Europe is home to the best ski resorts in the world. I don’t think there are many people who would argue with that statement, either. It’s down to the perfect marriage of the Alps, the weather, and the Alpine culture and so without further ado here are the most exclusive, glamourous, and luxurious ski resorts in the whole world.
Klosters
Starting off in Switzerland, perhaps the hottest (so to speak) skiing destination in the world. My pick of the best that Switzerland has to offer is Klosters, partly due to it being a magnet for British Royalty. Prince Charles notably frequents these slopes, along with his two boys, Prince William and Prince Harry. Famously, Klosters is where the paparazzi first got a snap of Will and Kate smooching under the falling snow (yes, I know it wasn’t actually snowing, but it’s more romantic, so shush).
A large part of the joy of skiing is the après ski and there aren’t many places that are better for that than the Casa Antica nightclub, which was a favourite of Princess Di. Finally, to complete your royal visit, you must stay at the Walserhof Hotel, frequented by the aforementioned future King Charles III … if you can afford it, that is.
Courchevel 1850
Perhaps the most famous and sort after ski resort by the famous. When visiting this particular ski resort (which is only for the good skiers of the world) you will bump into 10 different celebrities a day, but what’s great about the Courchevel 1850 in France is the fact that although it’s brimming with celebrities it’s not so exclusive that the everyday man on the street would feel unwelcome.
I mean, it’s not as if France is lacking for incredible ski resorts – just check out iGOSki for a list of other great ones – so if you didn’t feeling like bumping shoulders with George Clooney, then there are other places to go (some, just as nice … maybe).
Cortina
Italy may have many decent ski resorts, but none come close to the class that is exuded from Cortina. Cortina is the most relaxed ski resort in Europe, where the majority of Italians go to ski briefly in the morning and then settle down for an après ski lunch that lasts for hours before getting cosy near the fire and drinking and chatting until the early hours of the morning.
So, if you like the idea of skiing without the skiing bit, then Cortina is for you, especially with its array of fantastic restaurants and shops that seem like they were plucked straight from Milan.
Lech and Zürs
I’m sorry for cheating and picking two from the same country, but these two Austrian resorts are so close that most people treat them as one anyway. Both of them are two of the most exclusive resorts in the world so combine them together and you get an utter juggernaut of luxury and glamour. Together there are ten, five star hotels and nearly eighty, four stars.
This place doesn’t just attract the celebrities for its sheer extravagance alone, no – the skiing here is second to none in Austria. The slopes are expertly maintained and the area boasts something for everyone. If you’ve got the cash, then there is nowhere better than here.
