The Mountain Edit | Europe Edition
As winter unfolds and the snow blankets the world’s great mountain ranges, a handful of ski destinations stand out not just for their slopes, but for their unforgettable experiences, their heritage, and the way they define luxury winter travel today. From fairytale palaces to bold modern sanctuaries and intimate alpine hideaways, our selection represents the pinnacle of ski-season sophistication in 2026.
Badrutt’s Palace — St. Moritz, Switzerland
A name that evokes alpine glamour itself, Badrutt’s Palace has been an icon of the Swiss Alps since 1896. Here, historic grandeur meets contemporary luxury in the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz, a playground for ski aficionados, society figures, and world-class travelers alike. The hotel continues to earn global accolades and has recently been recognised on The World’s 50 Best Hotels extended list, highlighting its enduring prestige.
Though not strictly ski-in ski-out, Badrutt’s unparalleled service, elegant rooms, and prime position near Corviglia and Corvatsch skiing make it the heart of St. Moritz’s winter life, from piste adventures to Michelin-level dining and legendary après-ski.
Les Airelles — Courchevel 1850, France
In the legendary French Alps, Les Airelles is luxury elevated to mythic proportions: a Palace hotel that feels like a fairytale castle perched in the Jardin Alpin district of Courchevel 1850. With Austro-Hungarian-inspired architecture, hand-painted interiors, and direct access to the world’s largest interconnected ski area, it’s a quintessential choice for those who want every element of their alpine escape to be exceptional.
Guests enjoy slope-side convenience, lavish rooms and suites, a La Mer spa, multiple gourmet restaurants, and experiences ranging from ice skating to husky rides. Whether you’re a family with children or a couple seeking romance, Les Airelles blends opulent style with genuine mountain charm.
Experimental Chalet — Verbier, Switzerland
For travelers who seek something less traditional but equally iconic, Experimental Chalet Verbier brings a fresh, design-driven sensibility to the Swiss Alps. Nestled in the high-energy resort of Verbier, this boutique hotel merges Alpine coziness with contemporary flair, offering 39 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, some with private jacuzzis or panoramic mountain views.
Here, après-ski culture and chic hospitality are front and centre: from mountain cuisine at St Bernard to craft cocktails at the Experimental Cocktail Club, and a spa to soothe muscles after a day on the legendary slopes. It’s a perfect blend of refined adventure and social vibrancy.
Aman Rosa Alpina — Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites have long been revered by skiers and mountain lovers alike, and the newly reimagined Aman Rosa Alpina (reopened under the Aman brand after an extensive redesign) now stands as one of the region’s most exciting luxury destinations. Set in the charming village of San Cassiano and overlooking UNESCO-listed peaks, the resort seamlessly melds Alpine heritage with Aman’s signature minimalist refinement.
With elevated dining venues, a multi-level spa featuring indoor and outdoor pools, and access to the vast Dolomiti Superski domain, Aman Rosa Alpina is a sanctuary for both winter adventurers and those who seek high-end comfort and serenity after a day on the slopes.
The Chedi Andermatt — Andermatt, Switzerland
A standout in central Switzerland, The Chedi Andermatt redefines modern mountain elegance with its sleek fusion of Alpine tradition and Asian influence. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, a spa and wellness center of impressive scale, and Michelin-quality dining that makes après-ski just as memorable as the slopes themselves.
Positioned in the rapidly growing Andermatt ski area, now connected with nearby peaks and offering terrain for all levels, The Chedi’s attentive service, panoramic views, and refined design make it one of the most desirable ski boltholes in Switzerland.
Refuge de la Traye — Méribel, France
For a more intimate and immersive mountain experience, Refuge de la Traye in Méribel offers a singular mix of authenticity and upscale comfort. Set amidst the forests of Les Trois Vallées, this boutique retreat blends traditional alpine charm with modern wellness, complete with a spa featuring hammam and outdoor jacuzzi, farm-to-table dining, and activities from snowshoeing to archery.
Smaller and more secluded than many grand hotels, Refuge de la Traye is perfect for those who prize peace, nature, and genuine mountain spirit alongside exceptional hospitality.
Le Crans Hotel & Spa — Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Perched amid the stunning plateau of Crans-Montana, Le Crans Hotel & Spa is a refined Alpine retreat combining panoramic mountain views with Michelin-starred cuisine and world-class wellness. Called one of the premier luxury mountain stays in the Valais, the hotel features elegant rooms, a celebrated spa, and proximity to the slopes and lifts that define this sunny Swiss ski region.
Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet experience at its signature restaurant, taking in the views from a heated outdoor pool, or exploring Crans-Montana’s expansive ski terrain, Le Crans strikes a perfect balance of tranquility and Alpine splendor.
Chalet Cheval Blanc — Courchevel, France
No tour of iconic ski retreats would be complete without a nod to Chalet Cheval Blanc Courchevel. As part of one of the most prestigious hotel collections in the Alps, this exclusive private chalet offers a level of privacy and personalization that’s rare even among luxury properties.
Ideal for families or groups seeking a true home on the slopes, Chalet Cheval Blanc features multiple living areas, spa facilities, and direct ski-in/ski-out access tied to Courchevel’s world-class piste network. Its combination of elegant design, expansive space, and tailored service elevates the notion of a ski retreat to pure indulgence.