Pack your skis and hit the slopes with our comprehensive guide.

Pack your skis and hit the slopes with our comprehensive guide.
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Best Ski Resorts around the World

Snow bunnies and powder hounds rejoice - we've rounded up the most sensational ski resorts across Europe and North America for a magical mountain escape.

Arlberg, Austria

Considered the birthplace of alpine skiing Arlberg in western Austria spans the regions of Tyrol and Vorarlberg. St. Anton is probably the best-known resort internationally, but old money and European royalty head to LechZürs is a smaller hotspot for the well-heeled while St. Christoph and Stuben are quieter and more family oriented.

Snowtalk

One of the largest connected skiing areas in the world, with more than 300km of ski runs, serviced by 88 lifts and gondolas. Nine metres of snowfall on average each winter and about 70% of mechanically covered pistes ensure consistently reliable snow conditions.

Where to Stay

BURG VITAL RESORT: Luxurious Alpine-style accommodation with an excellent spa. Its fantastic Griggeler Stuba restaurant in the hands of Matthias Schütz earned 97 Falstaff points. An incredible wine cellar complements perfection on the plate. 

Oberlech 568, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 3140, burgvitalresort.com

GASTHOF POST: Exclusive five-star hotel in the heart of Lech with an extensive spa and history of hosting European royalty. Accommodation ranges from single rooms to an entire chalet. Gourmets get their money's worth in the Postblick restaurant. 

Dorf 11, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 22060, postlech.com

HOTEL TANNENHOF: Small luxury hotel with rustic wood paneling and modern design elements. Fine dining at the acclaimed Tannenhof gourmet restaurant, led by Chef Gustav Jantscher complete with an outstanding range of wines. 

Nassereinerstrasse 98, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg +43 5446 30311, hoteltannenhof.net

HOTEL ZÜRSERHOF: Warm and luxurious ski hotel that's welcomed guests for over 60 years. No culinary wish remains unfulfilled here, and with two spas and several pools in a 3,200 sqm wellness area, there are numerous ways to relax. 

Zürs 75 6763 Zürs am Arlberg +43 5583 2513-0, zuerserhof.at

ROTE WAND HOTEL: Charming hotel in Zug, just outside of Lech. High quality in-house restaurant and right next door is the Schualhus, with its exclusive chef's table, which was named the best restaurant in Vorarlberg in the 2019 Falstaff Restaurant Guide. 

Zug 5, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 3435 0, rotewand.com

SPORTHOTEL ST. ANTON: Right in the central pedestrian zone of St. Anton, and a 5-minute walk from the lifts. Its Steakhouse restaurant is a member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs; it also has a well-stocked wine cellar and live piano music at the bar. 

Dorfstrasse 48, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg +43 5446 3111, sporthotel-st-anton.at

Where to Eat

AURELIO'S: The spectacular suites in this Lech hideaway are surpassed only by Christian Rescher's kitchen and sommelier Markus Winkler's expertise. Unforgettable creations with perfect wine matches. 

Tannberg 130, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 2214, aureliolech.com

DIE ENTE VON ZURS: The gourmet palate feels at home in this small, fine hotel restaurant at 1,700 metres. In addition to the eponymous duck, the kitchen offers exquisite dishes and down-to-earth, creative specialties. 

6763 Zürs, Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 2341, albonanova.at

FUX RESTAURANT: An impressive selection of wines and casual bar are combined at this exceptional address with successful fusion cuisine, top quality fish and Wagyu steaks. Try the set menu in front of the fire. 

Omesberg 587, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 2992, fux-mi.net

HOSPIZ ALM: Outside a ski hut, inside a gourmet temple. In the rustic restaurant with an open fireplace, local specialties and international classics are served - from farm duck in two courses to fondue . 

St. Christoph 18, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg +43 5446 3625, arlberghospiz.at

MURMELI: Highly recommended by industry insiders, the hotel restaurant away from the hustle and bustle of Oberlech, offers both Alpine and international cuisine. Exquisite food culture and the best service. 

Oberlech 287, 6764 Lech +43 5583 2467, murmeli.at

THURNHER'S ALPENHOF: This kitchen in a luxury hotel can surprise even globally experienced palates. The finest produce from all over the world, refined into culinary delicacies by head chef Gernot Bischofberger. 

6763 Zürs am Arlberg +43 5583 2191, thurnhers.com

Where to Stay

URG VITAL RESORT uxurious Alpine-style accommodation with an excellent spa. Its fantastic Griggeler Stuba restaurant in the hands of Matthias Schütz earned 97 Falstaff points. An incredible wine cellar complements perfection on the plate. Oberlech 568, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 3140, burgvitalresort.com

GASTHOF POST Exclusive five-star hotel in the heart of Lech with an extensive spa and history of hosting European royalty. Accommodation ranges from single rooms to an entire chalet. Gourmets get their money's worth in the Postblick restaurant. Dorf 11, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 22060, postlech.com

HOTEL TANNENHOF Small luxury hotel with rustic wood paneling and modern design elements. Fine dining at the acclaimed Tannenhof gourmet restaurant, led by Chef Gustav Jantscher complete with an outstanding range of wines. Nassereinerstrasse 98, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg +43 5446 30311, hoteltannenhof.net

HOTEL ZÜRSERHOF Warm and luxurious ski hotel that's welcomed guests for over 60 years. No culinary wish remains unfulfilled here, and with two spas and several pools in a 3,200 sqm wellness area, there are numerous ways to relax. Zürs 75 6763 Zürs am Arlberg +43 5583 2513-0, zuerserhof.at

RED WALL HOTEL Charming hotel in Zug, just outside of Lech. High quality in-house restaurant and right next door is the Schualhus, with its exclusive chef's table, which was named the best restaurant in Vorarlberg in the 2019 Falstaff Restaurant Guide. Zug 5, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 3435 0, rotewand.com

SPORTHOTEL ST. ANTON Right in the central pedestrian zone of St. Anton, and a 5-minute walk from the lifts. Its Steakhouse restaurant is a member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs; it also has a well-stocked wine cellar and live piano music at the bar. Dorfstrasse 48, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg +43 5446 3111, sporthotel-st-anton.at

Where to Eat

AURELIO'S The spectacular suites in this Lech hideaway are surpassed only by Christian Rescher's kitchen and sommelier Markus Winkler's expertise. Unforgettable creations with perfect wine matches. Tannberg 130, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 2214, aureliolech.com

THE DUCK FROM ZURS The gourmet palate feels at home in this small, fine hotel restaurant at 1,700 meters. In addition to the eponymous duck, the kitchen offers exquisite dishes and down-to-earth, creative specialties. 6763 Zürs, Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 2341, albonanova.at

FUX RESTAURANT An impressive selection of wines and casual bar are combined at this exceptional address with successful fusion cuisine, top quality fish and Wagyu steaks. Try the set menu in front of the fire. Omesberg 587, 6764 Lech am Arlberg +43 5583 2992,fux-mi.net

HOSPIZ ALM Outside a ski hut, inside a gourmet temple. In the rustic restaurant with an open fireplace, local specialties and international classics are served - from farm duck in two courses to fondue . St. Christoph 18, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg +43 5446 3625, arlberghospiz.at

MURMELI Highly recommended by industry insiders, the hotel restaurant away from the hustle and bustle of Oberlech, offers both Alpine and international cuisine. Exquisite food culture and the best service. Oberlech 287, 6764 Lech +43 5583 2467, murmeli.at

THURNHER'S ALPENHOF This kitchen in a luxury hotel can surprise even globally experienced palates. The finest produce from all over the world, refined into culinary delicacies by head chef Gernot Bischofberger. 6763 Zürs am Arlberg +43 5583 2191, thurnhers.com

Saalbach, Austria

This Salzburg ski area is one of Austria's largest – and will delight who those who prize the après just as much as the ski. Leogang and Fieberbrunn in a neighboring valley are equally charming while Zell am See is a short drive away.

Snowtalk

The Ski Circus area has 270km of slopes and 70 cable cars and lifts. Throw in more than 60 ski huts, and there is plenty of entertainment to please both novices and experts.

Where to Stay

GARTENHOTEL THERESIA: The first certified organic hotel in the Salzburg region offers a 'Green Spa', a fine selection of organic wines and Andreas Grün is a master of his trade in the kitchen. 

Glemmtaler Landesstrasse 208, 5753 Saalbach-Hinterglemm +43 654 174 140, hotel-theresia.com

KENDLER: Family-run, ski-in, ski-out hotel whose gourmet awarded-restaurant Herzlstubn is a must-visit. Wellness area includes panorama whirlpool and indoor pool. 

Oberdorf 39, 5753 Saalbach +43 6541 6225, kendler.at

UNTERSCHWARZACHHOF: Small wellness hotel right next to the piste, with a luxurious 1,500 m2 spa offering herbal or steam saunas, indoor pool and a whirlpool. 

Schwarzacherweg 40, 5754 Saalbach +43 65416633, unterschwarzach.at

Where to Eat

ERLHOF: Worth a trip to Lake Zell for the magnificent view alone. Traditional Austrian delicacies, rustic ambience and a large wine cellar. 

Erlhofweg 11, 5700 Zell am See +43 6542 56637, erlhof.at

ECHT. GUT ESSEN: Internationally creative spirit meets tradition and regionality in this à la carte restaurant. Inspired by nature and Pinzgau ingredients, Michael Helfrich also creates five and nine course menus. 

Hütten 2, 5771 Leogang +43 6583 8561, forsthofgut.at

SALZBURGERSTUBE: Cuisine at the highest level in the Hotel Salzburgerhof, where Salzburg fare made using regional ingredients dominates the menu. 

Auerspergstrasse 11, 5700 Zell am See +43 6542 765, salzburgerhof.at

Where to Stay

GARTENHOTEL THERESIA The first certified organic hotel in the Salzburg region offers a 'Green Spa', a fine selection of organic wines and Andreas Grün is a master of his trade in the kitchen. Glemmtaler Landesstrasse 208, 5753 Saalbach-Hinterglemm +43 654 174 140, hotel-theresia.com

KENDLER Family-run, ski-in, ski-out hotel whose gourmet awarded-restaurant Herzlstubn is a must-visit. Wellness area includes panorama whirlpool and indoor pool. Oberdorf 39, 5753 Saalbach +43 6541 6225, kendler.at

UNTERSCHWARZACHHOF Small wellness hotel right next to the piste, with a luxurious 1,500 m2 spa offering herbal or steam saunas, indoor pool and a whirlpool. Schwarzacherweg 40, 5754 Saalbach +43 65416633, unterschwarzach.at

Where to Eat

ERLHOF Worth a trip to Lake Zell for the magnificent view alone. Traditional Austrian delicacies, rustic ambience and a large wine cellar. Erlhofweg 11, 5700 Zell am See +43 6542 56637, erlhof.at

ECHT. EAT WELL. Internationally creative spirit meets tradition and regionality in this à la carte restaurant. Inspired by nature and Pinzgau ingredients, Michael Helfrich also creates five and nine course menus. Hütten 2, 5771 Leogang +43 6583 8561, forsthofgut.at

SALZBURGERSTUBE Cuisine at the highest level in the Hotel Salzburgerhof, where Salzburg fare made using regional ingredients dominates the menu. Auerspergstrasse 11, 5700 Zell am See +43 6542 765, salzburgerhof.at

Kitzbühel, Austria

Kitzbühel is the quintessential Austrian ski resort with glamor, history and oodles of Tyrolean charm. The pretty medieval town east of Innsbruck is renowned for the fun it offers on and off the slopes while neighboring village Kirchberg is quieter. Adrenaline fans flock to watch the nail-bitingly steep Streif World Cup downhill ski race held on Mount Hahnenkamm.

Snowtalk 

The Kitzbühel-Kirchberg skiing area, referred to as KitzSki, covers more than 230km of mostly interconnected trails, suitable for all levels. Fifty seven modern ski lifts make accessing the slopes a breeze and while the resort is not one of the highest, its snow is still reliable.

Where to Stay

ALPENHOTEL: This newly renovated hotel set in a nature reserve on the shores of the Schwarzsee near Kitzbühel has a 1,000 m2 wellness area with a heated infinity pool. 

Seebichlweg 37a, 6370 Kitzbühel +43 5356 64254 0, alpenhotel-kitzbuehel.at

A‑ROSA: Built in the style of a Tyrolean castle with a view of the Streif, this hotel has a 3,000 m 2 wellness area with a pool, saunas and plenty of pampering treatments. 

Ried Kaps 7, 6370 Kitzbühel +43 5356 65660-0, a-rosa-resorts.de

TENNERHOF: Romantic luxury spa hotel with an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. Its gourmet restaurant offers menus of up to seven courses and excellent service. 

Griesenauweg 26, 6370 Kitzbühel, Tyrol +43 5356 63181, tennerhof.com

Where to Eat

BERGGERICHT: Kitzbühel's latest top address is an historic building overlooking the pedestrian area. Creative food with glimpses of classical Austrian and French cuisine, first-class patisserie and service. 

Hinterstadt 15, 6370 Kitzbühel, Tyrol +43 670 6045450, www.berggericht.at

SPORTALM: Seasonality and attention to detail are central to the imaginative and contemporary cuisine of Bernhard Hochkogler. Six-course menu in the evening. 

Brandseitweg 26, 6365 Kirchberg, Tyrol +43 5357 2778, hotel-sportalm.at

ZUMA: Fancy a change from traditional alpine fare? Exclusive cutting-edge Asian creations aren't just served up at Zuma venues in London and Istanbul but also at the Hotel Weisses Roessl, Kitzbühel. 

Bichlstrasse 5, 6370 Kitzbühel, Tyrol +43 535671900, roesslkitz.at

Verbier & Zermatt, Switzerland

Switzerland is home to some of Europe's largest and most picturesque resorts. The charming car-free town of Zermatt, which sits at the foot of the iconic 4,478m high Matterhorn, is about as Swiss as Toblerone chocolate. Low-rise Verbier, also in the canton of Valais, is nestled between the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc and offers fun après ski and a nightlife scene.

Snowtalk

Zermatt has 200km of slopes suitable for all abilities, the longest of which is the Matterhorn glacier paradise. You can also get a pass that gives access to Cervinia-Valtournenche in Italy. Verbier is part of the huge 4 Vallées ski region, which has a combined 410km of marked runs. An advanced skier's dream with great off-piste action.

Where to Stay

BACKSTAGE HOTEL: Boutique spa hotel featuring the signature workmanship of owner, architect Heinz Julen. The After Seven restaurant offers creative, market-fresh cuisine. 

Hofmattstrasse 4, 3920 Zermatt +41 27 966 69 70, backstagehotel.ch

MONT CERVIN PALACE: Historic hotel with charming, alpine-inspired furnishings. The house offers a diverse range of gourmet restaurants including Le Restaurant, Grill Le Cervin and Ristorante Capri. 

Bahnhofstrasse 31, 3920 Zermatt +41 27 966 88 88, montcervinpalace.ch

LA CORDÉE DES ALPES: Intimate and relaxing refuge, furnished with hand-knotted carpets from Nepal and a combination of classic ski and modern Swiss design elements. Spa and chic brasserie restaurant. 

Route du Center Sportif 24, 1936 Verbier +41 27 775 45 45 kvhotels.com/en/hotels/hotel-cordee-des-alpes.html

LE CHALET D'ADRIEN: Relaxed five-star hotel with beautiful views over Verbier. Sensational gourmet cuisine. In the Michelin-starred La Table d'Adrien you will be surprised with specialties beyond the Alps. 

Chemin des Creux, 1936 Verbier +41 027 771 62 00, chalet-adrien.com

LE CHALET DE FLORE: Four-star hotel in the center of Verbier, just 100 meters from the Médran cable car. The spacious rooms all have a balcony with a view of the Alps. 

Rue de Médran 20, 1936 Verbier +41 027 775 33 44, chalet-flore.ch

RESORT HOTEL ALEX: Elegant hotel in Zermatt reminiscent of a luxurious mountain chalet. Beautiful wellness centre as well as comprehensive sports and fitness facilities, plus a cosy bar and lounge for cigar smokers.

Bodmenstrasse 12, 3920 Zermatt +41 27 966 70 70, hotelalexzermatt.com

Where to Eat

ALPINE GOURMET PRATO BORNI: Heinz Rufibach presents outstanding Valais products with flavors and ingredients from the Mediterranean. Two menus, Heimat and Fernweh , offer a choice of up to seven courses. 

Bahnhofstrasse 55, 3920 Zermatt, +41 279 666 600 zermatterhof.ch

CHEZ VRONY: Pause at over 2,000m to enjoy rustic cuisine from organic ingredients. The restaurant has been known for its warmth, hospitality and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn for over 100 years. 

Findeln, 3920 Zermatt +41 27 967 25 52, chezvrony.ch

LA GRANGE: Popular gourmet restaurant with a nice terrace. Menus feature local and seasonal cuisine. Or try their sister restaurant La Pinte, which serves traditional specialties such as raclette and fondue

Rte de Verbier Station 70, 1936 Verbier, +41 27 771 64 31

LE GRENIER: The rustic alpine restaurant of Le Chalet d'Adrien. Pasta, risotto and Swiss specialties are on the menu, which you can enjoy on the terrace at lunchtime or in front of the roaring fire at night. 

Chemin des creux, 1936 Verbier +41 27 771 62 00, chalet-adrien.com/en/

RESTAURANT VERANDA: With a view of the Matterhorn, executive chef Axel Wennekers and his team take the guests on a journey of discovery through local alpine cuisine. Try the weekly raclette and dried meat buffet. 

Untere Mattenstrasse 12-14, 920 Zermatt +41 27 966 26 60, hotel-mirabeau.ch

W KITCHEN: Contemporary restaurant with modern and traditional cuisine at the highest level. The dishes surprise with a skillful twist courtesy of executive chef Emiliano Vignoni. 

Rue De Médran 70, 1936, Verbier. +41 274728888, wverbier-restaurants.com

Courchevel, France

The French Alps resort has a reputation for being the most glamorous ski resort in France and a rich-listers' winter playground. It is spread over five villages, each with very different personalities. Choose between the glamour of Courchevel 1850, rustic charm of Le Praz, vibrant nightlife in Courchevel Moriond, budget-friendly Courchevel Village or family-favourite La Tania.

Snowtalk

Courchevel offers access to the world's largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées, with 600km of slopes and seven interconnected resorts. With 85% of the ski area above 1,800m and the largest artificial snow system in France, season-long snow is guaranteed. A ski destination suitable for beginners, off-piste powder hounds and everyone in between.

Where to Stay

AMAN LE MÉLÉZIN: Rising above the village of Courchevel 1850, this four-storey hotel is situated on the Bellecôte Piste. Japanese cuisine is served at Nama restaurant, and there is also a large sake and Japanese whiskey collection. 

310 Rue de Bellecôte, 73120 Courchevel 1850 +33 4 7908 0133, aman.com/resorts/aman-le-melezin/

GRANDES ALPES PRIVATE HOTEL & SPA: Thirty luxury bedrooms and suites in the heart of Courchevel 1850. Its Sylvestre Wahid restaurant offers a tasting menu and has just four tables and an open kitchen. 

BP N ° 1 rue de l'Eglise, 73120 Courchevel 1850 +33 4 79 00 00 00, grandesalpes.com

PORTETTA: Family friendly ski-in, ski-out retreat, with open log fires and panoramic views over Courchevel Moriond. Both cozy rooms and duplex lofts are available plus an Italian-influenced restaurant. Courchevel Moriond (1650), 73120 Saint Bon, +33 4 79 08 01 47, portetta.com

HOTEL LES AIRELLES: Frescoes and stained glass windows give Les Airelles the appearance of a fairytale castle so it is fitting that it is one of just 25 French hotels to be recognised as a “palace”. Expect to be treated like royalty. 

Le Jardin Alpin, 73120 Courchevel 1850 +33 47 900 3838, airelles.com/en/destination/courchevel-hotel

SIX SENSES RESIDENCES: Thirty-one apartments with two to five bedrooms, all featuring balconies. Decorated in a blend of contemporary style and traditional mountain influences. Guests can access the Six Senses Spa. 

291 Rue de Tovets, 73120 Savoie +33 6 49 47 40 58, sixsenses.com/en/resorts/residences-courchevel

LES NEIGES: Luxury chalet-style rooms mixing tradition and glamor. Marvelous views plus spa, pool and private cinema room. Treat yourself at Bfire, one of the in-house restaurants designed by Argentine Mauro Colagreco. 

422 rue de Bellecôte, 73120 Courchevel +33 970818501, hotelsbarriere.com/en/courchevel/les-neiges/

Where to Eat

AZIMUT: Delicious gourmet cuisine served up in a wood and wrought iron interior with a cozy fireside atmosphere. Inspired by his native Jura, chef François Moureaux is in charge. 

273 Rue de la Madelon, 73120 Le Praz +33 4 79 06 25 90, restaurantazimut.com

BAUMANIÈRE 1850: One Michelin starred restaurant that takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean, with a mountain touch. Linked to the three-starred Provençal restaurant, L'Oustau de Baumanière. 

Hôtel Le Strato, Rue de Bellecôte, 73120 Courchevel 1850, hotelstrato.com

LE 1947: Courchevel's only 3 Michelin-starred restaurant provides a sleek and contemporary adventure for curious palates. An open kitchen allows you to see the team headed by Yannick Alléno at work. Le Jardin Alpin, 73120 Courchevel +33 4 79 00 50 50
chevalblanc.com/fr/maison/courchevel/

LE BISTROT DU PRAZ: Small, carefully designed menu that delivers great food in a relaxed atmosphere. Run by Antoine Fouchard, who spent three years at Cheval Blanc.

Rue de la Chapelle, 73120 Courchevel +33 4 79 08 41 33, bistrotdupraz.fr

LE FARÇON: Julien Machet's intimate restaurant offers a range of regularly changing, surprise lunch and dinner menus, with Michelin star cuisine rooted in the Savoyard soil. 

Immeuble Kalinka, 73120 Courchevel +33 479 088 034, lefarcon.fr

LE MONTGOMERIE: Chef Pieter Riedijk takes inspiration from the Rhône-Alpes region at this two Michelin star gourmet restaurant. Housed in the K2 Altitude hotel, it feels like an intimate lounge with a cozy atmosphere. 

356 Route de l'Altiport, 73120 Courchevel +33 4 79 01 46 46, lek2altitude.com

Aspen, USA

Beloved by the rich and famous, the historic Colorado ski town is a world-class destination that offers a glittering dining and nightlife scene for novices and die-hard skiers alike.

Snowtalk

A single lift ticket provides access to an enormous 5,527 acres of terrain across four mountains. Snowmass is larger than the other three mountains combined, intermediate skiers should head up Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk is best for beginners and children.

Where to Stay

HOTEL JEROME: This landmark dating back to 1889 has the feel of a luxury ski lodge with deer heads mounted on the walls and leather chairs. Friendly staff and home to an outpost of Felix Roasting Co.

330 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611 +1 970-920-1000, aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome/

THE ST. REGIS ASPEN RESORT: Five-star luxury resort at the base of Aspen Mountain featuring Ralph Lauren furnishings and the award-winning Remède Spa. Its heated outdoor pool and hot tubs have stunning views. 

315 East Dean Street, Aspen, CO 81611 +1 970-920-3300, stregisaspen.com

VICEROY SNOWMASS: Modern ski-in, ski-out luxury in Snowmass Village. Three restaurants and a 7,000-sq ft spa with treatments based on Ute and Asian cultural traditions.

130 Wood Road, Snowmass Village, CO 81615, +1 877 235 7577
viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/snowmass

Where to Eat

BOSQ: Tasting menu only restaurant with chef Barclay Dodge at the helm. Four, five and seven course menus offered with produce sourced from local farmers and backyard foraging. 

312 South Mill Street, Aspen, CO 81611 +1 970 710 7299, bosqaspen.com

CACHE CACHE: French American bistro which has been the place for movers and shakers since it opened in 1987. An award-winning 100-plus page wine list. 

205 South Mill St, Aspen, CO 81611 +1 970 925 3835, cachecache.com

MAWA’S KITCHEN RESTAURANT: The insider Aspen pick offers a Mediterranean inspired menu with French and African cuisine. Or head off to their Crêpe Shack in Snowmass for a breakfast of sweet or savory crêpes . 

305 Aspen Airport Business Center, Suite F, Aspen, CO 81611 +1 970 710-7096
mawaskitchen.com

Whistler, Canada

Canada's premier ski destination, two hours north of Vancouver, pedestrian-only Whistler Village is filled with great restaurants and bars and a legendary night life.

Snowtalk

Two side-by-side, interconected, mountains Whistler and Blackcomb, offer over 200 marked runs, 8171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers – making it North America's largest resort. 

Where to Stay

FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER: Award-winning Whistler resort with a castle-like appearance and full amenities including a par 72, 18-hole championship golf course. 

4599 Chateau Boulevard, Whistler, BC V8E 0Z5 +1 604 938 8000, fairmont.com/whistler

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES WHISTLER: Every room in this upmarket Whistler Village hotel has a fireplace and balcony, while outside guests can luxuriate in a beautiful, heated swimming pool and whirlpools. 

4591 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0Y4 +1 604 935-3400, fourseasons.com/whistler

PAN PACIFIC WHISTLER MOUNTAINSIDE HOTEL: The eight-time winner of Canada's Best Ski Hotel is an all-suite property, offering ski-in, ski-out access right at the base of the Blackcomb and Whistler gondolas. 

4320 Sundial Crescent, Whistler, BC V8E 1G6 +1 604 905 2999, panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-whistler-mountainside.html

Where to Eat 

ARAXI: One of the best restaurants in Whistler, with farm-to-table dining, raw fish bar serving freshly shucked oysters and sushi and acclaimed wine list.

110 - 4222 Village Square, Whistler, BC V8E 1H6 +1 604 932 4540, araxi.com

RED DOOR BISTRO: Chef RD Stewart puts a West Coast twist on classic French dishes like terrine and bouillabaisse in this popular 40-seat bistro.

2129 Lake Placid Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0N4 +1 604 962 6262, reddoorbistro.ca

RIMROCK CAFE: German trained chef Rolf Gunther keeps the focus on fish and game in this elegantly rustic restaurant. 

2117 Whistler Road, Whistler, BC V0N 1B2 +1 604 932 5565, rimrockcafe.com

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

While Germany's ski resorts are often overshadowed by their larger neighbours, this town south of Munich near the country's highest mountain has an impressive pedigree, having hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics and World Cup skiing competitions.

Snowtalk

The Garmisch-Classic ski resort has 40 kilometers of slopes and four downhill runs covered by snowmaking facilities between the three ski mountains Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze. Nearby Zugspitze, Germany's highest skifield, is the place to head up to see some sun when the weather is poor.

Where to Stay

DAS GRASECK: Nestled in the mountains, accessible by cable car, this hideaway has comprehensive health and wellness programs and well-regarded Weingart's Restaurant. 

Graseck 4, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen +49 8821 94 32 40, das-graseck.de

HOTEL ZUGSPITZE: Traditional four-star hotel that combines Bavarian cosiness with a 1,000sqm wellness area. 

Klammstrasse 19, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, +49 8821 9010, hotel-zugspitze.de

STAUDACHERHOF: The town centre is just a few steps away from this picturesque family-run hotel, whose food includes Bayurvida cuisine. 

Höllentalstrasse 48, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, +49 8821 9290. staudacherhof.de

Where to Eat 

REINDL'S: Features generous game dishes and typical Bavarian delicacies plus seasonal produce. 

Bahnhofstrasse 15, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, +49 8821 943870, reindls.de

JOSEPH NAUS STUB'N: Well priced, tasty menu featuring regional products. Kitchen led by Georg Strohmeyer in the hotel Zugspitze. 

Klammstrasse 19, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen +49 8821 9010, hotel-zugspitze.de

RESTAURANT HUSAR: Housed in an historic building with a beautiful facade. Serves both alpine and international cuisine. 

Fürstenstrasse 25, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, +49 8821 96 77 9 22, restauranthusar.de

Val Gardena, Italy

The biggest ski resort in the spectacular Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage area, is actually spread over three main villages Ortisei, San Cristina and Selva. It offers plenty of lively après ski options and a superb fusion of Italian and Austrian cuisines.

Snowtalk

Part of the enormous Dolomiti Superski, a world-famous network of 12 ski areas covering 1,200km of slopes, accessible with one pass. Two new slopes are scheduled to open this winter.

Where to Stay

ADLER SPA RESORT: Set on the slopes of the Alpe di Siusi, this property has a wellness and treatment area with an indoor-outdoor pool, sauna and whirlpools. 

Strada Rezia 7, 39046 Ortisei +39 0471 775 000, adler-resorts.com/en/adler-spa-resort-dolomiti/43-0.html

GARDENA GRÖDNERHOF GOURMET & SPA HOTEL: Set in a spacious garden in the center of Ortisei, this luxurious hotel has 54 renovated rooms and suites, a beauty center and spa. Worth a visit for its one Michelin star restaurant Anna Stuben. 

Via Vidalong, 3, 39046 Ortisei (BZ) +39 0471 796 315, gardena.it

HOTEL TYROL: Traditional hotel with wellness area and pool. Three restaurants offering a range of Mediterranean cooking, as well as Tyrolean and Ladin specialties with an emphasis on seasonal products. Strada Puez 12, 39048 Selva di Val Gardena BZ, +39 0471 774 100, tyrolhotel.it

Where to Eat

CHALET GERARD: Renowned restaurant featuring traditional South Tyrolean cuisine set in a boutique lodge. 

Plan de Gralba, 37, 39048 Selva di Val Gardena +39 0471 795 274, chaletgerard.com

EMILIO COMICI: The wood-paneled rooms in this mountain hut are lined with historical photos and the food is excellent. 

Plan de Gralba 24, 39048 Selva di Val Gardena, +39 0471 1930388, rifugiocomici.com

TUBLADEL: This restaurant has a homey atmosphere reminiscent of an Alpine hut while the South Tyrol inspired dishes are more creative. 

Trebinger street 22, 39046 Ortisei - Val Gardena, +39 0471 79 68 79, tubladel.com

Val Gardena, Italy 
©Shutterstock
Val Gardena, Italy 
Catherine Walbridge
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