From Austria to Aspen, 9 luxurious ski havens for the world's elite

Ski resorts have transformed winter travel, making them the ideal fun-filled destination for jet-setters across the world. The untouched landscape, snowy mountains and peaks make for an impressive vacation destination. From the scenic slopes of Gstaad in Switzerland to the luxurious resorts of Courchevel in France, these winter wonderlands have become the favourite vacation destinations for the world's rich and famous. These exquisite resorts offer exquisite skiing, designer shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and ultra-private Alpine lodges. Paparazzi-proof chalets, après ski social scenes, and elite shopping destinations embraced among the snow-covered peaks make these destinations no less than irresistible. Join HELLO! India as we peek into the world of high-altitude glamour.

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1. Gstaad Palace, Gstaad, Switzerland

Gstaad is all about privacy and exclusivity. Its ultra-luxurious chalets and no-paparazzi culture make it a favourite of Bollywood and Hollywood elite who want to ski without media attention. Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan owns luxurious chalets here, making it their family's favourite winter retreat. Gstaad Palace looks like a fairytale castle that has enchanted guests for over a century, which the Scherz Family has owned for three generations. They offer rooms and suites with fairytale views, cuisines from all around the world, and recreational activities like that embraces the cold climes as well as toasty warmth indoors.

Celebrity visitors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Madonna, Valentino, Anne Hathaway

2. Badrutt's Palace Hotel, St. Mortiz, Switzerland 

St. Mortiz is a luxury alpine resort in Switzerland's Engadin Valley. It has held the Winter Olympics twice, runs the Cresta Run i.e. a world-championship bobsled run on natural ice, and has an outdoor Olympic-sized ice rink. Its frozen lake hosts polo, cricket, and even ice horse racing events. Badrutts Palace Hotel has been a favourite place for celebrities and royalty since 1896. The hotel has a chateau theme reflecting the romantic era of the grand European tour.

Celebrity visitors: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Karisma Kapoor, Prince Albert of Monaco, George Clooney, Kate Moss

3. Les Airelles, Courchevel, France

Courchevel is located in the Tarentaise Valley and is known as the 'ski capital of the world’. Its Michelin-starred restaurants, ultra-luxury chalets and ski vacation spots here attract famous faces from all around the globe. Les Airelles Courchevel has snow-capped turrets, hand-painted facades and incredible alpine views. With its unique slope-side terrace and comforting mountain classics by candlelight, the Les Airelles experience puts generosity and deliciousness at the heart of everything. 

Celebrity visitors: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Victoria and David Beckham, Roman Abramovich, Leonardo DiCaprio

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4. The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a charming, car-free mountain village in the Swiss Alps. Situated in the canton of Valais on the Swiss-Italian border, this picturesque ski resort has quite the glittering reputation. The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is nestled in the heart of Zermatt and often attracts royalty, Hollywood celebrities, and mountaineers. The hotel; steeped in history and with views of the Matterhorn, continues to welcome visitors from all over the world who value personal service, timeless settings, and the finest of nature.

Celebrity visitors: Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Anushka Sharma, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt

6. The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland 

Located in the Valais canton of Switzerland, Verbier is renowned for its stunning vistas, rich cultural scene and world-beating skiing areas. The Lodge has luxurious guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. An award-winning chef in an open kitchen creates personalised dining options. On offer are an indoor pool, an indoor and outdoor hot tub, a eucalyptus-scented steam room, and a gym, plus outdoor activities range from skiing and snow-shoeing to hiking and mountain riding.

Celebrity visitors: Hrithik Roshan, Sussanne Khan, Malaika Arora, Prince Harry, James Blunt, Leonardo DiCaprio

6. Kitzbühel Lodge, Kitzbühel, Austria

Kitzbühel, a world-renowned winter sports resort, is one of the Alps' most elite destinations. Kitzbühel is unique among alpine towns, in that it mixes heritage with lifestyle. Taking a sightseeing excursion while in the Kitzbühel Alps is highly recommended. Kitzbühel Lodge, located in the Alps, provides a magnificent escape. Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and then spend it skiing or golfing on 18 holes. Enjoy designer shopping, relax at the fitness club or beside the campfire to soak in the leisure of the one of the most stunning places in the world.

Celebrity visitors: Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gwyneth Paltrow

7. Cristallo Resort & Spa, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled in the Veneto Dolomites surrounded by towering peaks, is one of the world's most famous mountain destinations. Cortina is glamourous across Italian and international scenes, as it has played host to the 1956 Winter Olympic Games. Cortina has also always been a popular destination for mountain and environment enthusiasts, winter sports and entertainment. The Cristallo has a large wellness centre where one can enjoy beauty treatments, and an indoor heated pool, besides the usual amenities.

Celebrity visitors: Sonam Kapoor, Anand Ahuja, Kiara Advani, George Clooney, Brigitte Bardot, Naomi Campbell
 

8. Crystal Lodge, Whistler Backcomb, Canada

Whistler Blackcomb's terrain varies depending on the area as it is located in the Pacific Coast Mountain Range. It encompasses both Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain and is renowned for having some of the most diverse terrain of any ski resort in the world. Crystal Lodge Hotel in Whistler Village offers award-winning service, and a spirit as fresh as the alpine air. Today, Crystal Lodge is a modern monument to a rich heritage, with spacious guest rooms, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, making it the ultimate Whistler lodging.

Celebrity visitors: Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise, Will Smith

9. Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, Niseko, Japan

Niseko Hokkaido has weather conditions that produce some of the most consistently light and dry powder-snow conditions in the world, allowing for some of the best skiing. Niseko is recognised for both, the quality and amount of snow. Hirafu is the largest of the four resorts that comprise the Niseko United ski region. Hirafu has over a dozen chairlifts and a gondola, providing access to large terrain, off-piste, and side-country, as well as being well-illuminated for night skiing.

Celebrity visitors: Disha Patani, Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon

Text by: Divya Batra
Edited by: Dayle Pereira-Alemao

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