6 best ski resorts in Europe for a magical winter getaway

Europe’s majestic mountains appear truly wondrous when blanketed in snow. Whether you enjoy skiing down dazzling white slopes or taking in the views from a cosy alpine lodge, these top ski destinations promise the perfect European winter getaway. We’ve handpicked some of the best ski resorts in Switzerland, France, Austria and beyond – check in at these impressive spots and embrace a winter wonderland. 

1. The Alpina Gstaad – Swiss Alps  

Gstaad exudes traditional Alpine charm, with its quaint wooden chalets and picturesque village streets. Higher up, on a tranquil hillside in Oberbort, is The Alpina Gstaad , where you’ll be treated to the best of Swiss hospitality. Rooms and suites feature warm wooden interiors and hand-built stone fireplaces that highlight impeccable Saanenland craftsmanship, while the balconies open onto spectacular views of the surrounding mountain valley. 

Need a soothing massage or facial after a day on the slopes? Head to the Six Senses Spa for wellness treatments inspired by Asian healing therapies as well as cutting-edge biohacking procedures that speed up muscle recovery and cellular revitalisation. Nourish your body with gourmet fare at The Alpina’s five restaurants, where you can savour traditional Swiss fondue as well as exquisite omakase by sushi master Tsutomu Kugota. Dining at the Michelin-starred Martin Göschel is a must while you’re here – the dishes are a modern take on Swiss cuisine, made with the finest local ingredients. 

2. Hotel Bellavista, St Moritz – Swiss Alps

St Moritz is a ski fanatic’s paradise thanks to its high altitude and snow-sure conditions. Nestled in the Engadin valley, the family-run Hotel Bellavista  is the ideal base for you to explore all that there is to do in the area. From skiing and sledging to skating and curling, there are plenty of winter activities to choose from for an action-packed itinerary. When you’re ready to return indoors, the Hotel Bellavista welcomes you with a range of rooms, all with their own distinctive decor and floorplan.  

We recommend the Panorama Suite, which is equipped with a spacious terrace overlooking the lake. The hotel’s basement level is the wellness centre, where you can unwind in the saunas or relax on the waterbeds. End your day with a hearty meal of venison, paired with a fine wine from the hotel restaurant’s extensive cellar. You can reach both St Moritz and Gstaad from Zurich comfortably in under three hours by car. 

3. Refuge de la Traye, Meribel – French Alps

Meribel is a gem of Les Trois Vallees (The Three Valleys), the gorgeous Savoie ski region in the French Alps. The area is traversed by more than 600 kilometres of marked runs and over 130 kilometres of cross-country tracks to explore amid the stunning snow-covered terrain. For the complete alpine experience, check in at the Refuge de la Traye , where rustic design meets refined luxury. Refuge de la Traye is the ideal stay for those seeking privacy and peace, with just six rooms and suites, boasting breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. The restaurant serves regional specialities including raclette and Savoyard fondue, as well as a delectable confit lamb shoulder with polenta and Beaufort cheese. Make time for wellness treatments at the excellent spa, operated in partnership with renowned French beauty brand Biologique Recherche. It’s accessible by public transport from Paris. 

4. VRetreats Cervino, Breuil-Cervinia – Italian Alps

Just a two hour drive from cosmopolitan Milan transports you to a world of soaring peaks and powdery slopes. High up in the Italian Alps, VRetreats Cervino  is a secluded sanctuary in the shadow of the Matterhorn. The rooms and suites are notable for their understated elegance, with refined wood finishes and a comforting palette of neutrals and fir green. Breakfast is served at Ristorante Panorama with a spectacular view of the Pennine Alps glittering in the morning light, while supper is best enjoyed at Abrì, where traditional Valdostan dishes are available exclusively in the winter season. Warm up after a day in the snow by taking a dip in the heated indoor pool or indulging in a revitalising Finnish-style sauna session.    

5. Relais & Châteaux Gut Steinbach Hotel, Reit im Winkl – Chiemgau Alps, Bavaria 

The Bavarian landscape seems to come straight out of a fairytale, with its beautiful castles and lush forests. It takes less than two hours to drive from Munichthe foothills of idyllic Chiemgau. Located on a sprawling 51-hectare estate in the village of Reit im Winkl, the Relais & Châteaux Gut Steinbach Hotel  delivers classic Bavarian hospitality, with 50 rooms and suites, each with a charming vintage vibe. 

The expansive spa features a large indoor pool, steam bath and three saunas, and offers wellness treatments such as the alpine herbal stamp massage. Sustainability and home-style cooking are the focus at Heimat, the hotel restaurant, where delectable dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from the onsite organic farm Beyond the estate, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding valley, from skiing and snowshoe-hiking to tobogganing and horse-drawn carriage rides, making this a great location for an active family holiday.  

6. Fernblick, St Corona am Wechsel – Viennese Alps

Vienna impresses with its grand architecture and rich cultural heritage, but if you want a quick escape from the capital, drive just over an hour south to St Corona am Wechsel in Neuenkirchen. With its pink exterior and opulent interiors, boutique hotel Fernblick  promises an excellent weekend getaway for aesthetes and style-seekers. Beautiful wallpaper, plush carpeting and mid-century modern-inspired furniture lend a glamorous touch to the rooms, while the hotel’s three themed bars are delightfully charming spots for après-ski cocktails and dancing. Recover the next morning by detoxing in the sauna or having a strong coffee in the lounge accompanied by your favourite tunes on the jukebox.  

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