Boundless snow. High altitude air. Puffy jackets. And a new quiver of skis or snowboards to test your mettle on the mountain. We know you can’t wait for ski season. Ready to tackle the slopes? Here’s where we’re going this year.
In Switzerland
Be among the first to experience Switzerland’s newest ski sensation, a sublime back country lodge for freeriders in the canton Valais, perched high above the tony resort town of Verbier. Built to please design buffs as well as snow enthusiasts, the exclusive-use three bedroom Cabane Tortin manifests spellbinding work by award-winning architect Snorre Stinessen. With references to the surrounding mountain range, the sustainable Scandi-intoned villa features uniquely cantilevered windows. Complete with staff, including a chef, the ski-in/ski-out residence opens directly to the edge of a glacier, awash with vertical chutes, mogul-peppered steeps and un-groomed terrain. Photo Credit – Albrecht Voss:
In Colorado
Glitterati-teeming Aspen draws as many serious shredders as apres ski partiers, happy to show up at day’s end to celebrate their friends’ victories over the mountain. A one time silver boom town turned see-and-be-seen mecca for social networkers and the haute monde, Aspen, textured with its multiplicity of restored Victorian buildings and downtown ski mountain, never disappoints. Just minutes from the slopes, historic Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, makes for an atmospheric and lavishly cozy stay. Lorded over by cowboy clad doormen, the hotel, ensconced in an opulently restored 1889 structure, steeped in captivating artistic detail and decor, ensures a pampered stay. Book the Presidential Suite for its Aspen Mountain vistas—and don’t miss First Tracks, a ski down Aspen Mountain before the gondola opens for other skiers.
In Chile
For gnarl seekers who’ve done it all, Eleven ®, an experiential travel company bent on taking willing guests to their euphoric edge, offers unique experiences at wilderness-sited boltholes around the world. Experts at guiding and presenting impossible-to-find-elsewhere experiences of the athletic nature, the high end travel company presents an impressive portfolio at—mostly—remote (but fully staffed) lodges around the world. In South America discover the well appointed Eleven Rio Palena Lodge, which occupies a lesser trammelled region of Patagonia on the Palena River. Encircled by 2. 3 million acres of un-tapped heli-ski zones rife with steep couloirs and open bowls, the lodge holds seven expansive suites that characteristically summon the environs. Choose a full property buyout to cavort on skis with favorite your family members and friends. elevenexperience.com
In Japan
An apres ski onsen soak might be reason enough to travel to Japan for a mountain retreat, though Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers uninterrupted views across the Annupuri ranges and Mount Yotei and an amiable General Manager (Paul Wright), who’s happy to ski “first tracks” with you through the backcountry expanses of the resort. Finally, the knowledgeable and entertaining hotel Powder Guides simply seal the deal. Base at this graceful hotel where most elegant rooms feature their own onsen. For the intrepid, the Hanazono Zipflight, Asia’s longest mega-zipline whooshes guests above the white forests landscape for a bird’s eye view of riveting mountain terrain. Choose the Signature Suite with Onsen, set on the resort’s top floor to overlook Mount Yotei.
In France
Many jet setters consider Courchevel the most luxurious ski resort on earth—and little wonder. Lavishly populated with designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants and five star hotels it offers plenty to do besides snow sports. But enthusiasts won’t want to miss out. Part of the Three Valley’s network, the little French village encompasses nearly 400 miles of marked runs and pistes, many of them ample, tree studded and groomed. Base at Aman Le Melezin, where assiduous ski butlers await. Join ski tutorials at Courchevel’s famed ski school or s-turn down La Combe de la Saulire (a legendary ski run defined by its never tracked out snow) via the resort’s exclusive First Track’s adventure, accompanied by an expert guide. Opt for the commodious Suite Ski Piste with Hot Tub, which flaunts a private outdoor deck and soak. aman.com
In Montana
People talk about Montana’s big sky, but its massive peaks, abundant powder and immense skiable landscape prove that large is just the order of the day at Big Sky, located an hour from Yellowstone National Park. Like dessert for triple black diamond skiers, the retreat’s North Summit Snowfields require reservations and entry times, allocated at a mountainside patrol hut. Don’t forget your avalanche gear and a partner for these runs. Beginners, never fear: with four connected mountains and 5,850 skiable acres, there’s plenty of green-marked groomers for pizza slicing. Rest the legs in the evening at Montage Big Sky, a haven of rich, rustic vibes, ideal for doorstep skiing and apres ski evenings, spa days and off-site activities such as a Yellowstone winter safari in search of wildlife. Spread out in the 2,735-square-foot Spanish Peaks Suite, a presidential accommodation with the resort’s best vistas.