champagne, and panoramic views. For celebrations, the wine cellar and Krug Stübli deliver intimate drama.

Service is discreet, polished, and personal. Staff anticipate needs before you ask, whether placing slippers on the right side of the bed, topping up chargers, or offering tailored ski advice. The balance of history, style, and energy makes Badrutt’s Palace the kind of hotel where every stay feels cinematic, the slopes just the opening act, and every detail – from ski boots to sunset cocktails – carefully orchestrated.

Six Senses Crans–Montana – Switzerland

The first thing you notice driving up to Six Senses Crans-Montana is the light: it spills across the Valais valley, catching the snow-tipped peaks and making the slopes glint like silver. The hotel perches above it all, modern yet warm, with a design that feels deliberately unshowy – the kind of luxury that whispers rather than shouts.

Inside, the rooms are open and bright, with panoramic windows framing the Alps and fireplaces that practically insist you linger. Skiers can step straight onto runs for sun-drenched beginner trails or more adventurous off-piste routes, while the concierge curates private heli-skiing or guided tours for those who want something off the map. Families are instantly at home: the kids’ club runs everything from snow games to creative workshops, and expert instructors make early ski lessons feel less like school and more like play, leaving adults free to stretch out in the spa, take a yoga class, or simply toast the mountain view with a glass of Champagne.

Wellness here has that unmistakable Six Senses touch – a sense of care that starts the moment you arrive. Indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and treatments crafted with local botanicals feel both rooted in the Alps and globally sophisticated. Dining is light on fuss but full of flavour, balancing hearty mountain fare with seasonal, locally inspired plates, always served with a view that makes lingering inevitable.

Six Senses Crans-Montana is for those who value a ski escape that feels curated rather than choreographed: couples seeking quiet intimacy, families after seamless luxury, and anyone who appreciates skiing paired with thoughtful wellness and design. Beyond the pistes, every moment has been considered – from freshly pressed après-ski cocktails by the fire to treatments that draw on the surrounding Alps – making the hotel as much a retreat as a launchpad for adventure.

L’Apogée Courchevel – France

L’Apogée Courchevel is the kind of hotel that makes you want to linger in the lift line just a little longer – not because the slopes need waiting, but because the interiors are too inviting to leave. Perched above Courchevel 1850, it delivers a blend of contemporary luxury and alpine charm: jewel-toned fabrics, tactile leathers, and bespoke furnishings that feel entirely personal rather than staged. As a proud member of the Oetker Collection, it carries that familiar ease of flawless service and quiet elegance, the kind of place where every detail – from the spa treatments to après cocktails – feels intuitively considered.

Skiers have the best of both worlds: ski-in/ski-out access for effortless mornings, yet the hotel’s cosy nooks, roaring fires, and private terraces make you want to slow down. Families are warmly accommodated with a kids’ club, interconnecting suites, and curated mountain adventures, while couples can disappear into suites with panoramic balconies, private hot tubs, or a discreet chalet entirely their own.

Dining is seamless, from the casual elegance of Le Comptoir de L’Apogée to the high-design sushi of Koori, with every dish presented like art. The spa by La Prairie offers a mosaic pool, sauna, treatment rooms, and wellness therapies that make post-ski recovery feel decadent rather than obligatory.

This is a hotel for anyone who wants slopes, style, and service in one place – whether you’re chasing fresh tracks, quality family time, or a sophisticated alpine escape that feels utterly yours.

Getting There & Around

Most of the premier resorts are perfectly positioned for easy access from major airports: Geneva, Zurich, and Milan are the usual gateways. From there, private transfers, helicopters, or scenic train journeys can whisk you straight to your hotel door, skis in tow. Once you’re in the mountains, ski-in ski-out hotels make every day seamless, while concierge teams can arrange everything from early lift passes to heli-ski excursions, private lessons, and even off-piste adventures that match your group’s experience.

Planning a luxury ski trip involves more than booking a room. At RASK Travel, we can curate the whole experience – from securing the best suites and chalet wings, arranging ski equipment and instructors, to creating bespoke dining and wellness itineraries. Families, couples, and groups alike can lean on our insider knowledge to navigate the resorts, discover hidden gems, and make sure every detail, from lift-line timing to sunset cocktails, is handled. Think of it as your personal alpine concierge – the kind that turns a ski trip into a seamless, unforgettable escape.

If you’d like to discuss your very own ‘ski-season’, get in touch or email us at info@rasktravel.com.