Best Luxury Ski Resorts for Skiers and Non-Skiers

What are the best luxury ski resorts for skiers and non-skiers? TravelSort reader Paul writes “I love to ski but my wife, having had a couple bad ski experiences, refuses to ski. I've taken the occasional long weekend away to ski on my own, but we're talking about a winter trip together. What are the best luxury ski resorts that will also appeal to non-skiers?”

While U.S. skiers may be most familiar with Vail / Beaver Creek and Lake Tahoe, some of the best luxury ski resorts for pampering skiers and non-skiers alike are in Europe. Here are the ski resorts that have garnered the best reviews from my skiing and non-skiing clients:

1. Cheval Blanc Courchevel

Closest Major Airport: Geneva (2.5 hour drive)

For the Skier

Ski in, ski out access to the Jardin Alpin and Bellecote slopes
58 ski lifts in Courchevel provide access to 150 km. of ski runs, including 34 red and 8 black runs
If the non-skier has a change of heart, there are several “ZEN” areas that are enclosed, with a gentle slope, for beginners
Ski Concierge service even preheats your ski boots
Dedicated flag planted each morning next to your ski equipment, making it easy to identify

For the Non-Skier

Le 1947 Restaurant, the only 3 Michelin Star restaurant in Courchevel
Complimentary house car service to the town center
Dog sledding
Indoor pool and jacuzzi
Cheval Blanc Spa includes hammam, sauna, cold plunge pool, experience shower
Fitness Center, with private trainer and private yoga and pilates classes available for a fee
Aquamotion, about a 14 min. drive away, offers a variety of pools, including an indoor surf pool, and there are indoor climbing walls as well
Snowmobiling
Ice skating
Snowshoeing

Virtuoso Benefits

Daily full breakfast served in the restaurant The White or room service for up to two in-room guests
$150 euros Food & Beverage credit to be used during stay in any of the Property’s restaurants, bars or for room service, (credit is not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full).
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Early check-in/late check-out , subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

2. The Chedi, Andermatt

Closest Major Airport: Zurich (2 hour drive)

For the Skier

The Gemstock peak (2961 meters) is the highest mountain near Andermatt, with access to the challenging 4.3 km. Bernhard Russi ski run
Off-piste skiing
Some of the most reliable snowfall among European ski resorts
120 km. of ski runs across Gemstock, Nätschen, Sedrun and Oberalp
Ski Butlers

For the Non-Skier

Helicopter trip for panoramic views
The Glacier Express train also offers magnificent views along its route from Zermatt to St. Moritz, stopping in Andermatt
Snowshoeing
Indoor pool open daily 7am-8pm
Health Club open daily 7am-9pm; yoga and pilates studio offers both group and private classes
The Spa offers a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, and comprehensive array of treatments, including Balinese massage, Ayurvedic massage, Tibetan massage, Thai Reflexology, REN facials and more
The Japanese Restaurant offers sushi and Kaiseki menus

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (No upgrades from Deluxe Suites to Grand Deluxe Suites / Grand Deluxe Suites to Gemsstock Suite / Gemsstock Suite to Furka Suite)
Complimentary Full Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay served in The Restaurant (included in the room rate)
$100 USD equivalent Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full, only applicable towards treatments)
Authentic Swiss Chocolate Platter served with a bottle of Champagne
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

3. Montage Deer Valley

Closest Major Airport: Salt Lake City, Utah (45 min.-1 hour drive)

For the Skier

Ski in, ski out access
100 trails served by 20 lifts
Ski Concierge service includes boot warming

For the Non-Skier

Sundance Film Festival (held annually in January)
Indoor lap pool
Spa Montage: sauna, steam room, relaxation room, meditation area, spa treatments
Hot Air Balloon rides
Snowshoeing
Sleigh rides
Dog sledding
Bowling
Natural History Museum (about 1 hour drive from the resort)

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (view category & applicable to hotel inventory only. Residences are eligible for an upgrade at time of arrival, based on availability)
A daily breakfast credit up to US $60 (per room, per night for breakfast in restaurant)
$100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full, not valid towards retail purchases)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

4. The Alpina Gstaad

Closest Major Airport: Bern, Switzerland (1.5 hour drive; or Geneva, 2 hour drive)

For the Skier

The hotel offers shuttle services to nearby ski lifts, sells lift passes, and offers ski equipment rental in the Lorenz Bach ski shop in the hotel
Tiger Run is the most challenging nearby slope and is 2.5 km. long
Glacier 3000 offers 25 km. of runs, including the challenging and magnificent 7 km. Olden Run.
For beginners and kids, Gstaad-Wispile and Eggli offers easy runs

For the Non-Skier

Great people watching; popular with celebrities
Indoor pool and jacuzzis
Six Senses Spa: Hammam, sauna, steam room, experience showers, hot and cold plunge pools
In addition to spa treatments, the spa also offers group yoga, pilates and Tai Chi classes
Fine dining: Sommet Restaurant and Megu Restaurant each have 1 Michelin Star
Non-skiing winter sports: winter biking, snowshoeing, winter hiking
Sleigh rides
Beautiful views on clear days at Glacier 3000, about a 30 min. drive from Gstaad

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Full breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests
$100 CHF Spa Services credit per person to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi