Courchevel 1850, France
Courchevel 1850 remains the gold standard of alpine luxury. Part of the vast Les Trois Vallées ski area, it offers high-altitude snow reliability, and access to over 600km of pistes. But it’s off the slopes where Courchevel truly shines with palatial hotels such as Cheval Blanc and Airelles, private ski butlers, and a dining scene that rivals Paris, including multiple Michelin-starred restaurants. January and February bring prime snow conditions, while March offers sunnier days without sacrificing quality. Add designer boutiques, exclusive nightspots, and immaculate service, and Courchevel 1850 delivers a ski experience that is as polished as it is exhilarating.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is synonymous with alpine glamour. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and a legendary social scene, this Swiss icon attracts royalty, creatives, and jet-set travellers alike. January and February offer crisp conditions across Corviglia and Diavolezza, while March skiing is elevated by blue skies and sun-drenched lunches on panoramic terraces. The town’s luxury hotels, including Badrutt’s Palace and Kulm, are destinations in themselves, hosting champagne bars, grand spas, and historic dining rooms. From frozen lake polo to high-fashion pop-ups, St. Moritz blends sport, style, and society like nowhere else in the Alps.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt offers a quieter, more refined form of luxury, framed by the unmistakable silhouette of the Matterhorn. Car-free and effortlessly elegant, the resort is known for its long ski season, with excellent conditions stretching well into March thanks to its altitude and glacier access. Skiers enjoy varied terrain, while non-skiers gravitate toward Zermatt’s exceptional gastronomy, including the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Switzerland. Wellness is central here, with many hotels offering expansive spas overlooking snow-covered peaks. Zermatt appeals to those who value understated sophistication, slow luxury, and scenery that feels almost cinematic.
Aspen, United States
Further afield, Aspen combines serious skiing with a distinctly cosmopolitan energy. Spread across four mountains, it caters to all levels, while maintaining a reputation for expert terrain and immaculate facilities. January brings prime powder days, while March offers longer daylight hours and a lively cultural calendar. Beyond the slopes, Aspen excels in luxury retail, art galleries, and acclaimed dining, alongside some of the most prestigious hotels and private residences in North America. Wellness, culture, and social life are woven seamlessly into the experience, making Aspen as appealing to creatives and tastemakers as it is to seasoned skiers.
Lech Zürs, Austria
Lech Zürs is the epitome of discreet alpine refinement. Favoured by European royalty and those who prefer privacy over spectacle, the resort delivers exceptional snow quality thanks to its location in the Arlberg region, one of Austria’s most reliable areas well into March. Luxury here is subtle: family-run five-star hotels, impeccable service, and a strong focus on wellness and cuisine. Skiing is extensive and uncrowded, while evenings are calm, cosy, and refined. Lech Zürs is ideal for travellers seeking a polished, intimate ski escape with a strong sense of tradition and authenticity.
Niseko, Japan
For something truly different, Niseko offers a luxury ski experience defined by deep powder, minimalist design, and exceptional hospitality. January and February are renowned for light, dry snowfall, while March brings quieter slopes and softer conditions without losing its magic. High-end chalets and boutique hotels blend Japanese aesthetics with international comfort, while the region’s onsens provide restorative rituals after long ski days. Dining ranges from refined Japanese cuisine to contemporary global concepts. Niseko’s appeal lies in its contrast: raw natural beauty paired with thoughtful luxury, making it one of the most compelling ski destinations in the world.
