Sail Down the Slopes at These 5 Elite Ski Destinations

Have you been dreaming about donning your skis and heading to an exclusive ski destination to make tracks in some fresh powder? But how do you choose where? There are many favorite ski locations among elite travelers, and we've handpicked a few that offer a taste of exclusivity and luxury.

Choose from Aspen, Colorado; Courchevel, France; Megeve, France; Whistler, British Columbia, Canada; or Lake Tahoe, California. Each area has something special. Here is some information on each to make choosing your skiing getaway much easier!

ASPEN, COLORADO

The mountains are spectacular in Aspen, giving this quaint ski town its magical feeling any time of year, especially in winter. The sky is big, the air is fresh, and there are loads to do when you’re not on the slopes. Here are the takeaways:

• Four mountains that are a paradise for all levels of skiers and snowboarders
• Experience snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, dog sledding, tubing, hiking and many more outdoor activities
• Vibrant arts and culture scene
• Upscale shopping in quaint boutiques on Galena Street: Gucci, Prada, Christian Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and many others
• Many fine-dining restaurants:  
  • Clark’s Aspen for clam chowder, 
  • Matsuhisa for sushi, 
  • Steakhouse No. 316 for a steak sandwich with caramelized onions and fontina,
  •  French Alpine Bistro for French onion soup, mussels and frites, or the Wagyu burger
• Hot après ski scene:
  • Venga Venga or Base Camp Bar & Grill at Snowmass
  • The Red Onion, Limelight Lounge, Home Team BBQ, at Buttermilk

Aspen Street Lounge

 Aspen Street Lounge is a modern luxury rental in the heart of Aspen, offering proximity to the majestic Rockies and the charming frontier town. This architectural marvel seamlessly blends alpine charm with contemporary design, featuring artistically modern light fixtures, marbled surfaces and bespoke storage solutions. With ten uniquely adorned bedrooms and a dedicated entertainment area, this villa can accommodate up to 16 guests,  exuding sophistication and comfort. The inviting space features a foosball table, shuffleboard table, ping pong table, and a Polycade retro arcade. The expansive deck terrace and rooftop setup, hot tub, and heated pool invite guests to savor culinary delights amidst breathtaking mountain vistas. Aspen Street Lodge offers an unparalleled setting for elevated alpine living, combining luxury and natural beauty in perfect harmony.

COURCHEVEL, FRANCE

For unparalleled natural beauty, sophistication and elegance, Courchevel will capture your heart. And skiing is among the best in the world. Courchevel is known for having one of the longest ski seasons and the best snow cover in the entire Alps. The world’s largest ski area sits within the Three Valleys, which has 600 kilometers of pistes and an interlinked lift system with more than 170 lifts!

 Takeaways for Courchevel:

• Gastronomy here is among the most marvelous in the world. There are more than 70 restaurants, seven of which are Michelin-starred. 
  • Gaia Restaurant for homemade sushi, delicious fish tataki, 
  • Yakitori finger food, 
  • Kintessence Restaurant is two-time Michelin-starred not only for the ambiance and view but also for the royale foie gras and winter salad with crisp cracklings.
  • Le Chabichou Restaurant Gourmet Michelin-starred, where we recommend trying the roasted venison fillet in a juniper sautoir.
• Boutique shopping is exquisite. You can choose from top designers such as Chanel, Moncler, Hermes, Hublot, Valentino and Padischa.
• The best après ski parties can be found at:
  •  Funky Fox,
  •  La Folie Douce, 
  • Fire & Ice, or 
  • La Petite Bergerie

Chalet Edelweiss 1850

Chalet Edelweiss 1850 epitomizes luxury ski-in, ski-out living in Courchevel, offering proximity to the resort village and train station. Its interiors blend ski lodge charm with cosmopolitan flair, featuring exquisite wood grains and postmodern art pieces. With eight bedrooms and nine-and-a-half bathrooms, the chalet accommodates up to sixteen guests in opulent comfort. The master suite boasts two dressing rooms and a private lounge, while a private cinema and expansive dining table enhance the guest experience. The spa level features an indoor pool, jetted tub, hammam, sauna and fitness room, ensuring relaxation and well-being. Expansive terraces offer stunning alpine views, completing the allure of Chalet Edelweiss 1850.

MEGEVE, FRANCE

Located in the southeast of France near the borders of Italy and Switzerland, Megeve is one of Europe’s most stylish resorts. It is up there with other ski resorts as a high-class destination with world-class shopping, dining, and photo-worthy Alps views. In addition to its charm, Megeve has some of the finest skiing in the world, and if you’re one to avoid large crowds both on and off the slopes, this small town is still relatively quiet, offering peaceful pistes. Here is a bit more about Megeve:

• France's third-largest ski area is more than 445 kilometers long and has 220 ski slopes, 107 ski lifts, five snow parks, and five “nursery” areas for beginners.
• Shop for the latest designer offerings at boutiques that carry Céline, Valentino, Daniela Vezza, Isabel Marant, and Loro Piana, among others.
• Developed as a ski resort by Baroness Noémie de Rothschild, who wanted to create a French version of St. Moritz, Switzerland.
• Featured in the film, Charade, with Audrey Hepburn and Robert Redford.
• Incomparable fine dining. Try Restaurant:
  •  Etoile Flocons de Sel has three Michelin stars. We recommend the dessert—wood-smoked ice cream and chocolate tart. 
  • La Table de l’Alpaga is a two-starred Michelin venue. They offer meals in six steps, eight steps, or all vegetables. N.B. Steps are courses.
    

 Ultima Megeve sets the standard for alpine luxury living, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc and unparalleled wellness facilities. Its cavernous interiors blend ski lodge charm with high culture glamor, featuring exquisite timber grains and modern glass walls. Ultima Megeve comprises two ultra-luxurious chalets, assuring versatile lodging options for large groups. Eight exceptionally appointed private suites accommodate fourteen adults and four children with utmost discretion and comfort. Guests enjoy amenities such as a salon, wine cellar, cinema room, and spa with hammam and fitness rooms. Ample terraces overlook majestic mountain vistas, while a private helipad enhances accessibility. Ultima Megeve promises a comprehensive luxury experience, redefining French Alpine excellence. 

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

The powder is fantastic, and the people are as lovely as the sunshine in the summer. Many people don’t realize that Whistler is North America's largest resort ski town and is pleasant for skiers of all levels. The town is picture-perfect and so are the venues. Here is some information on this beautiful Canadian ski destination:

• There are 8,171 acres to explore across Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, with about 40 feet of snow each year.
• Beginners stick to the green slopes, while more confident skiers can try out 170 blue, black, and double black runs.
• If you get to the Whistler Village gondola before 7 a.m., you can climb the mountain before everyone else.
• Tucked away in the forest just outside Whistler Village is the Scandinave Spa. Spend time between the outdoor hot pools, cold baths, saunas and steam rooms. If you need a break, doze around the open fire pits, massage, or enjoy a light lunch in the lounge. And the best part? This is a no-talking spa to savor some absolute quiet.
• There are more than 90 bars and restaurants, many of which offer fine dining. We recommend:
  •  The Grill Room for juicy steaks 
  • The Ice Room of Listel Hotel’s Bearfoot Bistro—the world’s coldest ice bar, so bundle up.
• Luxe shopping and après ski are world-class, too. Many shops carry top designer clothing. For après ski:
  • Garibaldi Lift Company for the traditional poutine.
  • The Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub is regarded as one of the best bars in Whistler. The pub was designed, crafted, and transported piece by piece from Ireland, bringing great live music.

Belmont Estate is a magnificent mountain retreat set atop seven acres in Whistler's exclusive Stonebridge area. With panoramic mountain views and proximity to Creekside ski lifts, it offers a quintessential Whistler experience. The interiors showcase chic alpine design with exposed beams, stone floors, and cozy furnishings. With seven bedrooms, including a guest house, and ample living space, it accommodates up to 14 guests. The estate features amenities like a media room, billiards, ping pong, and an exercise room. Outdoor spaces include a fire pit, barbecue grills, and a hot tub for 12. A private helicopter landing area adds to its allure, making Belmont Estate the epitome of highlife living in Whistler.

LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA

One of the best places to ski in the United States is in Lake Tahoe in California. It receives nearly 300 days of sunshine and about 500 inches of snow annually on its peaks. Tahoe’s relaxed ambiance, terrific slopes, and skiing conditions make it a favorite among skiers and snowboarders. The best time to head to Tahoe for the powder is in February. Here are some things you should know about Lake Tahoe:

• Home to nine major ski resorts with slopes for every level of skier: Squaw Valley, Heavenly Mountain, Northstar, Alpine Meadows, Kirkwood, Sugar Bowl, Diamond Peak, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Royal Gorge.
• The Village at Palisades Tahoe offers elite shopping. There are many boutiques and galleries, specialty shops and elite sporting goods stores.
• For fine dining, Restaurant Trokay fits the bill. They serve dinners with unique items like Fresno chili, Maryland soft shell crab tempura, salt-cured torchon of humanely raised foie gras, house brioche and California peach ice, or the Louisiana crawfish salad with nasturtium. If you crave sushi, we give Frederick’s Fusion Bistro and Sushi Bar two thumbs up. The maki and sashimi are delicious.
• The après ski scene in Lake Tahoe is alive and healthy. Head to:
  •  The Blue Angel Café for its ski lodge ambiance, 
  • Ritz-Carlton for its luxury and romantic 55-foot granite fireplace or 
  • The Sage Room to cuddle in a secluded booth.

Villa Harrah 

There is no other way to describe Villa Harrah other than breathtaking. Nestled in South Lake Tahoe, this palatial residence offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. With double-height vaulted ceilings and endless glass walls, the villa exudes sophistication and spaciousness. The majestic great room is adorned with luxurious furnishings and contemporary art pieces, creating an ambiance of modern elegance. With seven bedrooms accommodating up to 14 guests, Villa Harrah is perfect for lavish entertaining and relaxation. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a wine cellar, sauna, hot tub, and in-home beauty salon. Outside, the expansive terrace features a swimming pool, providing the ultimate leisure. Villa Harrah is a true oasis of luxury and relaxation in South Lake Tahoe.

We invite you to contact LVH client relations team member now to book your elite skiing holiday. Say the word, and we will have you on a flight in no time to the skiing destination that appeals to you the most. We will take care of everything. Just give us the green light. Plan on making unforgettable memories in some of the most magnificent natural destinations on the planet.