Every year, travellers flock in droves to the world’s magical, snow-covered peaks. The allure of the winter season is made all the better by chic après ski activities and sumptuous rooms to rest those weary bodies in. Lucky for snow-seekers, the splendour never ends, with new hotels constantly popping up in the most sought-after international ski destinations — here’s our list of the must-visit ski hotels this winter…
Above and featured images: The ultra-luxe Kempinski Palace Engelberg
Kempinski Palace Engelberg
Engelberg, Switzerland
Having opened in mid-2021, Kempinski Palace Engelberg has brought a fresh dose of timeless elegance to the Swiss Alps. Its aesthetic transports guests straight to the Belle Époque era, yet its hospitality offerings remain firmly grounded in the modern age. Blending nature with history and contemporary touches, this property is the perfect all-rounder for every season.
As the first international five-star superior hotel to grace the postcard village of Engelberg, this Kempinski jewel shines brightly amidst the snow-capped Titlis peaks. Promising a tranquil escape from frantic city life, this 129-key palace focuses on enabling guests to restore mind-body balance, all in the most luxurious, nature-steeped setting.
Inspired by Mother Earth’s beauty, particularly the towering mountainscape that frames its backdrop, the building incorporates various natural, locally sourced materials. From the brown-and-grey colour palette to wood and stone elements, the interior pays homage to the Swiss Alps through and through. Meanwhile, historical artefacts such as tile mosaics, antique marble, hexagonal motifs, coffered ceilings and vintage chandeliers are a reminder of the property’s history, which dates back to the nineteenth century.
The hotel’s cuisine also honours the locale, with its signature Cattani Restaurant serving farm-to-table fare that spotlights regional and seasonal products all year long. Chalet Ruinart, meanwhile, is only open during winter and offers a menu brimming with fondue and Champagne specialities. For those much-anticipated après ski activities, head to Wintergarden, The Palace Bar or Habanos Cigar Lounge, where beautiful settings and delectable drinks await. The Spa also presents the ideal opportunity for some downtime, offering a selection of wellness-focused treatments, plus a sauna and an indoor infinity pool with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps
Above: The Green O – hotel images © Stuart Thurlkill / food image © Dan Goldberg
The Green O
Montana, USA
Hidden under a canopy of trees in the magical woodlands of Greenough, Montana, this adults-only retreat presents a secluded space for guests looking to reinvigorate their souls and spirits. Featuring twelve private, design-forward cabins, it’s a far cry from the usual luxury resort. Here, disconnecting from the daily hustle is non -negotiable, but this comes with a meticulously curated experience that puts nature at the fore.
Perched on the far side of the 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch, The Green O is a destination for all seasons. However, in winter, this snowy oasis delivers an extra sprinkling of wonder. With access to the whole expanse of the ranch, guests can enjoy over fifty activities on-site, including cross-country skiing, dog sledging, snow tubing and hiking — all to the backdrop of a picture-perfect, snow-covered milieu.
Boasting four different layouts, each accommodation has its own charm — from bedrooms floating in the tree tops to glass-encased lounges and curved living spaces, each is a design marvel just waiting to be ogled at. Boasting an aesthetic that blends Scandinavian sophistication with Old West comfort, each cabin has its own hot tub, duo of fireplaces, and minibar stocked with locally made snacks and homemade treats like decadent artisanal ice cream sandwiches — which hints at the gourmet delights that await at the property’s swanky restaurant.
Serving a tasting menu jam-packed with exceptional ingredients, Social Haus is an unexpected fine-dining spectacle shrouded among the dense woodlands. Inspired by the seasons, the sharing-style dishes are creative, healthy and packed with flavour. There’s no doubt that around every corner of The Green O, a new surprise and thrill lies in wait — and this sense of anticipation, excitement and joy is precisely what makes this unique address a cut above the rest.
Above: Six Senses Crans-Montana
Six Senses Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana, SWITZERLAND
Another hit from the ever-inspirational Six Senses hotel group, the new Crans-Montana property, which opened its doors on 1 February 2023, is poised to be a slopeside mecca for vitality, serenity and adventure. Swathed in a cloak of wood and stone, the property blends in beautifully with the mountainous locale. Guests can enjoy ski-in, ski-out access from the hotel’s prime position, as it’s nestled just above the main gondola in Crans. To make days on the pistes as pleasant as possible, Six Senses Crans-Montana also has a dedicated ski concierge and service team on hand.
Fusing Swiss chalet architecture with alpine sophistication, the boutique hotel is home to just 45 rooms and suites, each of which is enveloped on three sides by pine forests and snow-capped peaks — and the picturesque bay windows and private terraces provide the ideal viewpoints from which to soak up these panoramic vistas. To further reinforce the property’s connection to nature, the airy rooms are decorated with subdued hues and natural materials, including exposed timber, oak, quartzite, and slate. The bespoke furniture and local artwork add a touch of refinement, complete with Sleep With Six Senses amenities to guarantee a good night’s rest.
Also key to ensuring a great day on the slopes is nutrient-packed sustenance, and Byakko, the hotel’s Japanese dining destination, offers delicious, wholesome cuisine to meet this need. Here, guests can expect fresh fish, sushi and grilled meats, along with heart-warming hot pots with Asian influences.
A Six Senses property wouldn’t be complete without a state-of-the-art spa, and the Crans-Montana outpost is no different. Focusing on recovery and restoration, this wellness haven offers nine treatment rooms, an innovative Stretch Pod, fitness equipment, two pools, a Hammam, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room and a yoga studio. To round off the superb facilities, the Biohack Recovery Lounge provides quick fixes through intelligent tech that optimises the body’s natural healing processes — so getting back on your skis will be as easy as one, two, three.
Above: The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection exteriors and interiors © The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection
The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection
Wyoming,USA
A sophisticated sanctuary set in Jackson Hole’s iconic Town Square, this new, ultra-luxurious resort is redefining mountainside glamour. With easy access to Teton Village’s cute cafés, exclusive boutiques and numerous art galleries, plus just a stone’s throw from the slopes, The Cloudveil is the idyllic base from which to explore everything this Western treasure has to offer.
On the exterior, the hotel makes its presence known without impacting the beauty of its surroundings: its three-storey-high, stone-clad façade perfectly mirrors the mountainous locale — and this theme of using natural materials is continued throughout the property. The beautiful ceilings are crafted from reclaimed wood, and the lobby welcomes guests with a statement front desk fashioned out of a 3,000-pound granite boulder.
Spacious and drenched in natural light, the one- hundred rooms and suites feature several handcrafted touches, local artwork and mood-setting gas fireplaces. The amenities are top-class, too, with a 24-hour pantry on every floor for pre- or post-ski snacks, as well as a communal outdoor pool and heated jacuzzi. There’s also a massive 5,000-square-foot open-air rooftop terrace that beckons guests for nights spent by the fire, stargazing and sipping on hot cocoa. In terms of the dining options, The Cloudveil has worked with restaurateur Gavin Fine to deliver a slick French-style venue aptly named The Bistro.
Above: The new M Lodge in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
M Lodge
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, France
Having just opened on 10 December 2022, M Lodge in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville brings a breath of fresh air to Savoie. Offering immediate access to the magnificent slopes in the sought-after Trois Vallées, this five-star boutique property aims to deliver an intimate escape amidst the mountains, complete with the pinnacle of luxury hospitality.
Home to only 25 rooms and suites, plus two private chalets with personal staff, every iota of M Lodge has been designed to invite the spellbinding outdoors in. Comfort and cosiness characterise the accommodations’ interiors, which are outfitted with plush fabrics, gleaming wood and soft carpets. Meanwhile, unique artworks by Amélie du Chalard line the walls, perfectly complementing the stunning views of the mountains and valleys that frame every room.
Equally as tranquil, the hotel’s spa invites guests to indulge in moments of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the pistes. In addition to a trio of treatment cabins, the spa also boasts a gym, a sauna and a sixteen-metre-long indoor swimming pool. Partnering with Valmont, the Swiss brand renowned for its exceptional cellular cosmetics, the therapies on offer include an array of massages and facials that will leave the skin and body feeling refreshed and full of life.
Table du M Lodge, the resort’s on-site gastronomic restaurant, is also a haven for the senses. Flaunting a stylish indoor seating area with a crackling fireplace, a spacious outdoor terrace and an intimate bar with a live band, there’s a setting for every mood here.
Above: The interiors of Faern Arosa Altein
Faern Arosa Altein
Arosa, Switzerland
December 2022 saw the launch of two new properties from specialists in luxury Swiss alpine resorts, Faern. Located in some of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes, the recently opened Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana both invite guests to experience breathtaking Swiss ski terrain while indulging in a variety of wellness concepts and dining options.
Faern Arosa Altein, the more boutique of the two properties, is home to 126 sumptuous accommodations, ranging from double rooms to family suites. Minimalist and understated, the spaces feature an organic colour palette with various textured elements and snug textiles. This pared-back design language spans every facet of the hotel, including its half-board eatery, Zus Brasserie, which serves comforting and nutritious cuisine for breakfast and dinner. On its top floor, the hotel boasts a signature rooftop bar and restaurant that gives way to unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps, all accented by live music.
Driven by the desire to make every encounter a celebration, Faern’s properties are built to inspire and provoke the senses. Harmoniously curated to foster creativity and quality time, Faern Arosa Altein houses a host of communal areas that encourage families, friends and new acquaintances to connect, including various game rooms and even a cinema.
Set in Switzerland’s paradisaical national park of Graubünden, Faern Arosa Altein also offers effortless access to 225 kilometres of ski slopes through winter, and come summer, the snow will clear to unveil hundreds of biking and hiking trails. For those seeking tranquillity and wellness, the property boasts a dedicated well-being zone, complete with a menu of spa treatments plus facilities such as a heated indoor pool with water rapids, massage, and neck showers; a steam room; a flow river; two saunas, a relaxation room; an infra-red cabin; and a fitness room.