Three excellent destinations with luxury accommodation and great snow. All ideal for your ski holiday this winter. And no, we’re not talking about Courchevel like everybody else. These are three great options for people who go on a ski holiday to go skiing, not shopping.
Val Thorens, France
The highest ski resort in Europe, with extensive slopes for all abilities plus the convenience of ski-in ski-out resorts and chalets.
Val Thorens sits at 2300 metres, in a vast snowy bowl that’s part of the Three Valleys network. The slopes link seamlessly to Meribel and down to Courchevel, so there’s a lot to entertain all levels of skier and snowboarder in the French Alps. You can ski above, below, besides and even through the village of Val Thorens.
Val Thorens has moved upmarket in recent years and there’s an expanding collection of smart and stylish ski-in ski-out accommodations.
Our favourite choice is Pashmina Le Refuge, a wonderful choice for people who want to focus on skiing rather than anything else. While it’s a touch simpler than the decadence of nearby Courchevel, there’s still a one-star Michelin restaurant and very spacious suites.
Pashmina Le Refuge has eight chalets, which can each accommodate up to ten guests. For something different, spend a night in the Igloo Pod with its ceiling open to the sky. There’s no Wi-Fi or television, just a wood fire and the sounds of nature.
Solden, Austria
Solden in Austria is driveable from the Czech Republic, approximately seven hours from Prague. Or it’s only a 1h15 transfer from Innsbruck.
Solden offers a brilliant variety of ski terrain spread over several connecting mountains and two glaciers. It’s fantastic for intermediate skiers and experts will find good off-piste sections.
This traditional ski resort has a lively apres-ski scene and plenty of charms. Like Val Thorens, the main two highlights are the quality of the snow and the variety of skiing and boarding. We recommend staying at Das Central.
Das Central is nothing short of brilliant. Refined cuisine, accommodation and amenities make this a snow-sure ski resort of special distinction, truly one of the best luxury hotels across the Alps.
Did you know that parts of James Bond Spectre were shot at Das Central? Stay here and you’ll also discover a three-level spa, 30,000 bottle wine vault and views in every direction. For Bond, don’t miss 007 Elements, a cinematic installation spread across nine galleries on Gaislachkogl Mountain.
Crans-Montana, Switzerland
For 2022-2023 in Switzerland try Crans-Montana, an upcoming destination that’s quickly become just as fashionable as nearby Verbier.
Designer boutiques, fabulous chalets, ski-in ski-out hotels and a new gastronomy scene. Trendy Crans and quieter Montana offer a mix of great skiing, contemporary luxury and wellness.
From Crans-Montana you’ll enjoy the best panorama anywhere in the Alps, from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. The 140 kilometres of slopes are best suited to intermediates and beginners, but there is deep off-piste snow and the challenging La Toula for advanced skiers.
We have three great accommodations to recommend.
Le Crans Hotel & Spa is an excellent ski-in ski-out option away from the town, perfect for busy days on the slopes and relaxed evenings.
Six Senses Crans-Montana will open in February 2023. We’ve seen a sneak peak and it’s a classic Six Senses property, with a focus on spa and wellness, with a very clean and contemporary design.
Ultima Crans-Montana is a prestigious ski-in ski-out option, highly refined with absolute privacy. There are two exclusive-use private chalets, private chefs, heated outdoor swimming pool and a 1,000 square metre spa.
Crans-Montana is a two-hour transfer from Geneva or a 10 to 11-hour drive from the Czech Republic. Use Sion Airport when you arrive by private jet, which is only 20 kilometres outside Crans.
An alternative is Andermatt, another of the hot new ski destinations in Switzerland, somewhere we recommended for the 2021-2022 season after its USD 164 million investment in new ski lifts and the newly opened Chedi Andermatt.
Ready to Ski?
Where Will You Ski this Winter?
Where are you thinking of for your winter ski holiday? We can advise you on destinations all around the Alps, including famous Courchevel of course. These are just three ideas when you want to try somewhere new.
And if winter sun is more your idea of a holiday, check out these upcoming island destinations as well.
Every year we go to explore hundreds of new destinations and hotels. So we don’t just advise you on the best known and best selling holidays. We help you experience something new.
