Luxury Ski Holidays

There is something truly magical about escaping to the mountains during winter. Crisp alpine air, snow covered forests, charming villages and perfectly groomed pistes combine to create an unforgettable holiday experience that appeals to skiers, snowboarders and non-skiers alike. Whether you dream of carving your way down iconic slopes in the Alps, discovering the vast ski terrain of North America or relaxing in luxurious ski lodges surrounded by spectacular scenery, luxury ski holidays with Elegant Resorts offer the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and unmatched hospitality.

At Elegant Resorts, we understand that every luxury ski holiday should be as individual as the traveller taking it. That is why we specialise in creating completely tailor made ski holidays, designing every itinerary around your skiing ability, preferred destination, accommodation style and the experiences you would like to enjoy. From luxurious 5 star hotels and exclusive ski-in, ski-out resorts to elegant private chalets complete with personal chefs and concierge services, every aspect of your journey is carefully arranged to deliver a seamless and unforgettable ski holiday experience.

One of the greatest attractions of luxury skiing holidays is the incredible variety of destinations available to choose from. Europe remains home to some of the world's most iconic ski resorts, where centuries-old alpine villages combine with state-of-the-art lift systems and world leading hospitality. Countries including Switzerland, France, Austria and Italy have become synonymous with world-class skiing, offering an impressive choice of pistes suitable for every level of ability, from complete beginners to experienced off-piste enthusiasts.

The French Alps continue to attract skiers from around the world thanks to their extensive ski areas, reliable snowfall and outstanding ski resort facilities. Legendary destinations provide hundreds of kilometres of interconnected slopes, allowing visitors to explore breathtaking mountain scenery while enjoying some of Europe's finest skiing holiday experiences. Stylish mountain restaurants, luxury hotels and vibrant apres-ski scenes ensure every day continues long after the lifts have closed.

Switzerland offers a timeless sense of alpine elegance, where picturesque villages, spectacular mountain peaks and exceptional service create an atmosphere of refined luxury. Destinations such as Zermatt, St. Moritz and Verbier are internationally recognised for their outstanding skiing, luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants and exceptional accommodation. The breathtaking scenery provided by iconic peaks such as the Matterhorn ensures every moment spent in the Swiss Alps is unforgettable.

Austria perfectly balances traditional alpine charm with modern ski facilities. Cosy mountain huts, welcoming hospitality and welcoming village atmospheres make Austrian resorts particularly appealing for families and groups of friends. Many resorts also boast excellent ski schools, making Austria an ideal destination for beginners looking to develop their confidence under the guidance of experienced ski instructors.

Italy provides an altogether different skiing holiday experience, combining exceptional mountain scenery with renowned Italian cuisine, stylish accommodation and relaxed hospitality. The magnificent Dolomites, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer dramatic limestone peaks, extensive ski terrain and some of Europe's most scenic pistes. Skiers can spend their days exploring immaculate slopes before enjoying authentic Italian food and fine wines in elegant mountain restaurants.

For those wishing to travel further afield, North America presents equally exciting opportunities. Canada offers vast ski resorts renowned for their exceptional snow conditions, breathtaking wilderness and welcoming atmosphere. Wide-open pistes, tree-lined runs and powder-filled bowls create unforgettable experiences for skiers of all abilities, while luxury mountain lodges provide exceptional comfort after a day on the slopes. Resorts throughout British Columbia and Alberta also allow visitors to combine skiing with spectacular wildlife encounters, frozen lakes and dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery.

The United States is home to many of the world's most prestigious ski destinations, where luxury meets adventure in spectacular mountain settings. Ski resorts across Colorado, Utah and Wyoming offer perfectly groomed pistes, world-class lift systems and vibrant mountain towns filled with designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants and luxurious accommodation. Exceptional snowfall and varied terrain make North America an increasingly popular choice for travellers seeking bespoke skiing holidays beyond the bounds of Europe.

One of the greatest advantages of choosing tailor made ski holidays with Elegant Resorts is that every member of your travelling party can enjoy the holiday in their own personal style. While experienced skiers may wish to challenge themselves on advanced runs or explore off-piste terrain with expert mountain guides, beginners can benefit from outstanding tuition provided by highly regarded ski schools. Professional instructors offer both private and group lessons, allowing newcomers to develop their technique in a supportive and enjoyable environment. Younger children are equally well catered for through dedicated ski kindergartens and ski resort kids clubs, where they can safely learn new skills while making friends and building confidence on the slopes.

Of course, not everyone chooses a ski holiday purely for the skiing, and today's leading mountain resorts offer an extraordinary range of alternative winter activities. Snowshoeing through peaceful alpine forests provides a tranquil way to experience spectacular landscapes, while dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides and tobogganing create unforgettable family memories. Ice skating beneath snow-covered peaks, snowmobiling across frozen landscapes and ice climbing on natural waterfalls all offer exciting ways to experience winter beyond the ski slopes.

Many luxury resorts also provide exceptional wellness facilities that allow guests to completely unwind after a day of thrilling outdoor activities. Award-winning spas featuring heated indoor and outdoor pools, thermal suites, saunas, steam rooms and indulgent treatments are the perfect way to rest aching muscles after a day on the slopes. There are few pleasures quite like soaking in a heated outdoor pool while surrounded by snow-covered mountains as the sun sets over the alpine landscape, providing breathtaking vistas which won’t soon be forgotten.

Shopping enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy during luxury ski holidays. Many of Europe's most prestigious ski resorts feature elegant shopping streets lined with luxury boutiques showcasing internationally renowned designer brands alongside specialist sports retailers and artisan local producers. Whether browsing for the latest ski equipment, purchasing luxury fashion or selecting handcrafted souvenirs, mountain villages provide a wonderfully relaxed shopping experience.

Dining is another defining feature of any luxury ski holiday. Mountainside restaurants offer everything from traditional alpine cuisine served in cosy wooden chalets to Michelin-starred fine dining experiences overlooking spectacular snowy landscapes. Long, leisurely lunches on sunny terraces have become an integral part of the skiing experience, while evenings provide opportunities to enjoy exceptional cuisine accompanied by fine wines in cosy surroundings shielded from the cold outside.

As daylight fades, many ski resorts come alive with their famous apres-ski atmosphere. Stylish bars, cosy lounges and live entertainment venues welcome guests returning from the slopes, creating the perfect environment to raise a toast to another memorable day on the slopes. Whether you prefer sophisticated cocktail bars, live music, relaxed fireside lounges or vibrant nightlife, every ski resort offers its own distinctive atmosphere once the outdoor adventures have finished for the day.

Accommodation plays an equally important role in creating unforgettable bespoke ski holidays. Elegant Resorts offers a handpicked collection of luxurious mountain hotels, boutique alpine retreats and exclusive private ski chalets chosen for their exceptional service, outstanding locations and luxurious facilities. Many properties provide ski-in, ski-out access, allowing guests to step directly onto the slopes each morning. Other sought after features include private spas, gourmet restaurants, concierge services and beautifully designed hotel suites overlooking spectacular mountain scenery.

For larger families and groups of friends, private ski chalets offer unrivalled privacy and flexibility. Spacious living areas, roaring fireplaces, private chefs and dedicated chalet hosts create an inviting home-from-home feel where guests can relax together in privacy after another exhilarating day on the slopes. Every detail is designed to maximise comfort while delivering the personalised service that has become synonymous with Elegant Resorts luxury ski holidays.

Our experienced Luxury Travel Specialists possess extensive first-hand knowledge of many of the world's leading ski holiday destinations and will work closely with you to create an itinerary tailored to your exact requirements. Whether you're planning your very first skiing adventure, a family winter break, a romantic alpine retreat or an action-packed holiday with groups of friends, we take the time to understand what matters most to you before recommending the destinations, accommodation and experiences that perfectly match your hopes and expectations.

When you choose Elegant Resorts, you're choosing expertise, exceptional customer service and complete personalisation. Our bespoke ski holidays are designed entirely around you, ensuring every aspect of your journey is personalised from the moment you leave home until your return. Whether you're hoping to experience exhilarating skiing, luxurious spa relaxation, unforgettable family activities or simply want to behold the beauty of the mountains in winter, let Elegant Resorts create the perfect tailor made ski holidays that combine world-class skiing with exceptional accommodation, first class customer service and unforgettable activities.

FAQ

Why book a ski holiday in the first place?expand_more

If you have never enjoyed a ski holiday, it may all seem quite daunting and there are so many things to think about – equipment, clothing lessons and passes. Here at Elegant Resorts, we aim to ease the pressure and guide our clients through the booking process, making it as pain free as possible. Once you’ve experienced the beautiful mountain scenery and got to grips with the contradictory relaxing by being active, we’re sure you’ll be as hooked as our Luxury Ski Consultants.

Chalet or hotel?expand_more

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or travelling with a large group, perhaps you just like lots of personal space and attention-to-detail, but you want a unique ski experience that provides a little something extra, we recommend you book one of our luxury chalets, all of which offer a host of opulent facilities for your convenience.

Which resort is the right one for me?expand_more

Our ski resorts vary in atmosphere, size, scenery and ski ability, so dependent on what you’re looking for, do let our Luxury Ski Consultants help you find a resort to suit your needs. Some resorts have a traditional ambience, complete with horse-drawn carriages and boutique shops, which is great for non-skiers, whereas some are purely for the seasoned ‘ski nut’. If après ski is high on your agenda, we can recommend resorts with great bars, live music and late-night fun. Alternatively, if you have children, we can find you somewhere that offers ice-skating or ski kindergartens.

How far are the hotels / chalets from the skiing area?expand_more

This varies depending on which resort or type of accommodation you choose. Some hotels are located directly on the ski slopes (ski-in/ski-out), so you can pop your skis on at the door and off you go. This is fine if you can already ski, but if you are a beginner, part of a group in ski school or dropping the children off for a lesson, it may be easier if your accommodation is in the village – from where it’s just a few minutes’ walk to/from your arranged meeting points. If you choose to stay in a hotel that is situated outside of the village, you’ll find they usually offer a complementary shuttle service – in fact, our luxury chalets offer a chauffeur service, dropping off and collecting guests at the start and end of their ski day.

Do you offer ski packs?expand_more

Elegant Resorts does not offer ski packs for one main reason – flexibility. We prefer to offer a range of options in terms of ski schools, making sure we find a school that suits the individual’s needs. We have also found it is not always necessary to pre-book ski passes and ski equipment rental in advance. If we feel you do need to pre-book (maybe you are in a large group or travelling during a very busy period), we will let you know and assist with any advance booking arrangements.

Can I pre-book lift passes?expand_more

In our European ski resorts, many of our featured hotels provide lift passes in house and will offer them to you at check-in, sometimes placing the cost on your room bill to be settled on check-out. In the USA and Canada, however, we have found that pre-booking can save you money, so we will assist you in making these arrangements, as required.

Can I pre-book ski equipment?expand_more

We usually suggest making all of your rental arrangements in resort, as equipment really needs to be tried on and fitted by a professional, which cannot be done in advance. All of our resorts offer plenty of first-class rental shops and the hotel concierge can assist you with these arrangements and make more appropriate recommendations. We suggest that you arrange your rentals immediately, upon arrival at the resort, so you are ready to hit the slopes first thing the next morning. We can arrange private fittings for those clients booked into a luxury chalet.

Can I take my family skiing?expand_more

Yes, of course! Many of our hotels offer interconnecting or family guest rooms. Some hotels offer children’s play rooms and each resort has a children’s ski school. Babysitters are available on request. Feel free to call our Luxury Travel Specialists for suggestions and recommendations.

What childcare is on offer?expand_more

Depending on the age and needs of your children, we can arrange (through your hotel) for the services of private nannies (select resorts only) and babysitters, or book them into recommended ski schools and ski kindergartens.

At what age can children join ski school?expand_more

It depends on the ski school, but more often than not, from 4 years of age. If you would like your child to learn at a younger age, you can hire a private instructor – if you choose this option, we recommend that you schedule classes that last no longer than a couple of hours at a time. Alternatively, they can join a ski kindergarten where the emphasis is on fun i.e. playing in the snow, rather than having structured lessons.

Do I need to pre-book ski lessons?expand_more

Yes, especially during the main school holiday periods (Christmas and New Year, February half term and Easter) and especially if you’ve opted to book a private instructor. We recommend booking lessons / instructors when your holiday has been confirmed. If you are booking a last minute ski holiday, please bear in mind you will need to make sure there is space in the ski school, if you require lessons.

Are there minimum stay requirements?expand_more

During peak times - especially at Christmas and New Year - there is usually a minimum stay of between 7 and 14 nights. It is not possible to book weekend breaks during this time and during half term and Easter most hotels require 7 nights, from weekend to weekend. Obviously, outside these peak times hotels are more flexible.

Do you offer private transfers?expand_more

Yes, we only offer private vehicle transfers - no shared coach transfers.

Do you offer rail transfers?expand_more

We can arrange first class rail transfers within Switzerland, as Geneva and Zurich Airports have their own train stations. We recommend purchasing a transfer ticket that will allow you to travel on any train from your arrival airport to your Swiss ski resort. We can also arrange the fly-rail baggage tickets, which allow you to check your luggage in from any UK airport. After which, you don’t have to worry about it until it arrives at the train station of your chosen ski resort.

Can I book a two-centre or three-centre ski holiday?expand_more

Yes, it is easier to do this in Switzerland as the rail network is so good at making the transfers between resorts easy and enjoyable. Alternatively, we can offer ski and sun holidays, for example, combining a ski holiday in the USA with the Caribbean, or perhaps a Canada holiday that combines skiing in Whistler, along with a city break in Vancouver.

Can I take my own ski equipment with me?expand_more

Yes, initially your quote will include just one standard check-in bag per person, but we can quote on supplements for carriage of skis, snowboards etc. as required.

As a non-skier, what can I do?expand_more

When the sun shines in the mountains (even in the winter), many people enjoy soaking up the rays (remembering sunscreen, of course), and there are always spa treatments and the wellness facilities in your chosen hotel to enjoy. Many of our featured resorts offer hiking trails, ice-skating or cross-country skiing. The simple pleasure of taking a cable-car to the top of a mountain and enjoying lunch in one of the many excellent mountain restaurants is usually sufficient for a non-skier to feel enough of those chilly thrills an exciting ski holiday can provide.