There is a wide range of exclusive ski resorts in Europe from Courchevel in the French Alps and Lech in Austria. Property in Switzerland especially in Zermatt is a popular property choice. They attract millionaires, royalty, and swanky skiers who can splash the cash for their holidays. Discover world-class ski resorts, outstanding chalets, and luxury features to select the most exclusive ski resorts in Europe. When you’re there too, you can even spot a famous face!
Courchevel in France
Courchevel has long been the flagship in France for exclusive skiing holidays. It is at one end of the large ski area of the 3 Valleys, but it could not be more different from Meribel and Val Thorens, its neighbours. Courchevel has 7 restaurants with Michelin stars that you can choose from.
Meribel in France
Meribel has been the centre for the rich and famous, including the Beckhams, The Middletons, and Emma Watson, who it’s reported bought a £1 million chalet when she turned 18. Brigitte Bardot was spotted in Meribel during the 1960s! Meribel sits in the heart of the ski region of the 3 Valleys and is renowned for its picturesque chocolate box chalets. It is a popular resort for famous tourists because it is much more private than Courchevel, its neighbour, and many stars stay here in secluded private chalets.
St Moritz in Switzerland
There are numerous beautiful resorts in Switzerland in the chocolate-box chalet theme, but the two most exclusive resorts are slightly different. In the Graubünden area, the king of bling is the incomparable St Moritz. Here, on the famed Cresta Toboggan Run, the daring gentry eccentrics risk their lives, race their horses on the frozen lake, and then attempt a little skijoring (skiing dragged behind unbroken horses on the lake at speeds over 50kph). Skiing is fine, but the people watching it make it a mind-blowing destination in conjunction with the off-mountain activities. Go to Cresta in February and try out the horse races.
Zermatt in Switzerland
Switzerland’s second most exclusive resort was a tough choice, but we gave it to Zermatt because Klosters and St Moritz are located in the Graubünden area. The magnificence of the Matterhorn cannot be balanced by any view anywhere in the world. Zermatt is a large town, but because of the absence of automobiles, it retains its charm with all train arrivals and all-electric traffic. There is a lovely rustic feel to the old Zermatt area, and the new area has tried very hard to retain the alpine look and elegance. This is a massive resort with countless beautiful restaurants in the mountains that all seem to face the Matterhorn.
Verbier in Switzerland
Known year after year as the playground for the rich and famous, Verbier is the spot for royals and celebrities to go skiing, with many opting to buy their own private chalet. Located in the Four Valleys, the resort is exclusive and prices reflect this, with luxurious accommodation and expensive après-ski! What makes it such an enticing resort and an elite and elegant environment is its mix of world-class ski terrain and iconic après-ski and nightlife. But the wealthy and famous visit here because when they are out and about, they will go under the radar as there are plenty of people about.
Lech in Austria
The Arlberg ski area, which includes St Anton resort, is the best ski area in Austria. Lech’s lovely and refined resort is just around the corner from this riotous extreme skier’s paradise, and is connected by a 15-minute bus ride. Skiing is on extensive and perfectly groomed pistes here, and they make every skier look like an expert. The city is full of traditional-style hotels, and first-class restaurants are available. Renowned for its snow record, this resort attracts the beautiful citizens of Austria and Germany.
