Where To Go For A Ski-Season Escape

Nestled in a valley at the foot of the mountains, Val d’Isère’s long runs make it one of Europe’s best resorts for intermediate and expert skiers. It arguably boasts the most impressive gastronomic offering, too. For a gourmet experience, Michelin-starred La Table de l’Ours is well-loved for its refined interpretations of seasonal ingredients. Loulou at Airelles is a recent addition that combines Italian flavors with alpine traditions, and is decorated with art by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Two other Italian eateries, Gigi at Le Refuge de Solaise and La Cucùcina by la Folie Douce Val d’Isère, are also well worth a visit.

Le K2 Chogori, the sister property to Courchevel 1850, opens for its second winter this December. The hotel overlooks the snowy peaks and bell tower of the Église Saint Bernard and houses Peruvian restaurant l’Altiplano 2.0. Not necessarily what you’d expect to eat on a skiing holiday, but the fresh, citrus-laced seafood dishes are a welcome change from typical ski stodge. Another jewel in the area is Airelles Val d’Isere. Sitting right on the edge of the piste, the hotel includes a Guerlain spa for some post-ski pampering.

Make fresh tracks in the snow on the tree-lined slopes and open bowls of Megève, a less-crowded alternative to France’s larger resorts. The cobbled streets of the medieval center are wonderful for evening strolls (or take a horse-drawn sleigh if your legs are sore from a day of skiing) – plus, there’s an open-air ice rink that’s popular with families. The mountain trails for walkers make it a smart choice for groups with non-skiers, too.

Renovated by interior-design studio Charles & Co, L’Alpaga is a charming hotel that feels almost village-like. Tucked away in a secluded hamlet with Mont Blanc on its doorstep, it’s an ideal winter haven for those who want a chic, luxurious stay with a touch of quaintness. The hotel’s two-Michelin-starred La Table is a refined dining option, while Le Bistrot de l’Alpaga is a more casual eatery that’s great for lunch.

Méribel’s picture-perfect landscape, dotted with wooden chalets, makes for a magical winter destination. The pretty French resort is large yet slightly sheltered, with around 150km of pistes ranging from 1,100 to 2,952 meters in elevation. This makes for a diverse skiing experience – freeriding, freestyling, snowboarding, cross-country, Nordic and downhill skiing are all possible here.

At the five-star Hotel Le Coucou, 55 spacious suites and two private chalets, both kitted out with a pool, steam room, sauna, treatment room, games room, ski room and fully fitted kitchen, make up the impressive accommodation. The hotel’s non-ski-based activities include igloo-building, snow yoga and boxing, forest hikes (on snowshoe or snowmobile), dog or pony sledding, hot-air balloon rides and paragliding. If you’d rather spend your time indoors, the Tata Harper Spa will help you de-stress and re-energize while you are utterly pampered with 100 percent organic treatments.

If you’re after a discreet ski holiday with world-class service and accommodation, the Austrian village of Lech is a fabulous option. With its high level of snowfall each year, Lech is one of Europe’s most snow-sure resorts. For foodie travelers, Lech and neighboring Zurs boast the world’s highest density of award-winning restaurants per capita, including lunch restaurants right on the slopes, with terraces overlooking the views. Two new ski lifts have recently opened, meaning you’ll find fewer crowds and queues, and greater capacity on the slopes.

Luxury boutique hotel Severin’s – The Alpine Retreat is a secluded and spacious mountain escape brimming with rustic charm. Design peaks include slate soaking tubs and Minotti furniture. For larger accommodations, ultra-luxury chalet operator Bramble Ski has properties sleeping up to 14 people, with ample space for après-ski entertainment.

Val Thorens hosts the highest resort in Europe, so you’re bound to return home a better skier. But there are gentle, gradual slopes, too, which are ideal for little ones, beginners and those wanting to take it easy. For the most adventurous, tons of off-piste terrain lies waiting to be explored. Christmas festivities are in full swing come December, with concerts, festive markets, fireworks and carol services all taking place in the atmospheric town center.

At the heart of the resort, two classic, well-loved hotels – Le Val Thorens (one of the resort’s very first hotels, dating back to the 1970s) and Le Fitz Roy – went through transformations during the pandemic pause and both have recently refurbished their spas. Le Fitz Roy’s pool has been carved out of the mountainside, and an open-air bar on the terrace has been designed to incorporate the ease of ski-in/ski-out accessibility. The restaurant has become a must-visit for lovers of fine dining, with Michelin-star chef José Bailly creating exquisite dishes.

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