Posh & Plush: The World’s Most Opulent Ski Resorts

Looking for a special winter holiday? These resorts should be on your (champagne) bucket list.

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Skiing has certainly become more affordable – to some it now conjures images of packed minibuses, budget cartons of wine and students in their droves. For a more refined ski experience without a box of wine in sight, these posh ski resorts are a far cry from the student ski trip-style winter getaway.

Aspen, Colorado, USA

For a five-star experience, look no further than Aspen’s Little Nell ski-in, ski-out hotel. Come celebrate Christmas or ring in the New Year here and you’ll be sure to rub shoulders with some of Hollywood’s hottest as they holiday in the resort. It’s not just a hotspot for star-spotting: the skiing is excellent, the mountain town is beyond charming and Little Nell’s wine cellar will please any wine buff as it boasts 50,000 bottles of the rarest wines in the world.

St Moritz, Switzerland

Possibly the most luxurious ski resort on the planet, countless European royals and Hollywood A-Listers are among the regulars on the pistes and in the boutiques of St Mortiz each year. Think horse-drawn carriages, high-end boutiques including Bulgari and Chanel and 10,000 private jet landings in the local airport each year… you’ll get an idea of who a trip to St Moritz might have you rubbing shoulders with.

Although many come to St Moritz merely to be seen, the skiing itself is fabulous too. It’s hosted two Winter Olympics and puts on a World Cup ski event annually too.

Whistler, Canada

For a fairytale-esque luxurious ski experience, look no further than this Canadian resort. Tucked away between two enormous tree-covered mountains interlinked by the world’s highest and longest gondola, Whistler boasts natural beauty and extreme luxury perfectly.

Share the five-star vistas from the Four Seasons with elk, deer and even black bears, and enjoy some heli-skiing and decadent spa treatments at the Scandinave Spa while you’re there.

Lech-Zürs, Austria

With 100 five-star and four-star hotels to choose from, the Lech-Zürs ski region is one of the world’s most exclusive resorts. These charmingly picturesque villages boast opulent chalets and luxurious hotels in addition to their manicured pistes.

Understated luxury is how the Austrians do lavish, and its delightfully rustic streets don’t feel flashy or flaunting at all. Effortless perfection and five-star charm make it easy to see why it was the late Princess Diana’s favourite place to ski, and why the Beckhams make it their ski resort of choice!

Eagle Point Resort, Utah, USA

What could be more decadent than having your own private ski resort? With 600 acres, 5 lifts and 40 pistes, the fluffy snow-covered mountain could be yours for up to 200 friends to ski the day away and dance well into the night until it’s time to get into the outdoor hot tubs. If you tire of the après, Vegas is a mere 20 minutes away by helicopter…

Don’t Leave This till Après

Whether you’re whizzing down slopes or chatting up celebrities, you don’t want to have to worry about insurance once you’re on your opulent ski trip. Make sure you have special winter sports travel insurance that covers your snowy antics on and off the pistes so you can enjoy yourself with total peace of mind.