Winter in Europe is about the ritual of snow-dusted mornings, long days on the slopes, and evenings wrapped in elegance. The continent’s most iconic ski hotels go beyond providing a bed; they create worlds of indulgence where heritage, design, and après-ski culture merge seamlessly. Whether you dream of champagne in St Moritz, design-led retreats in Austria, or cinematic cabins in Norway, these six ski hotels define luxury on the slopes this season.
Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
A century of aristocratic glamour defines Gstaad Palace, where turrets rise above one of Switzerland’s prettiest villages. Once frequented by Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, today it blends old-world elegance with relaxed warmth. After a day on pristine slopes, guests gather in the grand lobby bar or dine on chef Franz Faeh’s refined Alpine cuisine. Generations return year after year, making it feel more like a private club than a hotel.
Who is it for: Classicists who love tradition, grandeur, and a touch of Hollywood sparkle in their ski holiday.
Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz, Switzerland
The grande dame of the Alps, Badrutt’s Palace is all palatial turrets, panoramic views, and timeless glamour. Open since 1896, it remains a sanctuary of indulgence with 11 restaurants, two bars, a storied nightclub, and a lavish spa. Skiers and jet-setters alike come for the mix of tradition and extravagance: where après-ski can mean champagne by the fire or lake swimming come spring.
Who is it for: Jet-setters and partygoers who want skiing with glittering nightlife, Michelin dining, and iconic status.
Eriro Alpine Hide, Austria
Perched at 5,085 feet in Ehrwald, Eriro Alpine Hide is a design-led newcomer redefining mountain luxury. With ski-in, ski-out access, the nine-room hideaway celebrates craftsmanship, tree-trunk bathtubs, stone floors softened by bouclé rugs, and natural light shifting across spruce interiors. Evenings mean six-course dinners with foraged herbs, while mornings bring meditative snowshoe hikes or yoga overlooking the peaks.
Who is it for: Design lovers and couples seeking intimacy, sustainability, and a boutique approach to alpine living.
Aman Le Mélézin, Courchevel, France
In Courchevel 1850, Aman Le Mélézin delivers the group’s signature understated luxury. Skiers glide straight to the door before retreating to serene, pine-clad interiors. The spa spans four floors, complete with an indoor pool and hammam, while dining highlights include Japanese-inspired menus alongside Alpine classics. It’s ski-in, ski-out perfection, where wellness and powder combine seamlessly.
Who is it for: Wellness devotees and Aman loyalists who want effortless ski-in luxury paired with holistic indulgence.
COMO Alpina Dolomites, Italy
Rising above the Alpe di Siusi, COMO Alpina Dolomites is a striking glass-and-stone lodge that frames endless mountain views. Inside, sleek contemporary design meets Italian warmth. The COMO Shambhala Retreat spa offers holistic therapies, while the restaurant crafts South Tyrolean cuisine with seasonal finesse. Skiers love its access to Dolomiti Superski, one of Europe’s largest ski areas, while design lovers linger for the architecture.
Who is it for: Style-conscious travelers who want cutting-edge design, wellness, and access to a vast ski region.
Juvet Landscape Hotel, Norway
For those who want skiing with a touch of cinematic drama, Juvet Landscape Hotel in Valldal is extraordinary. Scattered glass cabins dissolve into the snowy wilderness, offering uninterrupted views of forests and peaks. Known for its role in the film Ex Machina, it feels otherworldly yet deeply rooted in Norwegian minimalism. Winter here is about intimacy: private saunas, cross-country trails, and silence broken only by the crunch of snow.
Who is it for: Adventurers and romantics who crave seclusion, cinematic landscapes, and a deep connection to nature.
From the storied palaces of Switzerland to Italy’s sleek design lodges and Norway’s glass-walled wilderness escapes, each offers a different vision of alpine luxury. Whether you’re seeking history, glamour, wellness, or seclusion, these six hotels promise more than skiing: they deliver the very essence of winter at its most refined.
