C’est Chic: The Most Stylish Ski Hotels For The New Winter Season
From under-the-radar villages in the Austrian Alps to iconic ski towns in the Rocky Mountains, we round up the best places to hit the powder as soon as the slopes open.
As we power through Fall, many of us are likely dreaming about those glorious days on the slopes: schussing down pistes on fresh powder; afternoons on sun-dazzled mountain terraces; cozying up by the fire in your chalet or spa time in a boutique hotel. To celebrate our new book 'The Alps: Hotels, Destinations, Culture' we have handpicked the chicest spots across the Alps and Rockies, including mountain lodges, grand dame hotels, and private chalets, to bookmark for the winter season ahead.
Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel, Zug, Lech, Austrian Alps
The Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel started life as a simple farmhouse in Zug in the mid-seventeenth century. In more recent years, it has been turned by the Walch family into a cafe and guesthouse, and now, a luxury hotel with a beautiful spa. With epicurean pleasures and warm-hearted service still at its core, the Rote Wand is a culinary hotspot in the Alps, with its Chef’s Table — where ex-Geranium chef Julian Stieger is in charge—a truly exceptional experience. In winter, you can ski (right from the front door), cross-country ski, or just enjoy the peace and quiet. Just make sure to partake in one of its fondue evenings in the Stuben — after all, Josef Walch introduced the art of fondue to the Arlberg more than 60 years ago.
Book Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel here
Read also An Insider's Guide to Lech
Icaro, Alpe di Siusi, Italian Dolomites
Lovingly guarded by Alpi di Siusi, the newly renovated Icaro sits 1,900 meters up and is the first carbon-neutral hotel in the Dolomites. Run with love by the Sattler family since 1936, Icaro is a haven of peace with unique architecture that makes use of local craftsmen and the most sustainable materials. Bright, contemporary interiors have lashings of contemporary art, while the 29 bedrooms each have views of the ‘Pale Mountains’ that are simply spectacular. True eco pioneers, ICARO obtains green electricity from hydropower and offsets its co₂ emissions through climate-protection projects, among other things.
La Perla, Corvara, Alta Badia, Italian Dolomites
Surrounded by a ring of mountains known as the Sella Massif, La Perla is a jewel in the crown of Alta Badia, a UNESCO-rated region of the Italian Dolomites. Since it opened in the 1950s, this family-run hotel has been renowned for its exceptional service and for being a slice of la dolce vita in the Alps. Make sure to hop across the road to its sister hotel, the Ladinia: a traditional mountain inn with a fabulous bar. This particular part of the Dolomites is like stepping back to another time, specifically a very glamorous time immortalized by photographer Slim Aarons.
Armentarola, San Cassiano, Alta Badia, Italian Dolomites
The Armentarola Hotel enjoys one of the most magical settings in the Dolomites, set in the idyllic village of San Cassiano at the foot of the Lavarello, Conturines, and Lagazuoi mountains. Family-run, it started as a guesthouse in 1938 before transforming into one of Alta Badia’s most beautiful hotels. It is also the owner of arguably the best terrace— south-facing and sun-drenched—in all of the Dolomites. There are few better spots to catch some rays, with a spritz in hand, after tackling the hotel’s namesake run. Dinner in the cozy Stube (roaring fire includes) is hearty and traditional, with dishes such as veal cheek in Lagrein sauce with fried gnocchi — and afterward, you can retire to your traditional South Tyrolean lodgings above.
Read also: On A Skisafari In The Dolomites
Saint Hubertus, Breuil-Cervinia, Aosta Valley, Italian Alps
Immersed in a lush pine forest, Saint Hubertus Resort offers a spectacular view of the Matterhorn from the lesser-known Italian side of Breuil-Cervinia. Sitting at an altitude of 2,050 meters near the Swiss border and in the heart of the Western Alps, it was elegantly designed by the architect Savin Couelle and combines exclusive apartments with top-notch hotel services. In winter, Saint Hubertus offers easy access to the 450 kilometers of slopes between Cervinia, Valtournenche, and Zermatt. After a day on the slopes, try the hotel spa swimming pool with thermal waters overlooking the majestic mountains of the Aosta Valley, a hammam, or even a mud bath.
LeCrans, Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps
Perched above the resort of Crans- Montana, LeCrans is notable for its swoon-worthy views of the Valais region’s extraordinary peaks. It is a grown-up place to switch off and enjoy one’s splendid isolation, cosseted by the tranquil alpine forest that borders the hotel. We love the junior suites, which are inspired by summits around the world, from Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Guests can dip in and out of the usual massages, swimming pools, and saunas, but LeCrans also specializes in holistic well-being programs that seek to detox, energize, or relax. Cherry-picking health principles and traditions from across the globe, these weeklong retreats are tailored to your personal needs.
Bella Tola, St.-Luc, Val d’Anniviers, Swiss Alps
Hotel Bella Tola here is a historic mountain retreat in Switzerland’s picturesque Valais valley rooted in its surrounding nature. A generous white property with pretty blue shutters, the hotel is ideal for those planning to ski or snowshoe in the Saint-Luc and Chandolin areas in winter. The property dates back to the mid-19th century; Anne-Françoise and Claude Buchs-Favre took it over in 1995 and completed a sensitive renovation in 2020, retaining many of its original features, such as the pink stucco ceiling in the handsome dining room.
84 Club Chalet, Gstaad, Swiss Alps
Gstaad has the hotels and chalets to match its wonderful scenery, including Le Grand Bellevue, with its fairytale setting right in town and superlative afternoon tea; as well as our own 84 Club Chalet. The latter is located at the top of the nearby village of Rougemont, with 360-degree views that transform with the seasons, and charming Alpine architecture and interiors. Expect utter privacy, complemented by a private chef on demand, as well as private ski instructors and hiking guides. A top-notch skiing area, we recommend starting your day at the Videmanette lift— a short drive away — before tackling the Wasserngrat mountain and its famed Tiger Run. Fantastic small producers and farmers abound in the area, so the food scene is incredible too.
Read also An Insider's Guide to Gstaad
Jungfrau Wengernalp, Wengen, Swiss Alps
Arriving at Wengernalp is an experience in itself, giving you time to relax and enjoy the majestic mountain scenery. The quaint Wengernalpbahn mountain cog train that departs from Lauterbrunnen climbs up through Wengen’s wooded slopes to the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass at 2,061 meters, stopping en-route at the tiny station directly beneath the Hotel Jungfrau Wengernalp. This traditional family-run hotel, originating from the 19th century, has been lovingly restored and modernized in several stages and is one of the most charming hotels in the Alps.
Suvretta House, St Moritz, Swiss Alps
One of the grandest dames of the Swiss Alps, St Moritz is the last word in timeless elegance. The home of the world-feted Cresta Run, an enchanting lake that freezes over in winter for games of polo and a clutch of truly glamorous hotels. The fairytale Suvretta House is our port of call, overlooking the Engadin Mountain scenery. Suvretta’s guests can ski at Corviglia and Piz Nair, among other areas, as well as go sledding, snowshoeing, curling, and tobogganing. Wellbeing and fitness lovers will also be kept happy inside the hotel: The Sports & Pleasure Club features everything from a 25-meter swimming pool to thermal and cold baths. Foodies are spoiled for choice too, with four-course French dinners in the Grand Restaurant and Swiss specialties in the Suvretta Stube.
Chesa Colani, Engadin, Switzerland
Chesa Colani is nestled in the ancient village of Madulain (one of the most beautiful in Switzerland), the smallest in the Upper Engadine region with just 170 inhabitants. Not far from St. Moritz, it sits within a historic 17th-century decorated building that was built for a noble family before it evolved into a hotel in 1990, run with love by Andrea and his family. You will be warmly welcomed by his team and immediately soothed by your surroundings—the peace of the mountains and the quiet of the village. Inside, the hotel’s traditional Engadine bones are married with cozy Alpine details and luxurious trappings that encourage rest and recuperation. Each of the 13 rooms and suites has its own character— we love the pine-clad Colani Suite with its soapstone bathroom, bathtub for post-slope soaks, and living space with views of the surrounding peaks and the Inn River. The Michelin-starred Stuva restaurant is a traditional, intimate space that is bonded to the land and inspired by nature’s rhythms—you can expect lichen, dandelion, and mushrooms to find their way into dishes in April, May, and September, alongside thyme and other Alpine herbs. Think venison in a salt and hay crust, with Cardarelli mushrooms, poached pear wine, and Madulain potatoes. There is also a bistro for more casual evenings. After a day exploring the great Engadine Valley, whether on skis or foot, return to Chesa Colani for some spa time; a sauna, chromotherapy hammam, salt wall, and Jacuzzi are all on tap to soothe any achy limbs.
Le Val Thorens, Val Thorens, Les Trois Vallees, French Alps
Opened in 1971, Le Val Thorens was one of the eponymous ski resort’s first hotels, and it has been redesigned as an homage to that seventies’ spirit. Part of the growing Beaumier empire, it is a retro temple to both relaxation and good times, and long-term fans will love that its outdoor terrace is still the place to see and be seen in Val Thorens. With 360-degree views over Les Trois Vallées from its bedrooms and balconies, plus ski-in, and ski-out perks, this is quite the stay. Food, drink, and fun are also on the menu, with après vibes at La Brasserie du Val Thorens, Seventies disco and Savoyard hot dogs on the terrace, and fondue parties in La Fondue. Don’t miss Le 1971, its buzzing old-school bar with a roaring fireplace and classic cocktails.
Le Coucou, Méribel, Les Trois Vallees, French Alps
A game-changer hotel for Méribel in Les Trois Vallées, Le Coucou has an enviable location next to Le Rond-Point des Pistes and is one of the few spots in the French resort to enjoy a ski-in, ski-out experience. Open since 2019, it is the first mountain hotel from the Maisons Pariente group, which has also just opened Le Grand Mazarin in Paris. All elegant, traditional chalet from the outside, its Pierre Yovanovitch–designed interiors reveal a playful side that delights with color, pattern, and bird motifs. The best time to visit is from January to March when ski conditions are at their peak.
Hotel Jerome, Aspen, Colorado, US
High up in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is perhaps the most iconic ski town in all of America with the glitterati following to prove it. Stay right in the thick of it all at the Hotel Jerome, a landmark hotel that has been in business since 1889 and Colorado’s silver rush. Recently given a slick head-to-toe makeover, its Old West feel remains, not least in the legendary J-Bar, which Hunter S. Thompson once frequented for a nightcap, and the subterranean hot spot, Bad Harriet. With four epic mountains accessible from Aspen, and easy private jet access less than 3 miles from the town center, expert skiers will struggle to get bored.
Caldera House, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US
'Jackson Hole is entirely about the experiences that happen outside the four walls where you stay,' notes the owner of Caldera House, Wesley Edens. Travelers from around the world are treated to an immersive local experience that delivers unmatched convenience, exceptional service, and exclusive adventures– all in the stunning natural setting Wyoming provides. The impressive property boasts four 5,000-square-foot four-bedroom suites and four 1,500-square-foot two-bedroom suites. A restaurant and café, private bar, lounge, locker room, ski valet, and ski shop, all on-site, translate into a one-stop oasis for its guests.
Our new book The Alps is available to order here.
84 Rooms recommends: The Best Mountain Restaurants To Visit In The Alps This Season, and The Best Ski Chalets To Rent This Season.