That first solo descent is as exhilarating as they come. Breezing through pillowy powder trails, imagine the hours in which you’re not only met with breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, but the promise of absolute quietude—where you’re nothing but one with vast, unlimited terrain.
If that sounds like you, then here’s good news—the ski tourism scene is booming. With luxury resorts boasting design-forward retreats, spacious floor-to-ceiling suites offering unadulterated views of snow-drenched landscapes and a fleet of amenities that will soothe the senses post-traipse on the piste, the list of bucket list-worthy ski destinations run the gamut. Some, like the magical Chamonix, appeal to those who place equal importance on their après-ski affairs—its charming villages bursting with live music and a rapturous wine and whiskey scene to beat. And whilst others might dream of the weeks one could spend in the classic hotspots—think the glamorous Verbier in the Alps—there are those who might opt to take their skis elsewhere away to where the snow glistens in a spotless landscape. Lesser known slopes in unsung parts of the world, where the assurance of an uninterrupted descent is within grasp.
With Italy’s famed town, Cortina d’Ampezzo, set to host the Winter Olympics in 2026, the Italian slopes are sure to catch the interest of the ski set yet again. But those really judicious about their trails might choose to head to the Dolomites’s luxury haven: the Aman Rosa Alpina, which is set to reopen this winter following an extensive overhaul. And while Japan’s Niseko has garnered its own fair of enthusiasts over the past few years, other regions of the country teem with its own enchanting appeal for the avid skier. Fancy carving out a descent for yourself when the snow is at its plumpest? Then book out a weekend at one of these exquisite ski destinations; each one brimming with the promise of high-altitude adventure, some serious slopes, and inexplicable alpine hours to beat.
1 / 8
Andermatt, Switzerland
Switzerland might be one of the first places that come to mind when you think of luxury ski destinations, but if you are after a quiet holiday, it’s worth skipping out on the more obvious hotspots (think Verbier or St. Moritz) for a lesser known haven. Andermatt, a picturesque mountain village located an hour from Zurich, offers the best of both traditional Swiss living and state-of-art ski facilities. Modern ski-lifts and connectivity to Sedrun serves up over 120km of pistes to explore. Seasoned deep-snow skiers will be particularly interested in exploring the Gemsstock mountain, which is nearly 3,000 meters high, and assures excellent snow quality both on and off piste. As for where to stay? Design-forward alpine hotel, The Chedi, puts you in the lap of luxury with its understated glamour and stellar dining options.
2 / 8
Cheval Blanc Courchevel, French Alps
The world’s largest ski domain: the Trois Vallées. At the Cheval Blanc Courchevel, expect direct ski-in, ski-out access to its boundless slopes—and excellent service that comes with it. By the crack of dawn, you could be transported to its expansive stretches of snow, whilst the team readies a number of restorative activities upon your return, from exclusive rituals developed for the Cheval Blanc Spa by Guerlain, to recovery-focused activities like swimming pools with chromotherapy, cold plunge pools and hammam baths. The quaint charm of this Jardin Alpin-located hideaway? Its gorgeous rooms, each one offering a different capture of the breathtaking nature it is surrounded by.
3 / 8
Shishi-Iwa House, Karuizawa, Japan
An hour’s shinkansen ride away from Tokyo is Karuizawa, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains near Nagano. A spanning natural landscape amid wild forests and mountain peaks; it’s here where scenic cross country ski trails await in the winter. Whilst most would flock to Niseko, the remote town then presents itself as the quieter alternative for hopeful skiers—with a veritable mix of easy and intermediate routes to choose from. In Karuizawa, you’ll also find the triptych of intimate boutique hotels, Shishi-Iwa House, each an architectural gem envisioned by giants of Japanese design. For the ski season, a daily shuttle bus service from the retreat to the ski area is available at your convenience. When your daytime affairs in the slopes are complete, there’s nothing like the hotel’s Hinoki hot bath and Shiatsu massage that combines contrast hot and cold treatments to serve as the perfect rest and recovery for your muscles.
4 / 8
Aman Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano, Italy
To this day, the Dolomites remains one of the most distinctive ski peaks to conquer. In its midst lies the entrancing mountain village of San Cassiano—which is home to the Aman Rosa Alpina. Reopening this winter season, the historic site offers Alpine elegance unlike any other. With the luxury hospitality group leading the charge, know that your guided ski tour experiences will be divined only by the best in the world; be it whether you’re a curious beginner looking to start off easy on the snow or a seasoned athlete who’s on the hunt for an adventure on more secluded slopes. The magic is in knowing that after a day out on the mountains, you’ll be coming home to a restful sanctuary, where you can heal with hydrotherapy, or give your muscles the dedicated spa session they need.
5 / 8
The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, Kashmir, India
Take your skis to the Himalayas. Imagine enthralling descents surrounded by the highest peaks in the world—such is the experience gleaned at Gulmarg. Where there is something for everyone, be it whether you’re a beginner who’s looking to land your first descent on an easy slope or the seasoned skier amongst your choice of crew. The latter and other adventure-seekers will find that the region’s best kept secret offers off-piste trails and backcountry terrain that will certainly not let you down. As for the best choice of accommodation in Gulmarg? Nothing like the luxury of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, which offers direct access to the slopes, extravagant rooms and a fleet of wellness amenities to ensure you’ll unwind in style after a long day out in the snow.
6 / 8
Arabba-Marmolada, Italy
The 2026 Winter Games are set to return to the Italian town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, but for those lusting after the sole sensation of deliciously refined snow swishing below their feet, then the Arabba-Marmolada stretch might hit that sweet spot. The definitive choice for those serious about their skiing, the slopes and terrain here are not for the faint of heart. In the Dolomites, the province of Malga Ciapèla is your gateway to the area, where you’ll be granted access to 27 ski lifts and some of the longest, most rewarding slopes to cruise through. Think plenty of red and blue circuits, including that glorious 12km stretch down the Marmolada after dropping in from over 10,000 feet onto the glacier.
7 / 8
Setsu Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
Amidst the many luxury offerings in Niseko, Japan, Setsu Niseko is where the stars seem to align best—to unveil a magical winter wonderland like no other. Of cloudy white beds of snow, all instantly accessible with the hotel’s ski shuttle services that offer you direct access to the Grand Hirafu ski slopes. For those after an even more unique experience, the Hanazono slopes are also well within driving distance. To add a little cosmic romance to your afterhours ski lap, take heed and head here on a Saturday in January, when a special fireworks display will be held. After which, consider your après ski affairs settled, with Setsu Niseko’s extensive gastronomy offerings and dedicated wine bar for that last night cap before turning into your swanky suite of choice.
8 / 8
Lech Zürs, Austria
What Lech Zürs lacks in glitz and glam, it makes up for in its splendorous culinary scene. Beyond its long, wide slopes that are ideal for both newcomers and intermediates in the slopes, the westernmost Austrian state of Vorarlberg has earned its name for the most award-winning dining spots that meld international and traditional flavours of the region with ease. Indeed, Luch Zürs is your best bet at a high-altitude gourmet feast post-descent. Be it the unforgettable experience of Rote Wand Chef’s Table or the sustainable offerings of Lechtaler Stube at the Burg Hotel Oberlech. And for the thrill-seekers in the crowd, there will be more than enough interesting off-piste runs to challenge the experts out there—all made more accessible with the modern cable car lifts that have been recently added to the scene.
