7 of the Best Ski Locations in Europe and America

All photos courtesy of Thinkstock

There are thousands of ski resorts in the world, but some stand out as being particularly luxurious. The French Alps are home to several of the world’s best resorts — a quick search online for "France ski," and it’s clear that you don’t need to venture too far from home to immerse yourself in luxury. So where are the best luxury skiing locations in the world? Our guide will help you to decide where to slope off to if you’re looking for true exclusivity.

Méribel, France

A French favorite, Méribel sits in the center of the Three Valleys at an altitude of 1,450 meters (around 4,750 feet) and offers 275 beautiful runs across an area of 375 miles. It is without a doubt one of France's most attractive resorts — much of the accommodation is low-rise, wooden chalet-style housing. The state-of-the-art lift system means that queues are almost unknown and there are endless off-piste possibilities. Young royals flock here in the winter to stay in smart hotels and luxury chalets, and to take advantage of the lavish and lively après ski scene. The super-rich arrive by private jet and helicopter, landing on the resort’s own altiport.

Saint-Moritz, Switzerland

Chic, glamorous and incredibly beautiful, exclusive Saint-Moritz has been a magnet for the rich and famous for decades. Featuring in several Bond films, St Moritz has also hosted the Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow, while the town’s Cresta Run is one of the most challenging toboggan courses in the world. The resort has an excellent snow record with largely peaceful slopes. Boasting the highest number of designer shops of any alpine resort, Saint-Moritz is home to Via Suvretta, one of the world’s most expensive streets, not to mention a host of lavish champagne bars, restaurants, and luxury hotels.

Val d’Isère, France

High altitude Val d’ Isère, with its Pissaillas Glacier, offers skiing throughout the year. Serious, moneyed skiers visit Val in their droves for the lively nightlife and exceptional off-piste skiing. The resort is home to Le Face, probably the most famous black run in Europe. With its range of sophisticated accommodation, Val d’Isère has developed a reputation as an exclusive ski destination, attracting the likes of Jean-Claude Killy, Bono, and Gerard Depardieu. Chalets in the higher, super-prime parts of the resort fetch millions.

Zermatt, Switzerland

With stunning scenery, high altitudes, year-round skiing down some of Europe’s best runs and world-class cuisine, Zermatt is one of the world’s top ski resorts, accessible only by train. The Matterhorn dominates the landscape, while endless luxury hotels and chalets blend seamlessly with an old town that oozes appeal. A skiing holiday here is anything but cheap — accommodation is classy and the exclusive bars, restaurants, and nightclubs make for a pricey, vibrant après-ski scene.

Verbier, Switzerland

Packed with challenging ski runs, endless off-piste opportunities and hip nightspots, sophisticated Verbier attracts advanced skiers, celebrities, and wealthy bankers and financiers. Richard Branson is a fan, as are the Swedish and Danish royal families. Situated on a sunny plateau, 1,500 meters up the Entremont mountain range, Verbier is bordered by some of Europe’s highest peaks, the most famous of which is Mont Blanc. It is ultra-modern and efficient, with a state-of-the-art lift system and many of its runs begin in the resort, allowing skiers to zoom directly into their hotel or chalet at the end of the day.

Lech, Austria

The picturesque, traditional village of Lech in the Arlberg region is notable for its good snow conditions, cool charm, and excellent service at its gourmet restaurants, exclusive spa hotels, and chic chalets. The slopes are high, yet sunny, and it’s ideal for intermediate skiers and those keen to venture off-piste. The après-ski scene is lively in Lech, but for those hankering after some hardcore partying, popular St. Anton is within easy reach.

Aspen, USA

A perennial favorite among the rich and famous, glamorous Aspen is the most charming and fashionable ski resort in the Rockies. The place is awash with international brand shops, swanky bars and restaurants and the slopes, suitable for all standards, are blissfully free of bodies. Aspen Highlands and Snowmass are easily reachable by bus for those looking for variety. The resort is showing signs of becoming ever more exclusive, with an explosion of homes being designed for the super-rich.