The Quintessential Ski Holiday

Written
Sep. 27, 2017

From the most famous of Swiss experiences to the unexpected ski villages of Italy, we can design the ideal ski holiday for your family.

For many of us, it doesn’t get much better than the classic charm of a European ski vacation this time of year. We love the exercise (but not the soreness!), the unforgettable views, and the après-skiing delights of food and wine that call us back year-after-year. This season is no different, and we’re excited to offer some of the best experiences across Europe.

The benchmark for all other ski resorts, St. Moritz.

Perched in the Southeast corner of Switzerland, shines one of the greatest ski resorts in the World. Since the 16th century, St. Moritz has been popular with the English nobility for its fresh summer air and beautiful winter landscape.

Today, visitors from all countries enjoy over 215 miles of ski runs and some of the most stunning luxury hotels in the Alps. Some of our favorites have to be the grand Kempinski Grand Hotel Des Bain and the ski-in/ski-out Suvretta House.

The historical center is the heartbeat of the resort and offer uncompromised shopping and dining. Beyond skiing, there’s plenty to experience from the Vintage Car Rally and Gourmet Festival to the Snow Polo World Cup and White Turf International Horse Race. St. Moritz is impossible to resist.

Appreciate the simple beauty of Kitzbuhel.

In the Tyrolean mountains of Austria, just south of Germany, share in the refined charm of the Kitzbuhel resort. Even before you step into your skis, it takes your breath away. Buildings that are centuries old are painted in vibrant colors and remind us of a simpler, more relaxed time. The village and restaurants are full of character, and of course, so are the people.

It’s a great option for travelers who value the balance of nature, history and great skiing.

We also can help you enjoy the nearby sites of romantic Innsbruck, gorgeous Lake Zell and the historic city of Salzburg, among others. It’s easy to relax here with options like the Tenerhoff boutique and the Grand Hotel Tyrolia (which boasts a spa at 16,000 feet!) Visit Kitzbuhel between the end of January and the middle of March for the best snow.

At Val d’ Isere, terrain is king.

For those that put the skiing first in their ski holiday, we recommend Val d’ Isere in the Eastern border of France. The Espace Killy ski area offers 185 miles of runs, two terrain parks, 90 lifts and, amazingly, two glaciers.

Impressive by numbers, incredible by experience, this is a place where the ‘Easy’ runs are challenging, the ‘Intermediate’ runs test your skills and the ‘Difficult’ trails are the stories of experts.

Yet, unlike many French resorts, Val d’ Isere has a long history and has managed to retain its charm. Today the village combines modern and classical mountain architecture, with a church built in the 17th century, and the lively atmosphere of the Barmes de L’ Ourse hotel.

The Matterhorn is calling at Zermatt.

Here’s an authentic Swiss mountain village that knows how to have fun.

Zermatt manages to balance its rugged, mountaineering character with world-class refinement and luxury. Century-old farm houses sit side-by-side with grand hotels and modern chalets, which helps explain the engaging mix of locals, high-flyers and young thrill-seekers. Sounds like fun, right?

One of our favorite activities is taking a lift to the top off a 12,000 foot glacier, then skiing across the border to the village of Cervinia in Italy where there’s pizza, wine, and other visitors enjoying the views. When you get back to Zermatt, finish the day with the village’s lively nightlife scene, enjoying warm wine and regional beer. Here choosing a hotel isn’t easy as there are so many great options, though we would recommend the Mont Cervin Palace for old-fashioned charm and the stylish Cervo for a more modern experience.

Ski Cortina – Italy’s prized resort.

A two-hour drive from the Venice Airport leads to a mountain village that dates back a thousand years. Cortina’s wild history has created a place with a rich culture full of beautiful boutiques, delicious cafes and stylish people.

Skiing here is some of the best in Italy, with 75 miles of runs set over three areas that is ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Want more adventure? Opt for the Super Dolomiti pass and access 16 scenic ski areas with over 750 miles of diverse terrain. Our choice for luxury accommodations is the Cristallo, located directly in Cortina.

If you have time, finish your trip in the romantic city of Venice, home to some of the best hotels and restaurants in all of Europe.

So which is the right experience for your family? Contact us and we’ll help design a European Ski Holiday that will transform you this holiday season.