Luxury Ski Resorts 2024-2025
In many parts of the world, the ski season begins in November, even if we are still getting used to fall. We’re sharing some of our top ski spots this week so you can take advantage of the slopes, views of the winter wonderland, first-rate facilities, and fine eating.
Niseko, Japan
Niseko is currently our #1 pick in Japan. Ski enthusiasts must visit Niseko, which is well-known for its superb snow, breathtaking scenery, thrilling ski runs, and fine dining. Although there are several great hotels in the area, we particularly enjoy Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Zaborin for opulent lodging. The Ritz Carlton Reserve hotel has all the amenities and comforts you would expect from a Ritz-Carlton establishment, including breathtaking vistas and a variety of dining options. Large private villas with amazing views and facilities are available in Zaborin. Each villa has two separate onsens with hot, natural spring water—one indoors and one outdoors. Both Japanese and Western styles of sleeping arrangements are available in the villas.
Iceland’s Troll Peninsula
Enjoy amazing skiing, views of the Northern Lights, a geo-thermally heated indoor/outdoor pool with swim-up bar, spa amenities including Isopod flotation tanks, a billiards area, hot tubs, several saunas, and more when you reserve a room at the opulent and cozy Eleven Deplar Farm. On-site activities include cross-country skiing, hiking, fat biking, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and whale viewing. This restaurant offers sophisticated interpretations of classic Icelandic dishes, all prepared with products from nearby farms.
Aspen, Colorado
A stay at The Little Nell is a must-do while visiting Aspen. Make reservations for one of the mountain view suites for a shorter stay; they are roomy and have a steam shower, a Jacuzzi, a minbar and bar area, a gas log fireplace, and heated bathroom floors. We adore the Paepcke Suite for a longer stay. The 2,500-square-foot property boasts two fireplaces, a kitchenette, a dining room for six, and a private balcony with breathtaking views. Make reservations for a chef-paired wine dinner or private wine tasting while you’re there; the hotel’s wine vault has over 20,000 wines and dozens of sommeliers on staff. Element 47, the on-site restaurant, is great; begin the evening with a flight of caviar and champagne before indulging on grilled octopus, kale truffle cavatelli, and
Whistler, Canada
We love to reserve The Townhouse, a 1,825 square foot space that can accommodate up to 6 adults or 4 adults and 4 children, even though The Four Seasons in Whistler offers great rooms and suites for parties of all sizes. It has breathtaking views of the mountains, a kitchen, a dining room for six, a refrigerated bar, and a private whirlpool on the balcony. For good reason, Araxi is the first place that most people think of when they think of excellent dining in Whistler; for more than a decade, the restaurant and cocktail bar has been crowned the Best place in Whistler. Although there is a lot of seafood on the menu, we would share the Two Tier Seafood Tower here, followed by sunchoke soup and either the red deer venison loin or mountain trout.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Reserve a room at The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, a historic hotel that opened in 1879 and offers the ideal fusion of contemporary luxury and historic beauty. Since there are no cars in Zermatt, the hotel provides an electric bus or horse-drawn carriage pickup at the station (make sure to reserve in advance). We advise making a reservation for one of the wood-paneled luxury suites, many of which have jacuzzis, fireplaces, and unmatched Matterhorn views. Along with a number of great restaurants and bars, the hotel has a luxurious spa. Our favorite is Prato Borni, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a rotating tasting menu of decadent delicacies like foie gras, quail breast, and bouillabaisse. We adore Capri within the Mont for a fine dining experience in Zermatt with a la carte selections.