Luxe Radar: The ski trips worth your time and money
The best, and most luxurious, snow-spots to visit this winter from Europe to North America
Aspen to Zermatt. Courchevel to Whistler. Gstaad to Lech. It’s ski season and Luxe Radar is planning on packing her bags and hitting the slopes in style. (Since you’re asking, it’s a Fusalp ski suit, Bogner jacket, Toni Sailer merino knits, Moncler boots and Celine’s studded goggles we’re sporting this year.)
There’s no point rocking all that premium gear if we’re not downhilling at the right resorts. This season we’ve set our sights on the showiest, snowiest spots around from North America to Europe, and we’re all about private chalets.
Hidden in the alpine idyll of Lech, Austria’s most exclusive resort, are the Arula Chalets, two luxury builds where butlers, a concierge, chefs, housekeepers, drivers and therapists come as standard. This season try the four-night Fresh Tracks heli-skiing experience with expert guidance from former world ski champions (€10,750 per person) or an Off the Slopes four-night break offering an alternative winter experience at a gentler, less adrenaline-fuelled pace. Think cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh ride and yoga back at the chalet. From €5,812 per person for four nights, based on eight sharing, thearulachalets.com.
If the French Alps are more your jam, the Suite Idéal in Megève is calling. Facing the slopes of Mont Blanc, the Four Seasons Hotel Megève and Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois Megève have launched a two-night stay in either hotel with a one-night experience in Megève’s most exclusive suite, the Suite Idéal.
The Night above the Clouds package includes a very special dinner, dedicated butler service and breakfast for two, with mountaintop privacy and stargazing from your suite. Next day try snow-shoeing or set off skiing from a height. From €5,950 for a three-night package for two, fourseasons.com/megeve.
Shiny and new, Étoile du Nord is the talk of Val d’Isère this season. Architecturally striking, these private and exclusive adjoining chalets (East Wing and West Wing) offer high-spec features like the dramatic floor-to-ceiling 7-metre windows and full-height marble slabs lining the bathroom walls. Then there’s the luxurious spa areas, private cinemas and game rooms, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, 24-hour concierge service and private chefs. So us! Did we mention the private tunnel driveway?
Each chalet sleeps up to 14 guests with seven bedrooms in the East Wing and six in the West Wing. Après-ski will never be the same again. From €118,435 per week on a fully serviced basis, inclusive of private concierge, private chef, in-chalet ski and boot delivery, hautemontagne.com/chalet/etoile-du-nord-east-wing/.
For something a little more intimate (and affordable), Mi Chalet, La Villa in the Dolomites looks delightfully romantic. New to Ski Solutions’ portfolio, the open-plan design of this Italian hideaway offers pristine panoramic views. Perfect for a romantic getaway. Evenings can be spent in the warmth of your private outdoor jacuzzi or infrared sauna cabin indoors. From €3,705, including flights and private transfer, with skisolutions.com.
Over in Whistler, Canada’s ski capital, we’ve been watching the progress of Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa. Pitched as British Columbia’s most luxurious, fully serviced private retreat, it’s opening this November, hosting groups of up to 20 guests. Enveloped in the Coastal Mountains, the 12,000-square-foot lodge is ideal for a family getaway or group of pals.
With ten bedrooms and private spa with sauna, steam room, gym, massage rooms, hot tubs, refreshing pools and more, you’ll also have a cool entertainment space with cinema, wine cellar, poker and pool room, a bar and a dedicated children’s area. A live-in housekeeper, concierge and additional support staff complete the deal.
Guests must book the entire lodge for private use, which sounds great to us. From €8,641 per night with a three-night minimum stay required, wedgemountainlodge.com.
Wherever you’re heading this season, book yourself into one of these luxury boltholes and discover a whole new meaning to winter wonderland. See you on the slopes, dahling!
