While winter lacks appreciation for most, the snow gains all the attention by the end of the season. Cosy comfort with hot food is perfect to spend any day anywhere, but how about an ultimate vacation with adventure? As a ski enthusiast, the pleasant yet majestic mountains are an excellent getaway, and there’s no better way to spend that than in the spectacular Apls, offering some of the best skiing plus plenty of rejuvenating amenities, including splendid restaurants, soothing spas, and, of course, cosy beds to enjoy your stay. So, which one’s the best? This might be a tricky question, yet we have picked the best ski hotels in Europe for your best-ever winter holiday.
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Alpine Dolomites, Italy
The Alpina Dolomites, set in the stunning Dolomites, hinge around nature. The ski resort is eco-friendly and built of natural materials, wood, stone, and glass, while the minimal interiors are embraced with intricate wood designs and beautiful artwork. Suits, on the other hand, are minimal as well, with a comfortable and elegant finish. The rooms have a similar finish, with the difference being a larger terrace as you elevate your experience.
Head to the ski-in/ski-out access, a ski rental space located on level zero. You can purchase the ski passes at reception on the day of your arrival and enjoy the trip instead of waiting for the slopes. Once you are done with the energy-packed day, visit COMO Shambhala Retreat, a panoramic indoor and outdoor pool, or you can also choose a classic Finnish sauna or saline steam bath. Finally, enjoy the holistic treatment to complete your day.
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Le Fitz Roy, France
Le Fitz Roy is one of the best ski hotels in Europe due to its proximity to the slopes. The ski-in and ski-out facilities connect 600 kilometers of snow-covered pistes, and it proves to be a popular choice among travelers with a craving for heights. Its elegant interiors fit perfectly with the savvy region, blending comfy fabrics and wood panelling with delicate and light features and contemporary furniture in muted tones.
If the cold gets too cold, go downstairs to warm your body at Le Roy Bar, where a staple fireplace serves as the home of the bar. Enjoy the chic cocktails with stunning views of the Alps, indulge yourself in the pool games, or even take a try at an impromptu singsong. There is even a spa if you love to ease your day by relaxing your body. You can sign up for treatments to relax your weary limbs. The Alpine Muscle Ease Remedy is an excellent full-body treatment that enhances deep relaxation through soothing muscle movements.
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Hotel de Verbier, Switzerland
Deemed the oldest hotel in Verbier, Hotel De Verbier has undergone a remarkable refurbishment to become one of the most stylish and chic hotels in town. Located just off the Place Centrale, you would believe that once it was a labyrinth of three separate buildings. Now, the hotel has completely reimagined itself to present you with a chic boutique retreat clad in chalet-style timber. The colour theme is all about the earthy colours of the mountain, while the flooring and furniture display sleek retro-meets-modern vibes.
Hotel De Verbier has peeked into every intricate detail of the new Swedish husband and wife duo, from the gorgeous wood coffee tables to the soul of Nomad linens and pottery sourced from a local Swedish artist. The colourful ski resorts of Europe give complete warmth to body and soul, while the Scandinavian vibe continues with the Amundsen sports clothing uniform, but La Nonna, an excellent restaurant, has more of an Italian feel.
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Forsthofgut, Austria
A truly wonderful hotel that exceeds our expectations of what a hotel can be and serve. Forsthofgut offers a complete package of destinations, not only offering ski holiday chalets but also drawing you to the spa culture and deep connection with nature and sustainability in Austria. The recent addition of the new lake house, complete with an onsen-inspired spa, split-level contemporary pine suites, and a zen Japanese restaurant, includes some family spas and a water slide with a low-temperature kid-friendly sauna and splash pool in a jungle theme.
As you sit and enjoy the view across the piste from the hotel, the new lake house with black slatted cladding and clean minimalist features sits in the middle of a frozen lake. The outdoor onsen pool is head-to-head with the melted section of the lake. If you are brave enough, take a dip into ice-cold bliss. The apex sauna, on the other hand, has a floor-to-ceiling glass wall offering immersive views of the striking Steinberg Mountain.
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Le Chalet Zannier, France
Le Chalet Zannier is almost a decade old, but it still holds the charm to wow its guests! Spread over rustic, timber-clad chalets, the hotel has a small collection of 12 suites. The revolution of old-meets-modern is simply displayed with textured walls, beaming log fires, exposed beams, soft and comfy four-poster beds, and beautiful yet smart antiques.
Each suite has its own private living area, fireplace, and balcony with beautiful mountain views, complete with chic hayloft platforms and, of course, the secret doors! The founder is said to be a disciple of the Belgian aesthetic, which can be seen everywhere, from the subterranean spa to the floors, walls, and ceilings, all cast in a similar russet tone. You can enjoy your stay pampering in the spa after a snow-packed day or go exploring down the historic centre.
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The Arula Chalets, Lech
If you are Lech, the Arula Chalets are no exception. The Arula Chalets are one of the most exclusive chalet offerings in the region and are established by adjoining two properties with all the much-needed slope-slide position and effortless piste access! While the views from atop the village of Lech are magnificent, the interiors, designed by London-based designers, leave no chance of awe-inspiring the guests. The soothing tones and subtle light hit the right spots, blending beautifully with eclectic modern artwork.
You can either book these exclusive chalets independently or together to host up to 30 guests in 13 ensuite bedrooms. The service includes full catering with 24 hours of butler service, daily housekeeping, a dedicated chauffeur, a massage therapist, and a yoga instructor to keep you perfectly in shape.
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Faren Arosa Altein, Switzerland
New to town and list, Hotel Faren Arosa Altein opened in December 2022 and quickly turned heads with its contemporary elevation on Alpine lodgings. The usual bedrooms are compact but still come with everything you need, including smart TVs, a decent-sized bathroom, and hanging space. For extra space, book in one of their corner rooms, which are among the most comfortable accommodations of the hotel.
With 225 kilometers of pressed Swiss Alpine snow, Arosa Lenzerheide offers exploration through skis, snowshoes, or snowboards. If you want to do something unique, you can start your day off to a fascinating start with an ice-bathing workshop by Eisbadi Arosa or enjoy yourself at the base in the sauna and steam room of the spa, a cosy space with boucle chairs, retro artwork, and vintage ski prints. What’s more, the Alpensand Panoramic restaurant is an excellent bet to tuck into an inventive menu with a DJ set and gorgeous views.
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Airelles Val d’Lsere, France
With all those inspirations from the fairytale-like well-being of the original Airelles hotel in Courchevel, Airelles Val d’lsere boasts a look of middle-age meets Renaissance vibes while still having that refreshing contemporary twist. The replicas of Vermeer sit perfectly on a rough-cast plaster wall while a large fireplace sizzles in the stone-adorned reception. This does not end here; it continues all the way throughout the large rooms packed with vintage furniture, massive king-size beds, and large flat-screen TVs, peeping through ornate gilded mirrors.
The main restaurant features an exclusive feel with its freeze-dried fossilized flowers that glide all over the Ralph Lauren tartan-panelled ceilings and walls to create mystical forest vibes. As the night falls, DJ sets are streamed in from the bar while the modern European menu totally takes over. Try the scallop and truffle carpaccio as you soak in the spectacular vibes of your stay.
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Hotel Cappella, Italy
With years of a legacy dating back to 1969 and pride of place on the pleasant and sunny plane of Colfosco, Capella is a family-run hotel that has undergone a sweeping five-star glow-up, transforming from traditional chintz to contemporary South Tyrolean style. The extension of the hotel was done by slicing off the front and rear, extending, and adding new facades and frameless glass balconies to all rooms. Enjoy a kickback on kettle-style furniture while to the south you get a direct view into the Val Mezdi, one of the most iconic off-piste routes located in the Dolomites.
The interiors flaunt a comfortable style with well-designed and individually lit rooms with suede headboards and simple large-format oak panelling. These include plenty of storage with a bench and hooks. Preserved from the memories of the hotel are the impressive art and artefact collection and a panelled ceiling in the bar, which highlights the vibes of the sixties. There is also a large spa with an indoor and outdoor pool.
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Hygna, Austria
Alpbach is a well-known ski resort known for its chocolate-box charm and chalet-style slope and is situated in the most charming village in Austria. So, it’s pretty obvious to stand out with its pine-clad bijoux chalets in its private reserve, which boast traditional Tyrolean charm. There are 11 chalets designed and build on an old farm and grouped around a central barn, including a private terrace, sauna, and outdoor hot tub. This is perfect for those who want peace and privacy with a delicious breakfast box of eggs, ham, and juice delivered right to their doorstep every morning.
You can even pre-book a private chef for your evening meals.
Each chalet in the hotel includes a fully functional kitchen, wood-burning stove, and cosy daybed downstairs, while the master suite upstairs has a glass wall looking up the beautiful wood flanks of the Reitherkogel peak. The major highlight of the show is a shared pool carved out of the barn in a style inspired by Soho Farmhouse.
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Bear Lodge, France
Bear Lodge has a wonderful collection of fully serviced chalet-style apartments in a huge building, offering the ultimate ski-in and ski-out options. Located in the Arc 1950, it is among the few buildings built since its inception 15 years ago and the only chalet-style hotel in the region. You can see the large communal sofas and great storage that every ski holiday chalet needs, as well as the optimization of the design to complement the modern chalet holiday.
Every unit in this building features a floating wood fireplace or a water vapour fireplace, both of which are encased in plain stone, grey, and pine. The black-clad chalet hosts’ modern European breakfast menu is the ideal way to start your day. It includes champagne, afternoon tea, and canapes. Prior to relaxing on the couches at the opulent cinema, take advantage of the communal indoor pool and spa. You can also access the slope-side sports bar, club-style restaurant, and hotel rooms for solo explorers.
Europe has always been an excellent place for luxury snow sports and stays. Once, skiing was a royal sport reserved exclusively for higher officials; however, today people across the world travel and experience the immersive feeling of sliding down the slopes and enjoying the best moments of their lives. So, if you are planning to enjoy your next winter vacation in the incredible serenity of the Alps, check out these best hotels in Europe that will elevate your experience for the ultimate stay.