Now that you know where to go for the Christmas Markets in Europe and where to ring in 2022 in style from big city breaks to island getaways, here is our top destinations for a ski or snowboarding adventure and the idyllic chalets and hotels from Courchevel to Colorado where you can live out your winter fantasy by the fire or on the slopes.
European Elegance
Part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, L’Apogée Courchevel is located in the heart of Courchevel’s picturesque Jardin Alpin, at the very top of the former Olympic ski jump. The ski-in/ski-out, 55-bedroom hotel is one of Europe’s most stylish and romantic Alpine retreats. Each of the spacious suites is designed as a mini-chalet offering spectacular views from the under-floor-heated balcony.
There are also five-bedroom chalets and a four-bedroom Penthouse. The Chalet L’Alpensia, is spread over five floors and is directly connected to the hotel, with spectacular mountain view of the famous 3 Vallées and sleeps up to 11 people. It also has a spa, home cinema, a butler and private chef (on request) All the exclusive services of L’Apogée Courchevel – with its swimming pool, spa, boutiques and restaurants – are steps away, and there is a private conveyor belt to whisk guests straight back from the chalet’s neighboring 600km of piste.
In the heart of the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Elmau is one of the most luxurious spa resorts in Europe. If you’re looking for that picture-postcard backdrop, framed by the snow-capped Alps, the winter season is an ideal time to visit. And there is plenty of winter sports, including skiing and snowshoeing, sleigh rides, dog-sledding, a ski-safari, and holiday-themed culinary experiences spread over five restaurants.
If you’d rather stay in by the fire, they also hold the largest bookstore in any hotel in Germany. There are also six separate, lavish spas (including a health spa with traditional Chinese medicine and advanced therapies) and outdoor pools heated year-round, allowing for outdoor swimming in the winter.
Colorado Rockies
East West Hospitality manages more than 3,400 distinct residences and luxury vacation rentals for extended stays in Colorado, California and Hawaii but its newest collection of homes are located in the iconic ski town of Aspen.
One Beaver Creek holds one of the most distinguished properties in the portfolio, Residence 54, located in the heart of Beaver Creek Village, has been completely renovated with direct elevator access, gas fireplaces, and a chef’s kitchen. The four bedrooms property has great views of the slopes and Centennial gondola lift from the heated balcony with Sabre gas BBQ grill.
Solaris Residences in Vail, Colorado is a penthouse residence located in Vail Village. Standouts here include the cathedral ceilings, stone-clad gas fireplace, custom bar, and epicurean kitchen finished with Gaggenau, Miele and Wolfe appliances, along with a dining table for 10. Additional features include four guest suites and unobstructed, panoramic views of Gore Range and Vail Mountain from the sprawling, wrap-around terrace. Near the property is an on-site Matsuhisa Vailrestaurant, a private spa, indoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour fitness center, and personalized assistants.
Big Sky Fans
So, the ski season in Big Sky just got better with new flight routes from United Airlines and high-tech chairlifts, and you can now stay at the brand-new luxury resort, Montage Big Sky. Here skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of the five-star ski-in, ski-out resort, Montage Big Sky surrounded by Montana’s rugged mountain beauty. For those who don’t want to hit the slopes, the property features six inspired dining venues – from the upscale Cortina, an elegant signature restaurant, to the Beartooth Pub & Rec, a dining and recreation destination where wood-fired pizzas, classic pub fare and local craft beers are complemented by bowling, classic arcade games and darts, and The Living Room, a lounge featuring bourbon high-tea service and a roaming raclette and champagne cart during après hour. Other amenities include an indoor lap pool, family swimming pool, fitness center and signature Spa Montage.
For Heli-Skiers
As the largest ski area in the United States, Park City, Utah boasts more than 9,500 skiable acres filled with famously light Utah powder. With a coveted location atop Empire Pass, Montage Deer Valley is a great spot to perch in the area. Just steps from the slopes, you can’t beat the location and the ski-in/ski-out accessibility as well as the abundance of Deer Valley Resort’s trails, ranging from novice runs like Bandana and Lucky Jack to the white-knuckled steepness of the Daly Bowl.
For a fun activity on the property, the resort holds a snow tubing park, Powder Park, complete with a magic carpet feature. New this winter through Montage International’s partnership with Adventure IO, thrill-seekers can book a private heli-ski excursion led by professional freeskier, Mitchell Brower, go backcountry snowmobiling to explore the nearly one million acres of wide-open terrain, try Master Naturalist Snowshoeing or Fly Fishing.
After a day of snowy adventures, kick-back at the Alpenglobes at Vista Lounge, a cozy private dining option overlooking stunning views of the valley from the terrace. These enclosed, climate-controlled enclaves allow for groups of up to 8 guests to dine with reservation times available at 3pm, 5:30pm, 8pm daily.
On Any Budget
According to a recent holiday and winter travel survey by Vacasa, conducted with Allison + Partners Research, 61% of respondents said they’re planning a ski/snowboard trip that was previously postponed due to COVID and other factors.
Vacasa, the nation’s leading vacation rental management platform (with homes also available on websites like Airbnb, VRBO) and over 100 other booking platforms also experienced a 50% increase in Tahoe area reservations (10/25-10/29), compared to two weeks prior (10/11-10/15), after reports of snowfall—showing that demand for ski season is stronger than ever and people are ready to book trips.
Top splurge-worthy destinations include Whistler, British Colombia, Big Sky, Montana and Park City, Utah. Budget-friendly spots are Breckenridge, Colorado, Sugar Mountain, North Carolina and Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
According to the Vacasa survey, when planning upcoming ski getaways, travelers are most interested in:
- Affordability (51%)
- Convenience/access to slopes (48%)
- Variety of terrains (44%)
- Exploring new places (34%)
For those who are interested in using accumulated points, Vacasa homes can also be booked with points throughWyndham Rewards (calculated at 15,000 per bedroom in the vacation rental/per night) and select homes are available to book with Marriott Bonvoy points.
