In The Know: The Hottest European Ski Escapes

Austria’s Ehrwald may not yet have the international recognition of Courchevel or St. Moritz, but that is part of its appeal. You’d be among the first wave to experience it in this newly luxurious era, which as we all know, is serious currency. Within the dramatic Wetterstein mountains, close to Germany’s mighty Zugspitze, this picturesque Tyrolean village offers magnificent scenery and an elemental approach to alpine luxury. There are no designer shopping parades or fizz-spraying après-ski crowds, because the emphasis is on clean air, pristine landscapes and extraordinary access to the mountains. For well-traveled and skilled skiers seeking somewhere genuinely different, Ehrwald is really worth a look.

Where to stay

Accessible only by cable car, the extraordinary nine-suite Eriro sits at 1,550 meters. Inside, tree-trunk bathtubs, sculptural timber furnishings and handcrafted details celebrate Tyrolean artisanship. Outside, guided snowshoe expeditions and moonlit hikes are all options. The incredible spa features spruce-wood saunas and a meditation pool, while chef Alexander Thoss creates beauty from locally sourced alpine ingredients. For the ultimate private escape, the entire property can be reserved exclusively.

What to pack

Keep things understated with a Polo Ralph Lauren knit and black ski pants by We Norwegians, balancing classic winter style with a clean, functional silhouette. Gucci goggles and Moon Boot après-ski snow boots add a distinctive edge without compromising the relaxed spirit of this quieter alpine escape.

In much-chronicled Courchevel 1850, not only is the snow pristine, but the shopping rivals Paris’s Avenue Montaigne – and who wouldn’t want to combine those two excellent pursuits in the same vacation? The highest and most exclusive of Courchevel’s villages has been a magnet for royalty, billionaires and the international jet set for over 80 years, with designer boutiques, Michelin-starred dining and palatial chalets taking up some of the most desirable real estate in the French Alps. Its position within Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area, means that the ski runs are just as exceptional as the social scene.

Where to stay

The recently opened Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin is already one of this season’s most desirable stays. Its 51 rooms and suites meld the sort of cool, sumptuous interiors that the Rosewood group is famous for, with ski-in, ski-out access, while Olafur Eliasson’s sculptural installations give the lobby mesmerizing artistic credentials. This winter sees Augustinus Bader treatments come to Asaya Spa and delicious Japanese creations at Salto’s new raw bar.

What to pack

A Gucci quilted jacket sets the tone, layered over a Dries Van Noten knit for a more fashion-forward take on alpine dressing. Complete the look with Miu Miu Eyewear sunglasses for a chic finish that carries effortlessly from the slopes to après-ski.

The undisputed queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo has been an Italian society favorite since the days of Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and the other Golden Age film stars who descended on its streets. Having co-hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics, the resort is enjoying a fresh moment in the spotlight. Its Unesco-listed mountain scenery is very special, but so is the passeggiata along Corso Italia, where little boutiques and cafés make wandering around an equally valid pastime. For those who favor a bit of Italian sprezzatura over French extravagance, Cortina is cosmopolitan and chic.

Where to stay

The intimate Rosapetra Spa Resort is famous for its exceptional spa, heated indoor pool and dramatic Dolomite views. Alternatively, the imminently opening Le Graal will make for a stunning new entry to Cortina’s hotel scene, with architect Achille Salvagni transforming a 1920s palazzo into an intimate 30-room retreat, including 13 suites. Both are superb options for a vacation full of terrific slopes, languid evenings over fine Italian food and popping into the Corso Italia.

What to pack

Embrace Italian glamour with a coordinated ski jacket and pants by Cordova, a polished alternative to traditional technical layers. An Yves Salomon shearling headband adds a touch of old Hollywood style, while oversized sunglasses are non-negotiable.

Val d’Isère is another historical gem, but much of its charm was defined in the 1960s by local ski icon Jean-Claude Killy. With windswept hair, French style, effortless swagger, a brand deal with Moët & Chandon and the invention of a technique we now call ‘carving’, the triple Olympic gold medalist was the Nouvelle Vague of the slopes. Today, that marriage of sporting prowess with committed hedonism is Val d’Isère’s calling card. Come for world-class skiing, Michelin-starred dining and the famously riotous La Folie Douce après scene.

Where to stay

For slopeside splendor, Airelles Val d’Isère is full of palatial Savoyard interiors, Matsuhisa dining and a Guerlain Spa. For something newer and more extraordinary, Le Refuge de Solaise occupies a former cable-car station at 2,551 meters. Once the final gondola descends, guests are left gloriously alone above the resort, with a swimming pool, spa and spectacular mountain panoramas. It is an incredible opportunity for views and serenity without the crowds, at serious elevation.

What to pack

For serious days on the mountain, a We Norwegians ski suit delivers a sleek balance of function and form. A shearling hat by Nour Hammour brings texture and polish from the slopes to après-ski, while Chloé’s oversized sunglasses lend the look a distinctly French finish.

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