Travelers looking to book a big winter adventure will find that there’s no shortage of options for lodging and accommodations. But when it comes to finding the best stay near some of the most popular ski resorts, not all hotels are created equal. With ski-in/ski-out access, complimentary transportation and quick access to some of the most incredible downhill runs in the world, these six snowy escapes are the perfect place to curl up and wind down after a long day out on the slopes.
Grand Alpes Hotel, Courchevel 1850, France
With its trendy boutiques and designer stores, luxurious chalets and one of the largest collections of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, the affluent town of Courchevel, France offers an elevated take on the Alpine experience. In fact, the region is so well-to-do that it attracts quite the clientele playing host to celebrities and even royalty throughout the years, as they touch the ground on the only private aircraft runway in all of Europe. Also adding to the town’s allure is the presence of the Grand Alpes Hotel, the first-ever hotel in Courchevel 1850 that welcomed visitors in tandem with the ski resort’s first-ever ski lift.
View this post on Instagram
As with everything in Courchevel 1850, the Grand Alpes Hotel serves opulence to the highest degree. The property consists of nine spacious private apartments equipped with all the bells and whistles — think fireplaces, dining rooms featuring personal wine cellars, well-stocked professional-grade kitchens and private balconies with picture-perfect mountain views. Some of the swankier apartments even boast outdoor hot tubs, massage areas and private steam rooms. And when it comes to skiing, the experience at Grand Alpes Hotel is unmatched with ski-in/ski-out access, services available from private ski guides and an onsite boutique dedicated to Swiss ski equipment manufacturer ZAÏ.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Avon, CO
Situated mid-mountain within the Beaver Creek Ski Resort, the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Aven, Colorado is the luxury resort of the winter enthusiasts’ dreams. In addition to being a hot destination for skiers and snowboarders, this rustic hotel is most popular for its decadent dining options, relaxing onsite spa and opportunities for outdoor adventures all year long. And travelers will find that the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch draws inspiration from its scenic surroundings in everything that it does — from regional microbrews and dishes made from local ingredients to spa services featuring activated charcoal sourced from nearby mines, it’s hard not to feel the Colorado love.
View this post on Instagram
Guests can choose between mountain and valley view rooms, cementing the fact that there really is no bad view at this resort. As a ski-in/ski-out hotel, guests have exclusive access to McCoy Park and the Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School for those hoping to brush up on their skills. Just 15 minutes away is Vail, one of the most popular ski and snowboarding destinations in the U.S., with over 5,300 acres of terrain to explore including seven Black Bowls and three terrain parks.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, Whistler, BC
Ancient blue glaciers, rugged alpine peaks and a roaring waterfall come together to create Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler’s (FSWhistler) iconic backdrop in beautiful British Columbia. A stunning selection no matter the time of year, travelers who stay here can partake in a bevy of outdoor activities including scenic hikes, challenging mountain bike trails, white water rafting, wildlife viewing and more. Of course, one of the property’s main draws is its close proximity to North America’s largest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb, which snowboarders and skiers can enjoy from late November through late April each year.
View this post on Instagram
When it’s time to wind down, slope slayers will love retiring to FSWhistler’s selection of deluxe rooms and suites, each of which features a cozy yet modern design with all the features that one would expect from an upscale resort. The next morning, travelers are urged to indulge in FSWhilstler’s Instagram-worthy balcony breakfast, a three-tier extravaganza brimming with all the morning staples.
3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, Zermatt, Switzerland
Travelers can shred powder and catch some of the world’s most epic views at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps. Located 3,100 meters (1.9 miles) above sea level, this unique property offers unparalleled access to the surrounding mountainous landscape making it a must-see destination for mountaineers and skiers alike. The property is also popular amongst astronomers and scientists as 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat is home to The Gornergrat observatory, a scientific research center that’s open to the public several days a year. But travelers need not fret if they can’t make it on those few special days, the hotel offers a “Dining with the Stars” program where attendees devour meat fondue while listening to a lecture on astronomy, the Matterhorn and a crystal clear sky acting as the backdrop.
View this post on Instagram
When it’s time to hit the slopes, skiers and snowboarders will be happy to learn that they don’t have to travel far for the fun to begin. In fact, 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat has ski-to-door access and easy entry to Peak2Peak, the highest cableway in Europe with stops at two of the region’s most popular peaks — the Gornergrat Ridge and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Hotel Niseko Alpen, Niseko, Japan
Located in the heart of the Niseko mountain range, Hotel Niseko Alpen is a year-round destination for outdoor fun. In the summer, the resort offers travelers ample opportunities to soak up the sun with exciting activities like golfing, hiking and river rafting. But the hotel really shines in the winter when guests can spend their days skiing and snowboarding exhilarating trails atop some of the world’s finest powder. Best of all, visitors don’t have to worry about getting to the slopes as Hotel Niseko Alpen offers ski-in/ski-out access to Hirafu with easy entry to the region’s main chairlift.
View this post on Instagram
And the perks don’t stop there, Hotel Niseko Alpen is also home to world-class dining with dishes made from the finest local ingredients, a relaxing onsite hot stone spa and onsen and one of the region’s only indoor swimming pools. Travelers can also spend their time perusing the hotel’s variety of shops or singing the night away at the karaoke corner which is always up to date with the hottest songs.
Lodges at Deer Valley, Park City, UT
Nestled within the foothills of the Wasatch mountain range, the Lodges at Deer Valley offer travelers top-notch, family-friendly amenities in addition to quick access to the world-famous Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the onsite restaurant, The Brass Tag, fuel up with complimentary hot breakfast during ski season, take a dip in the outdoor heated pool and hot tub or warm up with a freshly brewed cup of Joe.
View this post on Instagram
When they’re ready to hit to slopes, the Lodges at Deer Valley offer complimentary in-town transportation to Park City’s Historic Main Street where skiers can gear up for an exciting day of exploring 2,000+ acres of varied terrain. Deer Valley is a bucket list park for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels including those who are just starting out as the resort is home to an award-winning ski school for people of all ages. Visitors who attend a lesson can expect to improve their skills, have more fun and take their skiing abilities to the next level.
About the Author
comments