Posted on 23 March 2022
You might think asking what is the most luxurious ski resort in Europe is hard to answer because ski resorts in Europe range from France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and more. But, Courchevel 1850 in Saint-Bon-Tarentaise in Tarentaise Valley of the Rhône-Alpes mountains of eastern France ranks as the most luxurious ski resort. Hundreds of great ski resorts cater for avid skiers from around the world, and annual numbers of ski visitors turn into millions.
While some ski resorts are synthetic, and this reflects in less than alpine resort architecture, others grew from small alpine villages and stayed true to traditional Savoyard vibes. Yet, Courchevel storms miles ahead of any great skiing competition. Moreover, given the luxury ski reputation within high profile travel circles and hotel professionals, any other large ski resort has to offer much to match it.
About Courchevel Luxury Ski Resort in Europe
Belonging to three valleys ski area of France, Courchevel separates into four of the best ski villages. They are Le Praz 1300, 1550, and 1650 but the beautiful 1850 ski resort commands the most respect and attracts rich and famous people. Head here to make a name for yourself and network among influential people worldwide. Aside from the luxury social scene, Courchevel offers excellent skiing potential for beginners, intermediate and experienced skiers. In addition, snowboarders will feel right at home, and 150 kilometres of alpine ski runs make the ski area stand out among world-class ski resorts.
Courchevel has a small airport, but most skiers fly into Geneva instead. From there, taxi transfers take two hours to cover 149 kilometres to luxury resort hotels. Aside from socialising and skiing, enjoy shopping with many international brand names to kit your wardrobe out. Other activities to keep you and the family entertained including indoor ice skating, helicopter rides, numerous festivals, and events. As to expect, classy après ski social scenes feature Michelin Starr restaurants that require upfront bookings months ahead. But do take time out to venture to traditional bakeries for those time-honoured French pastries and indulge in the best French wine and cheeses while on holiday.
If you find hotels in 1850 area pricy, look at surrounding villages with the same access to facilities, at lower prices. Offering those luxury mountain vibes, beautiful Courchevel 1300, the most traditional and prettiest area, includes decent skiing seasons thanks to snow cannons and two black ski runs for more experienced skiers. The high-speed chair lift in Courchevel 1550, the quietest, makes getting to 1850 even more accessible. Whereas 1650 offers quiet blue and green ski slopes and connects to 1850 via speed lift
Look at the ski property market to understand luxury vibes in Courchevel. These chalets in Courchevel 1650 feature open plan living room and dining areas and spacious living areas totalling 260 square meters. Featuring either courtyards, terraces, or balconies, alongside traditional alpine ski architecture, large windows give way to beautiful mountain views.
Although the luxury nature of these Alp chalets mainly stems because they belong to the Courchevel skiing resorts area, they offer high quality, modern living features like double glazing, the best-fitted wardrobes, and top-quality kitchens and bathrooms. Homes in Courchevel 1850 often fetch 40,000 euros per square meter, but in Courchevel 1650, these alp homes bring 14,800 euros per square meter. So, chalet owners can buy more affordable property but still tap into the best skiing and Michelin Starr restaurants in 1850.
Other Luxury European Ski Resorts
Skiing in Verbier in Switzerland
Popular Verbier in the Valais Alp’s heart, benefits from top-notch hotels, excellent views overlooking the Combins and Mont-Blanc alp ranges, good hotels, and sunshine. Belonging to French-speaking Switzerland and sitting close to Europe’s border with Italy and France, Verbier gives entrance to the four valleys ski area and includes fantastic Matterhorn and Mont Blanc views. Verbier’s high brand luxurious reputation stems from renowned chefs in world-class restaurants, high profile accommodation, and international festivals.
But, of course, the resort earns a stellar reputation in Europe’s skiing circles because of 412 kilometres intermediate and experienced slopes in valleys nearby. Verbier is more than a luxury ski resort of Europe, though, because visitors and locals enjoy various outdoor and family activities, including golfing and mountain biking during summer. In addition, people flock from around for Verbier’s famous music festival during July and August.
Chic Verbier, an exclusive destination in Europe for rich and famous people, also hosts foreign royalty, of whom many own ski chalets. With steep terrain and off-piste skiing, the Verbier region’s most beautiful runs attract the more dare devil skiers, eager to push adrenaline boundaries and conquer the breathtaking Mont Fort Glacier. Verbier’s charm still offers the best for beginner skiers. Anyone looking to stay there or buy ski property in Europe can choose from numerous iconic villages, including Thyon, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Le Chable, La Tzoumaz and the centre.
Visit St Moritz in Switzerland
Sitting in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley at 1822 metres, St Moritz hosted two winter Olympics hence the world-class skating rink, bobsled run, numerous activities to relax and easy access into a fantastic ski area of Europe. Skiers and snowboarders have numerous places within Moritz to head to, including Corvatsch, Corviglia, and Diavolezza. In 2021, the annual Knight Frank report revealed St Moritz’s town property prices increased by 17%, therefore boosting the luxurious status. The boost comes from strong demand and short supply, revealing COVID did not stop wealthy people from investing in ski property in Moritz.
The fame as a world class luxury ski resort started in 1864. Hotel owner Caspar Badrutt told four British friends if they visited St Moritz for their relaxing winter holiday and did not like the resort, he would give their hotel money back. Without realising he started winter snow tourism in the Alps and led to more hotels with stunning scenery. St Moritz ski resort developed rapidly to hold numerous Alp winter and vibrant summer events, and a significant moment came in 1929 when the first ski Alp school for beginners and intermediate skiers opened in St Moritz world-class ski resort.
Enjoy Skiing in Zermatt in Switzerland
Sitting in Switzerland but in the European German part, Zermatt ski resort earns fame as a luxury ski resort with top-class hotels. Tourists outnumber the local population by as much as seven, proving this high-profile destination’s popularity. Whereas before, agriculture earned the most income in the Zermatt region, these days, tourism ranks highly. Given Zermatt’s high brand profile around Switzerland and the world, the resort easily attracts fans eager to experience luxurious, Swiss lifestyles.
With reference to alpine meadows in Zermatt’s name, the relatively small-town centre keeps compact vibes. With every social amenity within a 30-minute walk away, this eliminates cars. Small hamlets within Zermatt include Winkelmattan, Steinmatten, Zumsee, Zmutt, Findeln, and Sunnegga. When skiing in Zermatt, expect excellent slopes and off-piste runs since Zermatt receives an average of 128 inches of snow every winter.
About More Luxury Ski Resorts
Luxury French Ski Resorts: Style is in each detail, and this applies to the most luxurious ski resort in Europe, but what about narrowing down your choices to France, where ski resorts cater to every need and want of their holiday clientele? Offering five-star plus hotels and personalised services, if the more delicate side of skiing in France is what you desire, they will not disappoint you. French locals have constantly perfected quintessential standards for cuisine, drink, clothes, and five-star hotels, so choosing the country for your luxury ski holiday guarantees you are hooking up with experts. Once you have sampled our favourite top ski resorts, holidays in France will never be the same.