There are few better feelings than cosying up in a luxury hotel during your ski holiday. While schussing with abandon is of course the main attraction, the allure of relaxing by a roaring fire and indulging in rejuvenating spa treatments is equally compelling. The most luxurious hotels also offer access to award-winning restaurants and a variety of entertainment options, making your ski holiday a truly memorable experience far beyond the slopes.
But how do you find the most verifiably luxurious hotels for your ski holiday? It largely depends on your preferred skiing destination. The French and Swiss Alps are popular choices, renowned for their opulent hotel resorts. Across the Atlantic, Colorado and the Rocky Mountains also boast numerous luxurious options.
With so many incredible skiing locations to choose from, holidaymakers are truly spoiled for choice. To help you decide, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the top luxury hotels for your next skiing holiday. Whether you’re seeking opulent dining areas, lavish spas, or magnificent casino floors, we’ve got something for everyone.
The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado, USA
Nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell is a five-star, five-diamond hotel that epitomises luxury and sophistication in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Known for its ski-in, ski-out access, this iconic hotel offers unparalleled convenience for ski enthusiasts looking to hit the slopes of one of the most famous ski destinations in the world.
The Little Nell boasts 92 spacious guest rooms, including 11 suites and three signature suites, each designed with a contemporary alpine aesthetic. Guests can enjoy breathtaking mountain views, cozy fireplaces, and plush furnishings that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The hotel’s renowned concierge service ensures that every need is met, from arranging private ski lessons to securing reservations at Aspen’s top restaurants.
After a day on the slopes, guests can unwind at the hotel’s luxurious spa, which offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate and relax. The Little Nell is also home to Element 47, a Forbes Five-Star restaurant that celebrates locally sourced ingredients and offers an extensive wine list curated by master sommeliers. For a more casual dining experience, Ajax Tavern provides a lively après-ski scene with its famous truffle fries and burgers.
Four Seasons Hotel, Megeve, France
Nestled in the picturesque French Alps, the Four Seasons Hotel Megeve is emblematic of alpine elegance, featuring numerous selling points that keep visitors returning year after year. The beautiful rooms offer a perfect blend between cosiness and grandeur, with panoramic views over the slopes complementing the beautiful interiors.
Guests have full access to an expansive spa typical of the Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts portfolio, with steam rooms, massage parlours, and more. There’s also a Michelin Star restaurant on-site to enjoy. Le 1920 is a homage to classic French cuisine, with celebrated chef Anne-Sophie Pic designing a menu with full appreciation for the array of local Alpine ingredients.
The Four Seasons Hotel Megeve also offers access to Casino Barriere, a huge and sophisticated casino popular with visitors. From blackjack to poker and roulette, there’s something on offer for all types of gambling enthusiasts. And remember, while it’s difficult to beat the experience of playing poker or slot machines at Casino Barriere’s luxurious complex, these games can be played on your computer, too, with some of the best available to players in the UK online.
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland
An iconic symbol of luxury, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St. Moritz is a world-renowned destination for ski enthusiasts and general up-market holiday lovers. Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps and opened way back in 1896, the hotel offers panoramic views of Lake St. Moritz and direct access to the Corviglia scopes.
Badrutt’s Palace is emblematic of the affluent and luxurious Alpine resorts of the late 19th century, with 157 elegant rooms and suites blending traditional Swiss charm with cutting-edge entertainment and comfort technology. The Palace Wellness spa boasts state-of-the-art facilities, so if the king-sized baths and shower rooms in the hotel rooms aren’t enough, you’ll have access to top-tier saunas, jacuzzis, and more.
Guests can also indulge in Michelin-starred dining at Igniv by Andreas Caminada, an imaginative yet traditional restaurant by the legendary Swiss chef that has garnered two Michelin stars for its exceptional cuisine—the perfect winter counterpoint to your summer Saint Tropez fine dining adventure. Elsewhere, the King’s Social House has a legendary aprés-ski scene and is famed as Switzerland’s oldest nightclub.
The Chedi, Andermatt, Switzerland
The Chedi, one of the best contemporary spa resorts in Switzerland according to Forbes, has called the pristine Swiss village of Andermatt home since 2013. It’s one of the newest luxury skiing hotels on the block but has already made quite the splash with its functional yet extravagant approach. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Gemsstock Mountain, the hotel offers ski-in, ski-out access and over 120 km of some of the best ski trails in Europe.
With 123 luxurious rooms to choose from, The Chedi has options for various types of holidaymakers, from families to newly-wed couples. Each one has a fireplace and a deep soaking tub, offering skiers an instant respite from the cold Alpine weather. But this is just the start, with the massive hotel complex also offering access to numerous other highlights.
Take the world-renowned 2,400 m² spa, for example. Guests get access to a picturesque heated outdoor pool, various saunas, massage rooms, a dedicated hydrotherapy area, and more. After relaxing, The Chedi offers a hand-curated wine and cigar library, alongside gourmet dining at The Japanese—a double Michelin-starred restaurant serving authentic Japanese cuisine.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, Hokkaido, Japan
For those seeking a far flung adventure in Japan’s premier ski destination, Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, this exclusive retreat provides ski-in, ski-out access to the renowned powder snow of Niseko, one of the world’s top ski destinations.
Higashiyama Niseko Village features 50 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each offering breathtaking views of Mount Yotei or the surrounding Annupuri ranges. The interiors blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. Guests can enjoy amenities such as private onsen baths, cozy fireplaces, and spacious living areas that provide the perfect sanctuary after a day on the slopes.
The resort’s culinary offerings are equally impressive, with Yukibana serving a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine using the finest local ingredients. Sushi Nagi offers an intimate dining experience with expertly crafted sushi and sashimi, while Ume Lounge provides a relaxed setting for après-ski cocktails and light bites.
Higashiyama Niseko Village also boasts a world-class spa, where guests can indulge in a range of treatments inspired by Japanese wellness traditions. The spa features private onsen baths, a sauna, and a relaxation lounge, ensuring a rejuvenating experience that complements the physical demands of skiing.
For those looking to explore beyond the slopes, the resort offers a variety of activities, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy classes. The dedicated concierge team is on hand to curate personalized itineraries, ensuring that every aspect of your stay is tailored to your preferences.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious escape in the heart of the Rocky Mountains or Far Eastern adventure in Japan’s premier ski destination, these hotels offer the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and world-class amenities for an unforgettable ski holiday.