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VIP ski resorts around the world blend pristine slopes with five-star indulgence. From royal Swiss retreats to Japan’s powder paradise, enjoy private chalets, Michelin-starred dining, and luxury at every turn on the mountain.
Chances are most of us have caught glimpses of millionaires on the mountain – adorned in fur coats, flashing a pair of diamond goggles or stepping into a limo – but do any of us really know how the other half (1 percent) live on the slopes? Or maybe you don’t want to know. If so look away now and don’t even glimpse at our pick of these VIP ski resorts in the world.
VIP ski resorts: The world’s most exclusive winter escapes
Here’s our pick of VIP ski resorts in no particular order. If you can afford it — go for it. And send a postcard.
1. Klosters, Switzerland
Why go: The discreet charm of Klosters has long made it a royal favourite — elegant, quiet, and quintessentially Swiss.
Who to see: King Charles III, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, and the ghosts of Hollywood icons Greta Garbo and Gene Kelly, who once danced in the Chalet Chesa Grischuna.
Where to stay: Walserhof Hotel – where King Charles traditionally stays, offering chalet-style suites with Alpine flair.
Where to dine: Gasthaus Höhwald for refined Swiss cuisine and local wines.
Where to drink: Legendary for its royal clientele and discreet après-ski parties, Casa Antica is the place to go; or the Chesa Bar in Chesa Grischuna for cocktails among old photos of Hollywood’s elite.
2. Courchevel 1850, France
Why go: Synonymous with luxury — think designer boutiques, champagne bars, and ski-in chalets.
Who to see: The Beckhams, Will and Kate, and oligarchs with private jets.
Where to stay: Le K2 Palace – chalet suites with butlers and panoramic views.
Where to dine: Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc – Courchevel’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant by Yannick Alléno.
Where to drink: Les Caves de Courchevel – late-night champagne and celebrity DJs or Hotel Barriere’s Bar Fouquet’s for a sleek après-ski scene.
3. Zürs, Austria
Why go: Discreet, snow-sure, and loved by European royalty — without the Courchevel flash.
Who to see: Princess Caroline of Monaco and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Where to stay: Hotel Zürserhof – five-star grandeur with private spa suites.
Where to dine: Hotel Zürserhof Restaurant – refined Austrian gourmet menus.
Where to drink: Montana Bar – a piano lounge where après-ski means champagne, not chaos.
4. St. Moritz, Switzerland
Why go: Glamour on ice — polo on snow, luxury cars, and the world’s most stylish crowd.
Who to see: George Clooney and the international jet set.
Where to stay: Kulm Hotel St. Moritz – lakeside opulence with historic charm.
Where to dine: Da Vittorio – St. Moritz at Carlton Hotel, with two Michelin stars.
Where to drink: Renaissance Bar at Badrutt’s Palace for cigars and cocktails, or the Altitude Bar at Kulm for live piano and old-school glamour.
5. Zermatt, Switzerland
Why go: Iconic Matterhorn views, luxury chalets, and world-class dining.
Who to see: Nicole Kidman, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Thierry Henry.
Where to stay: Chalet Zermatt Peak – private chef, cinema, and spa; or The Omnia – minimalist design and dramatic views.
Where to dine: After Seven – Michelin-star dining in an art-driven space.
Where to drink: Vernissage – a cinema-bar-gallery with DJs till late, or Cervo Bar for slope-side sundowners.
6. Deer Valley, Utah, USA
Why go: Impeccable grooming, ski valets, and celebrity-packed events like Sundance.
Who to see: Gwen Stefani and Bruce Springsteen
Where to stay: Stein Eriksen Lodge – Five-star ski-in luxury with a Norwegian soul.
Where to dine: The Mariposa – the resort’s top fine-dining venue at Silver Lake Lodge for inventive New American cuisine and a well-curated wine list.
Where to drink: Troll Hatten Lounge at Stein Eriksen Lodge – fireside cocktails and après-ski elegance.
7. Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Why go: America’s original luxury ski resort, still a favourite of Hollywood legends.
Who to see: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Hanks
Where to stay: Sun Valley Lodge – newly renovated, old-Hollywood charm.
Where to dine: The Roundhouse – fine dining reached by gondola.
Where to drink: Duchin Lounge – vintage cocktails and live jazz.
8. Gstaad, Switzerland
Why go: Understated luxury and Alpine serenity — beloved by royals, billionaires, and movie stars alike.
Who to see: Madonna, Bernie Ecclestone, and royals from Monaco to the Middle East.
Where to stay: Gstaad Palace or The Alpina Gstaad, both with private spas and panoramic suites.
Where to dine: Megu at The Alpina – Japan’s haute cuisine in the Alps.
Where to drink: Lobby Bar at Gstaad Palace or GreenGo Nightclub, a disco legend since the ’70s.
9. Niseko, Japan
Why go: “Japow” – the planet’s lightest powder snow, paired with Japanese luxury and onsen spas.
Who to see: Hugh Jackman, Sam Neill and Daniel Wu
Where to stay: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – suites with private onsens and mountain views.
Where to dine: Sushi Kato – premium seafood and high-quality cuts of wagyu beef
Where to drink: Bar Gyu+ – hidden speakeasy famous for Japanese whisky and snow-covered charm.
10. Yellowstone Club, Montana, USA
Why go: The world’s most private ski club — billionaires only.
Who to see: Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and CEOs who fly under the radar.
Where to stay: Private mountain mansions with ski-in access.
Where to dine: Rainbow Lodge or Warren Miller Dining Room – locally sourced fine dining.
Where to drink: Private member lounges with personal sommeliers and top-shelf Montana bourbon.
From the discreet elegance of Klosters and Zürs, through the fashion-forward flash of Courchevel and St Moritz, to the ultimate exclusivity of Yellowstone Club and the fresh energy of Niseko — these 10 destinations cover the full spectrum of VIP ski resorts. Upscale bars, gourmet restaurants and high-end hotels are as much part of the experience as the slopes. If you’re going for it, book early, don’t hold back on reservations, and enjoy the view.
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November 04, 2025
