Winter is coming, and for those who live for the mountains, it’s a call to embrace the season with serious style. If your vision of the perfect ski holiday includes pristine slopes and retreats where crisp days end in deep comfort, you’ve found your starting point. Whether you seek the thrill of a black diamond run or the calm of a tree-lined trail, these destinations deliver more than just epic powder – they create essential alpine experiences. These are the best ski resorts worth journeying for.
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Niseko Kyo – Niseko, Japan
This luxury ski-in, ski-out retreat in the heart of Grand Hirafu Village captures everything that makes Niseko a global snow magnet. Niseko Kyo brings contemporary Japanese design to the mountains, with spacious condos that feature clean lines, natural textures, and, in many cases, private onsens overlooking the snow. The location couldn’t be better: just steps from the lifts, ski schools, cafés, and boutiques, making it ideal for both first-timers and seasoned skiers. After a day carving through Hokkaido’s famously soft powder, guests can recharge in the public onsen, squeeze in a gym session, or enjoy a leisurely dinner at the hotel’s elegant restaurant before retreating to the warmth of their suite. Refined yet relaxed, Niseko Kyo captures the essence of Japanese hospitality at its most effortless.
Peak Season: December to April
Niseko Kyo, 3-2 Niseko Hirafu 1-jo 4-chome, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0080, Japan, +81 (0) 136 23 1724, www.nisade.com
Hotel de Len – Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Arguably the most stylish alpine escape in the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo is home to Hotel de Len, where sleek, minimalist rooms open onto the surrounding mountains. Guests can unwind in a serene spa, enjoy meals from locally sourced ingredients, or take guided tours to slopes ranging from gentle beginner runs to black diamonds and off-piste legends. Just steps from the lifts, the hotel offers an eco-conscious retreat that combines rugged alpine spirit with modern ease, making every moment of a ski trip feel effortlessly la dolce vita.
Peak Season: December to early-April
Hotel de Len, Via Cesare Battisti, 66, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo (BL), Italy, +39 0436 4246, www.hoteldelen.it
Caldera House – Jackson Hole, Wyoming (USA)
Caldera House is a boutique alpine club set amid the dramatic Teton peaks and endless backcountry terrain of Jackson Hole. Guests are looked after by a dedicated team including concierge staff, chefs, housekeepers, and wellness attendants, ensuring every stay is comfortable and pampering. The expansive suites feature fireplaces, chef’s kitchens, and private terraces, while design touches combine cosy rustic elements with modern comfort. After a day on the slopes, the cedar sauna, infinity plunge pool, and a choice of rustic Italian or Japanese izakaya-style dining offer relaxation without leaving the property. From sweeping mountain vistas to the attentive service and stylish interiors, Caldera House is a mountain retreat where adventure and luxury come together effortlessly.
Peak Season: late-November to mid-April
Caldera House, 3275 W Village Drive, Teton Village, WY 83025, USA, +1 (307) 200 4220, www.calderahouse.com
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Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort – Gangwon-do, South Korea
This is Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort – South Korea’s ultimate winter playground just a short hop from Seoul. Framed by the scenic peaks of Gangwon-do, it’s the perfect spot for anyone craving alpine adventure without the long trek to the mountains. The resort’s ski-in convenience means no hauling gear, just effortless access to well-groomed slopes and powdery trails suited for every level. After a day on the snow, guests can recharge in the sauna and steam room, or unwind at one of several restaurants serving everything from Korean favourites to Japanese and fusion fare. There’s even a karaoke bar for après-ski fun, plus a fitness centre, play park, and dedicated game zones to keep everyone entertained. With shuttle services, family-friendly facilities, and plenty to do both on and off the pistes, Elysian Gangchon makes it easy to trade city lights for mountain air – and enjoy South Korea’s winter at its most vibrant.
Peak Season: December to March
Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, 688 Bukhangangbyeon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea, +82 033-260-2000, www.elysian.co.kr
Hotel Les Balcons Village – La Plagne, France
Hotel Les Balcons Village is the kind of alpine escape that feels straight out of a snow-globe dream. Set in the heart of La Plagne, this ski-in, ski-out retreat captures the essence of classic chalet living, elevated by modern comforts – balneo bathtubs in every room, private balconies framing the French Alps, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. After carving through the vast Paradiski slopes, guests can ease sore muscles in the sauna, cool off with a few laps in the pool, or enjoy a restorative spa session before tucking into bubbling fondue and hearty Savoyard fare at the hotel restaurant. Here, comfort, scenery, and mountain spirit come together in perfect alpine harmony.
Peak Season: mid-December to mid-April
Hotel Les Balcons Village, 73210 Belle Plagne, France, +33 (0)4 79 55 76 55, www.hotel-les-balcons.com
Club Med Yabuli – Yabuli Ski Resort, China
Overlooking the snow-covered peaks of China’s Heilongjiang province, Club Med Yabuli offers a front-row seat to one of Asia’s most celebrated alpine playgrounds. Surrounded by ancient pines, this all-inclusive mountain resort redefines the family ski escape with direct lift access, panoramic views, and a seamless blend of adventure and relaxation. Its spacious rooms and suites bring together warm wood accents and contemporary comfort, while a wealth of experiences awaits just outside your door. Guests enjoy ski passes, group lessons, and gourmet dining all included, along with post-slope indulgences like a serene spa, heated indoor pool, and Canadian bath framed by snowy vistas. Little ones can join kids’ clubs or learn the ropes with dedicated instructors, while adults unwind in the lounge bar or stretch out with yoga and snow trekking. There’s even a flying trapeze for those seeking something a little unexpected.
Peak Season: late-November to March
Club Med Yabuli, QFJ2+V95, Shangzhi, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, 150631, www.clubmed.com
Glacier Mountaineer Lodge – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Canada
Think Canada and you’re probably picturing moose, maple syrup, and snow for days – but Kicking Horse Mountain Resort takes that image and cranks it to full throttle. This is where the wild ones come to play, with steep chutes, secret powder stashes, and tree runs that’ll have even pros grinning through their goggles. Basecamp is Glacier Mountaineer Lodge, parked right at the bottom of the Golden Eagle Express Gondola for true ski-in, ski-out access. Take your pick between cosy hotel rooms or roomy condos, each with a private balcony overlooking the Rockies and a kitchen begging for an après-ski feast. Once you’ve shredded the slopes, sink into the outdoor hot tub, sweat it out in the sauna, or just kick back with a beer and a view. Fierce skiing, laid-back living – this is Canada, but not as you know it.
Peak Season: December to mid-April
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden, BC V0A 1H0, Canada, +1 (800) 258 7669, www.kickinghorseresort.com
Crans Ambassador – Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Imagine waking up to the sun spilling over the snow-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps, with wide, gentle slopes unfolding just beyond your window. This is the setting of Crans Ambassador, a five-star alpine retreat in the heart of Crans-Montana, where families and seasoned skiers alike come to chase perfect turns under endless blue skies. The hotel offers ski-in, ski-out access, spacious terraces with sweeping mountain views, and rooms that exude classic alpine charm. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the heated indoor pool, indulge in a soothing spa treatment, or linger by the open fire with a glass of Swiss wine.
Peak Season: mid-December to March
Crans Ambassador, Route du Petit Signal 3, 3963 CH-Crans-Montana, Switzerland, +41 27 485 48 48, www.cransambassador.ch
Solar Chalets – Hakuba Valley, Japan
When you’re on a ski trip, your accommodation needs to be more than just a place to sleep – it should be your mountain sanctuary, your cosy social hub, and your strategic base all at once. Enter Solar Chalets: nestled in Hakuba Valley’s pristine landscape, just moments from the legendary Sakka Ski Slope. Each three-bedroom chalet balances minimalist Japanese aesthetics with pure warmth – think hydronic underfloor heating, forest-framed views, and spacious bunk rooms designed for families or friends. With fully equipped kitchens for laid-back gatherings and a complimentary shuttle whisking you to ski lifts, onsen baths, and local restaurants, everything is crafted for hassle-free mountain living.
Peak Season: December to March
Solar Chalets, 4860 Hokujo, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan, www.hakuba.com
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
