17 Most Beautiful Ski Resorts to Visit This Winter
Discover luxury alpine escapes featuring world-class architecture, Michelin-starred dining, and serene mountain landscapes.
1Redefining Alpine Hospitality
Modern ski resorts have evolved into destinations where the architecture and amenities rival the quality of the slopes themselves. Travelers now seek experiences beyond skiing, prioritizing Michelin-starred dining, award-winning spas, and unique design aesthetics. This selection highlights seventeen properties that blend dramatic mountain surroundings with high-end comfort for winter enthusiasts.
2Japanese Serenity in Hokkaido
Zaborin Ryokan in Hokkaido, Japan, offers a secluded escape hidden within the Hanazono woods. Built atop natural hot springs, each villa features private indoor and outdoor onsens. Guests can enjoy multicourse kaiseki meals and views of Mount Yōtei before taking a seven-minute transfer to the nearby Hanazono Niseko ski area.
3Modernism in Park City
Pendry Park City in Utah provides a ski-in, ski-out experience within the largest ski resort in the United States. Spanning over 7,000 acres, the property features a rooftop pool and the Après Pendry lounge. Its modernist design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding Canyons Village landscape for a contemporary mountain retreat.
4Swiss Grandeur and History
Switzerland remains a hub for historic luxury, exemplified by the 1913 Gstaad Palace and the Carlton Hotel in St. Moritz. These properties host jet-setters and offer old-world grandeur alongside modern amenities. Meanwhile, the InterContinental Davos uses 790 curved steel panels to mimic pine cones, housing 216 rooms overlooking the city.
5French Alpine Luxury
Cheval Blanc Courchevel, owned by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault, showcases blue-chip artwork by creators like Michel Othoniel. In Avoriaz, the Hôtel des Dromonts reflects 1960s architectural influences from Le Corbusier. These French resorts prioritize intimate, design-focused environments that elevate the traditional ski lodge experience through sophisticated interior upgrades and artistic curation.
6Colorado Mountain Retreats
The Pines Lodge in Beaver Creek offers rustic ski-in, ski-out access with views of the Rockies from the Grouse Mountain Grill. Similarly, the St. Regis Aspen Resort underwent a 40 million dollar renovation in 2012. These properties emphasize marble-lined baths and Ralph Lauren furnishings to provide a premium American mountain experience.
7Nature-Inspired Italian Design
Forestis in the Italian Dolomites occupies a site originally established as a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1912. The current design focuses on simplicity, utilizing stone, wood, and glass to reflect the natural environment. This property highlights a growing trend of wellness-oriented resorts that integrate historical context with modern, nature-focused architectural principles.
8The Future of Ski Travel
The appeal of these resorts lies in their ability to balance adrenaline-fueled sports with restorative luxury. Whether through the castle-like architecture of Canada’s Fairmont Banff Springs or the unique boutique offerings in Andermatt, these destinations prove that winter travel is as much about the indoor experience as the outdoor terrain.
Original article: Architectural Digest — 17 Most Beautiful Ski Resorts to Visit This Winter