What are the most exclusive places to plan a skiing holiday?

The ski season has officially begun, and it's increasingly common to come across snowy landscapes and ski slopes in our social media feeds. According to recent data released by the International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism, 400 million people choose to go on a ski holiday each year. However, not everyone is keen on engaging in sports. This break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is evolving into an opportunity to self-care and indulge in pure leisure. The key word? Exclusivity. It's no longer just a simple getaway; it feels more like watching a movie trailer, with many frames portraying elegant chalets, luxury dinners with ice sculptures, and hot springs with breathtaking views. Many people are now choosing to invest in their skiing holidays and indulge in a stay in one of these marvelous mountain villages.

Our Winter Vacation Guide

Now more than ever, in the collective imagination, vacations in these locations are associated with the concepts of luxury and almost royalty. Consider Netflix's production Royalteen: Princess Margrethe, where the protagonists, heirs to the throne of Norway and their family, embark on a fabulous trip, complete with après-ski and fashionable outfits. We had already suggested some activities to make your mountain stay unforgettable, including the various delights served in numerous gourmet lodges and rustic inns. But what are the most exclusive places you should consider for your trip? From enchanted cabins to luxury hotels, here's a complete list for you.

Must-Attend Events: Saint Moritz

It's impossible not to start with Saint Moritz. One of the main attractions in this location is an event called The I.C.E. Nature, sport, and luxury are the keywords to describe the atmosphere once you arrive. It consists of a series of contests and elegance competitions. The standout is undoubtedly the Cresta Run Skeleton Race, held on one of the few tracks in the world exclusively reserved for skeleton sledding. Since 2022, the vintage car exhibition has captivated everyone. The spectators, instead of sitting in stands, watch the competition from a much more comfortable position. It's a restaurant located on the frozen lake where waiters approach tables wearing ice skates. Working there requires a diploma from a specific school, teaching not only skating but also the manners typical of high-level hospitality. In short, witnessing one of these spectacles is a one-of-a-kind experience, and after the success of last year's new automotive format, expectations are high for this year's exhibition on February 23. Another not-to-be-missed event is the polo tournament.

Hotels and Spas

Who said pools, hot springs, and massages are only for summer? There are numerous luxurious hotels and chalets offering a dreamy SPA service. According to the previously mentioned report, with almost 2.5 million visitors in the last five winter seasons, the ski area Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta in Italy is the world's most popular ski resort. This place also houses one of Europe's most famous and appreciated cottages, namely the Al Foss chalet, characterized by its heated pools overlooking a breathtaking panorama, with the option of couple packages. If we move to Austria, specifically to Tyrol with the Aqua Dome Hotel, we'll find a location with futuristic features, including pools and large glass buildings. Also, with a modern and captivating design, famous for its indoor pool, is the 7132 Hotel in Switzerland, also known as the Vals Thermal Baths. Last but not least, Le Refuge de Solaise in Val d’Isère, France, is a structure entirely made of wood, loved by "lumberjacks," perfectly embodies the idea of exclusivity and fun.

Restaurants and Chalets

Candlelit dinners and lunches in old-money style are not exclusive to big cities. At the Snow Globes of Hockley Valley Resort in Ontario, you can dine inside a crystal sphere, just like the ones we enjoy shaking during the holiday season. If you want to stay in Italy but still experience a dinner bubble with a view of the glacier, you can find one in Trentino, at Capanna Presena Passo Tonale. Admit it, you've all dreamed at least once of being the protagonists of a Christmas movie and enjoying a meal in locations that encapsulate beauty, family warmth, and good food: what if we told you that at Gastaad Palace in Switzerland, your dream could come true? If you prefer dreaming big, we know a place that might be right for you. Here, you can dine inside a real igloo, amidst ice sculptures and candles, where light and shadow meet in perfect harmony. This enchanting location is in Finland and is called Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloo.

Is the Ski Holiday Only for the Wealthy?

Are you Team Beach or Team Mountain? If your answer is the latter, we're curious to learn how you organize your preparations for the whitest time of the year. The data shared by the consumer association Altroconsumo is clear: on average, the cost for a ski holiday for two people between December and January ranges from 1500 to 4500 euros. Consider the 22% increase in the cost of ski passes in the last two years. Being "frequenters" of niche locations and events is becoming increasingly challenging, but for many the skiing holiday is a true institution, something they are not willing to give up; like a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Are you willing to save up for your snow vacation?