9 Hotels in the European Alps for the Ski Trip of Your Dreams
It’s no secret that Europe has some of the world’s best skiing—but did you know its ski hotels are also second to none? Not only do many properties offer access to coveted slopes, but they’re also destinations in their own right, with warm hospitality, dazzling spa complexes and culinary programs (or extensive wine cellars) that will make après-ski just as memorable as your time on the mountain.
Take Zermatt’s CERVO Mountain Resort, a 54-room property in one of Europe’s most iconic ski towns. After a final run in the pyramid-shaped shadow of the Matterhorn, guests can unwind at the Atman Mountain Spa or enjoy a quartet of top dining experiences. The Six Senses Crans-Montana combines world-class skiing with wellness, while the charming family-owned Hotel Arlberg remains a cozy hideaway in the center of party-hearty Lech, Austria. If you’re searching for a European ski retreat that’s as perfect as a powder day, here’s where to look. (Photo courtesy of CERVO Mountain Resort.)
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Six Senses Crans-Montana (Crans-Montana, Switzerland)
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In the crowded Swiss Alpine hotel space, this Six Senses outpost manages to make a major statement. The brand’s luxury wellness concept translates ideally to a mountain setting, not just at the remarkable spa, but also in the rooms, where floor-to-ceiling windows beautifully frame the surrounding landscape. But back to the spa: At over 21,000 square feet, it has everything from expert massages to a hydrotherapy circuit and state-of-the-art biohacking tech. Recharge here after a demanding day of skiing, then hit the signature restaurant, Byakko, for Japanese Alps–inspired cuisine like hoba miso and hot pots.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel (Arosa, Switzerland)
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Located in the beginner-friendly, low-key resort town of Arosa, the Tschuggen Grand Hotel provides a range of luxurious amenities without ever losing its intimate atmosphere. There’s a chauffeur service to and from the train station, a private guests-only railway that goes straight from the boot room to the main ski lifts and a Swiss-Italian restaurant from a decorated chef. Rooms have gorgeous views of the mountains, forests or glass sails of the spa building, but especially noteworthy is the spa itself, with its impressive indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy circuit.
CERVO Mountain Resort (Zermatt, Switzerland)
The location of this sustainability-minded hotel—on a slope above central Zermatt, but just a private elevator ride away from downtown—is what really sets it apart. The rooms, many of which have views of Zermatt’s iconic Matterhorn, are sleek, with multiple configurations for friends or families, and four different restaurants ensure there’s something for everyone in your group. There’s also a gorgeous spa that combines Japanese onsen, Bhutanese hot-stone bath and northern European sauna traditions, but if you’d rather party after a long day on the slopes, hit one of the hotel’s two terraces for cocktails and exclusive DJ sets.
The Chedi Andermatt (Andermatt, Switzerland)
Considered one of the great contemporary hotels in all of the Alps, The Chedi Andermatt features a unique mountain-meets-Asian design, combining traditional woods with natural stone accents. The hotel is especially known for its service, which begins when it sends the house Audi Q5 to collect you from the Andermatt train station. After you’ve taken your turns for the day, all roads lead to the heated outdoor pool, surrounded by mountain vistas. Guests can also indulge at nine acclaimed restaurants and bars, a cigar library and the sprawling spa and health club, complete with a hydrotherapy area.
Les Fermes de Marie (Megève, France)
The French countryside meets Alpine luxury at this Megève landmark, which feels more like a fabulous chalet than an actual hotel. The rooms have a lovely rustic-chic atmosphere, with natural pine walls and, in most, big balconies with views of the surrounding mountain ranges. It’s tough to find a bad meal in Megève, but the dining at Les Fermes de Marie is especially noteworthy—one of the seven restaurants, Le Carnotzet, is dedicated entirely to cheese. Additional perks include a fantastic kids club with programming like treasure hunts, magic shows and movie nights, and a tranquil spa with a hammam and mountain-inspired treatments.
Le Coucou Méribel (Méribel, France)
A 10-minute drive uphill from the bustling Méribel center, this family-owned, chalet-style hotel looks classic from the outside, yet it’s anything but indoors. The interiors skew modern, with funky furniture pieces, bright punches of color and a family-friendly atmosphere. Speaking of children: In addition to elegant rooms and suites, the hotel has two chalets—each with four bedrooms, a private pool and a terrace with panoramic views—that are fantastic for families or groups. When you’re not on the slopes, book a facial at the Tata Harper spa, take a dip in the indoor-outdoor pool or grab a meal at one of the three on-site restaurants.
Airelles Val d’Isère (Val d’Isère, France)
This grande dame sits at the base of Val d’Isère ski resort, where many of the most popular trails converge, so it tracks that the sunny outdoor terrace offers a prime après-ski scene, with the party often spilling onto the snow. Still, rooms are particularly quiet—and timeless, thanks to pared-back decor and traditional Savoyard wood furniture. Five restaurants range from classic to modern, while the Airelles Spa by Guerlain, featuring stunning arches, exposed beams and a serene indoor pool, is a stylish place to relax after a day on the slopes.
Hotel Arlberg (Lech, Austria)
You’re treated like family when you stay at this Lech landmark, now run by a third generation of hoteliers. Service is warm and personal, and rooms, filled with antique furniture, family heirlooms and specially commissioned photographs, make guests feel right at home. Lech may be known for its rowdy après-ski culture, but the dining options here are decidedly refined. Enjoy fondue at Stube, candlelit fine dining at the Restaurant, Alpine haute cuisine at La Fenice or caviar and Champagne on the Sun Terrace. For something even more subdued, visit the Arlberg Spa, where you’ll find an indoor pool, a heated outdoor pool, a hydrotherapy circuit, a Finnish sauna and a steam room.
Forestis (Brixen, Italy)
This wellness-focused hotel takes a modern approach to the Alpine experience. Here, peace is the ultimate luxury, with sleek, contemporary rooms offering views over the wooded landscape and a spa that goes well beyond massages. Pencil in some time for the expansive heated outdoor pool as well as the Finnish-style sauna tucked away in the woods. Then head to the on-site restaurant for a healthy meal of forest cuisine made with local ingredients, or the bar for a cocktail in front of the fire.
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