The 17 Most Beautiful Ski Resorts to Visit This Winter—Including Three in the US

Come for the slopes, stay for Ralph Lauren beds, sprawling spas, and heated alpine poolsPhoto: AlamyWhen winter arrives, the world’s most idyllic mountain towns transform into playgrounds for serious adrenaline seekers. But, as the most beautiful ski resorts prove, the appeal of an extraordinary alpine escape extends well beyond its slopes. Why kick off your ski boots just anywhere when you could do so in a castle-like hotel in the Swiss Alps or a secluded Japanese ryokan tucked among snow-covered forests? Sure, the world-renowned runs are worth traveling for, but sometimes so are the ski hotels themselves. Think Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning spas, art-filled interiors, and architecture that makes the most of its dramatic surroundings. Here, AD rounds up 17 of the most beautiful ski resorts to visit this winter, whether you’re an alpine ace, a beginner ski bum, or purely an après enthusiast.Photo: Courtesy of ZaborinZaborin Ryokan (​​Hokkaido, Japan)Getting to Zaborin Ryokan is an adventure in itself, which means you know it’ll be good. After landing at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, it’s a two-hour drive to the ryokan, which is hidden in the Hanazono woods of Hokkaido. Arriving at the property feels like discovering some sort of secretive lair from a Bond flick—a series of low-lying villas covered in snow suddenly reveal themselves. Built on natural hot springs, each of the villas has its own indoor and outdoor onsen, plus floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony with views of Mount Yōtei, the area’s dormant volcano, in the distance. Make an appointment with the in-house matcha master and prepare your taste buds for a multicourse Japanese kaiseki meal. If you can tear yourself away from your absurdly serene suite long enough to ski or snowboard, the ryokan will arrange your transfer to and from Hanazono Niseko ski area, just seven minutes away by car.Photo: Courtesy of Pendry Park CityPendry Park City (Park City, Utah)Modernist design meets mountainside adventure at Pendry Park City, a ski-in, ski-out luxury resort where “hitting the slopes” means basically just stepping outside. Tucked in Canyons Village at Park City Mountain—the largest ski resort in the US, with over 7,000 skiable acres spread across two connected mountains—this slopeside sanctuary is right next to the brand-new, high-speed Sunrise Gondola. After a day appreciating the powder, guests gather at Après Pendry for fondue and crème brulée espresso martinis either by the fire or outside. Alternatively, they head up to the rooftop for a dip in the year-round heated pool and hot tub, plus immaculate mountain views.Photo: AlamyCarlton Hotel (St. Moritz, Switzerland)Located in St. Moritz, Switzerland, the Carlton Hotel boasts 60 luxurious suites that blend old-world grandeur with contemporary elements. The resort is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Da Vittorio.Photo: AlamyGstaad Palace (Gstaad, Switzerland)The Gstaad Palace in Switzerland opened in 1913 and has catered to jet-setters and stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Marlene Dietrich throughout its long history. The castlelike hotel overlooks the streets of Gstaad, which are filled with high-end boutiques.Photo: Courtesy of Vail ResortsPines Lodge, a RockResort (Beaver Creek Village, Colorado)The Pines Lodge, a RockResort is a rustic Colorado retreat with ski-in, ski-out access set above Beaver Creek Village. After a long day on the slopes, guests can enjoy views of the Rockies from the acclaimed Grouse Mountain Grill.Photo: AlamyTschuggen Grand Hotel (Arosa, Switzerland)Architect Mario Botta designed the striking spa at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, Switzerland. The alpine retreat, which was built in 1929, features 130 rooms and suites with opulent interiors by Carlo Rampazzi.Photo: AlamyCheval Blanc Courchevel (Courchevel, France)Designed by architect Sybille de Margerie, the intimate Cheval Blanc Courchevel in Courchevel, France, is the ultimate in alpine luxury. The resort, which is owned by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault, is also filled with blue-chip artwork by Michel Othoniel, Xavier Veillant, and Bruno Peinado, whose Trojan Horse sculpture is seen here.Photo: Courtesy of Fairmont HotelFairmont Banff Springs (Alberta, Canada)Founded by railway tycoon William Cornelius Van Horne in 1888, the Fairmont Banff Springs is set within Banff National Park and offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. The sprawling hotel, which was inspired by a Scottish baronial castle, includes 764 rooms and suites and nine restaurants and bars.Photo: Courtesy of The St. Regis Aspen ResortSt. Regis Aspen Resort (Aspen)The St. Regis Aspen Resort in the Colorado Rockies received a $40 million makeover by interior architect Lauren Rottet in 2012. Set at the base of Aspen Mountain, the hotel includes 179 rooms and suites outfitted with Ralph Lauren beds and desks and marble-lined baths.Photo: Courtesy of Hôtel des Dromonts/P. Doignon, C. Arnal, MPM, F. Ducout & DRHôtel des Dromonts (Avoriaz, France)The ski-in, ski-out Hôtel des Dromonts in Avoriaz, France, was built in the 1960s by architect Jacques Labro, who was inspired by the work of Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand. The interiors of the distinctive angular building were recently refreshed and upgraded by designer Jocelyne Sibuet.Photo: Courtesy of InterContinental DavosInterContinental Davos (Davos, Switzerland)Munich-based firm Oikios Architect took inspiration from pine cones for the design of the InterContinental Davos in Davos, Switzerland. The oval façade uses over 790 curved, overlapping steel panels to create the scaled appearance. Inside, 216 tasteful guest rooms overlook the city—home to the World Economic Forum—and surrounding mountains.Photo: Courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt The Chedi Andermatt (Andermatt, Switzerland)Offering a unique combination of Asian-inspired design motifs and alpine rustic touches, The Chedi Andermatt is one of Switzerland’s most wonderful offerings. The boutique hotel is located 4,747 feet above sea level and includes a 25,833-square-foot spa to take advantage of when you’re not out on the slopes.Photo: Courtesy of Zannier Hotels. Le Chalet Zanier (Megève, France)With rustic and understated architecture and interiors, Le Chalet Zanier is designed to mimic the natural beauty of the surrounding Mont Blanc mountain range. The resort is made up of a 12-room main structure as well as a separate three-bedroom private cottage. Like the snowflakes that top the roofs, no room is exactly like any of the others.Photo: Konstantin Volkmar. Courtesy of Forestis. Forestis (Dolomites, Italy)Located in a densely wooded area, Forestis is situated exactly where the Austrian monarchy established a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1912. Designed with simplicity in mind, the rich stone, wood, and glass of the hotel are inspired by the nature that surrounds it.