The study ranks ski resorts based on their luxury offerings, examining three key elements: Michelin Guide restaurants, spa and wellness centers and high-end designer shops.
Ranking in the top spot is Zermatt in Switzerland, with France’s Chamonix and Courchevel in second and third place, respectively, followed by Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, and Switzerland’s St. Moritz rounding out the top five.
Last winter, Alpine skiing was almost impossible as ski lifts around Europe were shut to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Hotels were allowed to open and other winter activities were authorized, but the lack of downhill skiing and travel restrictions caused great sadness for many snow enthusiasts. Although travel is still not as straightforward as it was pre-COVID, skiing is back on the cards for the 2021-22 season—restrictions considered.
Courchevel, which came third overall, ranked highest for the number of Michelin Guide restaurants that it offers to travelers, with it being home to one of only 135 Michelin three-star restaurants in the world. The French resort was also joint first with Switzerland’s St Moritz for anyone looking to do a spot of shopping after a hard day’s ski. Both resorts offer 13 high-end designer shops to browse including Prada, Gucci, Cartier, Dior and Ray-Ban.
Travelers looking to relax in the Alpine air can head to Zermatt, a ski resort that offers a choice of 94 spa and wellness centers; however, this will have to wait until next season with Switzerland’s travel restrictions, but travelers can transit through the country to France’s Les Arcs, which is hot on its heels with 93 wellness centers to choose from.
