There are ski resorts, and then there are those resorts that stand head and shoulders above the rest, whether they are located very high up a mountain or not. These are the ski resorts that are exclusive, luxurious and the playgrounds of the rich and famous who want to have their own kind of fun in the sun. As there are so many ski resorts to choose from across the globe it isn’t easy to pick out the best, but these 5 have been deemed as the most exclusive ski resorts in the world.
Courcheval 1850 in France has long been a flagship when it comes to exclusivity in ski resorts. It nestles at one end of the immense Trois Vallees ski region, and couldn’t be more different if it tried from its neighbours Val Thoren and Meribel. The resort boasts 2 restaurants which are Michelin starred, but Le Cap Horn is the place to be seen, even though it is 2,050m up in the slopes. This gives you an unprecedented view of the area and you can watch the Euro elite fly into the private airport which is situated right beneath the restaurant.
Switzerland plays host to numerous chocolate box style ski resorts that are simply stunning, but the most exclusive resort is not that sort of resort. The King of Bling in the Swiss Alps is the incomparable St Moritz. This is where the eccentric and the loaded come to risk their lives on the Cresta Run, race horses over frozen lakes and other such foolhardy activities. Dripping with opulence and kudos, there is nowhere quite like St Moritz
Austria’s best ski region is Arlbergm and here you will find the world famous resort of St Anton. Just around the corner, however, is the altogether more refined resort of Lech, This is where the beautiful people of central Europe flock to in their droves, as everyone looks good on the perfectly groomed pistes. For après ski, there is a range of top class restaurants and bars that are packed from morning ’til night with the young and the wealthy.
Although Banff is probably the most famous ski resort in Canada, in terms of glamour and opulence it has to be Whistler Blackcomb. The jet set crowd from around the globe descend on this resort to ski the two impressive mountains and bask in the famous Canadian hospitality. The guide services and ski schools are amongst the best in the world and two hugely popular activities among the young thrill seekers are Heli-skiing and skidooing.
Narrowing down the choice of top US ski resorts is no mean feat, but the title of top resort still remains in the clutches of Aspen Colorado. For decades, millionaires and celebrities have made this their winter home from home, yet its main charm is its determination to stick to its mining town roots and strict architectural guidelines, so no garish holiday homes here. The ultimate location for star spotting, Aspen is, quite frankly, like nowhere else on earth.
