Discover ‘The Big Top 20’, our ultimate collection of not-to-be-missed mountain experiences, curated by our ski experts. We’re certain there’s something for everyone‘s winter bucket list…
1. Blazing Skies: Ski Under Starry Skies
Seeing the northern lights has been found to feature on more travel bucket lists than any other experience. Just picture, carving your way down the slopes at night under the clear starry skies of Trysil, Norway. Keep your eyes peeled, as if you’re lucky you might even see the breathtaking aurora borealis. This is an unforgettable way to embrace the magic of skiing in Scandinavia.
Stay At:
The upscale Radisson Blu Resort in Trysil offers its guests first-class facilities in a ski-in ski-out location.
2. Sunrise Skiing: Early Bird Whistler
The Whistler Fresh Tracks Breakfast is a phenomenal experience. Take the Village Gondola up the mountain at 7:15am and enjoy a superb mountain-sized breakfast. Then ski down in perfect powder or glide over freshly groomed corduroy before the mountain is open to the public.
Stay At:
Pan Pacific Village Centre is one of the finest condominium hotels in town in Whistler.
3. Cloud Nine: Step into the Void
Test your courage at The Aiguille du Midi Skywalk in Chamonix. Imagine standing at 3,842m in a glass box, with 1,000m of free air directly under your feet. This daring, incredible experience is a unique way to observe the Mont Blanc mountain range.
Stay At:
Chalet Ardoise in Chamonix is a luxurious, bright and spacious chalet.
4. Fly Through the Sky: Tignes Bun-J-Ride
If you’re feeling adventurous why not try the Tignes Bun-J-Ride. Travel down the 30m runway at speed and leap into the 40ms high ski jump. It isn’t for the faint-hearted!
Stay At:
One of the leading hotels in the Alps, Zermatt’s Mont Cervin Palace is located near the Gornergrat station in the centre of town.
5. Delicious Gourmet: Ski Safari
This is a glorious gastronomic journey on skies in the heart of the exquisite Dolomites. A paradise for gourmands with fine wine and food aplenty, enjoy carving your way between delicious delights created by local and global gourmet chefs.
6. Fantastical Feasting: Michelin-starred Dining
Foodies visiting San Cassiano must visit Restaurant La Siriola, the two Michelin-starred restaurant in Hotel Ciasa Salares. Indulge in the eight-course tasting menu, chosen by the chef, with courses broken up by a visit to the hotel’s Cheese Room, a pre-dessert trip to the famous Chocolate Room with up to 40 types of fine chocolate to sample and of course, the 16,000-bottle wine cellar.
Stay At:
The charming, family-run Hotel Ciasa Salares in Val Badia is nestled in the heart of the exquisite Dolomites.
7. Steep and Deep: Jackson Hole’s Coolest Couloir
Corbet’s Couloir is notorious amongst skiers seeking a thrill, looking to plunge their way into the extreme vertical. A tram passes by every ten minutes and spectators group to watch skiers drop in. Although daunting from the top, Corbet’s skiers adore the fresh powder once in the Couloir.
Stay At:
Hotel Amangani in Jackson Hole has a unique location with stunning panoramic views of the mountains.
8. Crazy Racing: Hahnenkamm Race
Kitzbühel is home to the riveting Hahnenkamm ski race. The famous race down the ‘Streif’ is a crazy run with twists, jumps and extreme verticals. Watching world-class athletes participate in the race is an unforgettable experience; there is a marvellous festival-style atmosphere and many parties are joined by the stars.
Stay At:
Hotel Kaiserhof Kitzbühel is a great ski-in ski-out hotel, situated right on the slopes and close to the lifts.
9. Champagne Lift: Zermatt’s VIP Gondola
Add a touch of luxury to your ascent up Zermatt’s mountains this season. In the Matterhorn Express VIP Gondola settle into luxurious leather armchairs, enjoying a glass of champagne as the majestic Matterhorn glides past.
Stay At:
One of the leading hotels in the Alps, Zermatt’s Mont Cervin Palace is located near the Gornergrat station in the centre of town.
10. Dine and Slide: La Cabane des Bücherons, Courchevel
Enjoy a traditional Savoyard meal up at a cosy mountain refuge. After you’ve had your fill of fondue, head home by toboggan, down a floodlit forest run.
Stay At:
The Hotel Portetta in Courchevel 1650 is a friendly four-star hotel with easy access to the superb ski area.
11. 007 in the Mountains: Exploring Sölden’s Coolest Building
The James Bond cinematic installation constructed inside the Gaislachkogl high above Sölden is where ‘Spectre’ was filmed. This impressive building is nestled into the mountains, merging perfectly with the Alpine setting, exposing itself through a tunnel in true James Bond style. Fans can explore a series of galleries showcasing elements of the Bond films.
Stay At:
Hotel Das Central in Sölden has a fantastic location and offers a free shuttle bus to the ski lifts.
12. Doorstep Heli-skiing: Chalet Bighorn, Revelstoke
Voted the ‘World’s Best Ski Chalet’ for four years, Chalet Bighorn optimizes Alpine luxury. Set at the bottom of Revelstoke Mountain in the world’s best Heli-ski area, from here you can fly deep into the mountains from your own helipad and revel in powder heaven. This is a true once in a lifetime experience.
Stay At:
Five-star Chalet Bighorn in Revelstoke offers unrivalled luxury and exclusive access to a wilderness adventure like no other in British Columbia.
13. Norway: Fjords and Waterfalls
Discover the unique beauty of Norway’s mountains and fjords. Start your adventure on the pistes at Myrkdalen ski resort before moving onto Flåm for one of Europe’s most dramatic fjord trips. Journey into the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord, past snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and picturesque villages.
Stay At:
Myrkdalen Hotel has a fantastic ski-in ski-out location, perfect for maximising time on the slopes.
14. Posh Cheese: Super Luxe Life at The Chedi
Fancy yourself as a gourmand? At the magnificent Chedi Andermatt, you will be driven in a Porsche to a mountain farm, where you can enjoy the unique experience of crafting your own Alpine cheese. The handmade cheese matures for four to six weeks and is then sent to your home where you can enjoy a taste of Switzerland once more.
Stay At:
The Chedi Andermatt Hotel combines Alpine chic with Asian sleek with incredible views of the Swiss Alps.
15. Partying: Finest Austrian Après
Considered one of the world’s most fun après bars, Mooserwirt in St. Anton is a hit with those looking to enjoy their time off the slopes as much as on. A guaranteed four and a half hours of uninterrupted partying from 3:30pm every day throughout the season.
Stay At:
Located in the centre of St. Anton, the four-star Hotel Schwarzer Adler is a stone’s throw from the lifts.
16. Serious Tobogganing: Val Thorens Speed Demons
Val Thorens is home to one of Europe’s longest toboggan runs, at 6km this exhilarating 45-minutes descent is a thrilling ride of twists, turns and steep descents. Open during the day and evening, this is the ultimate toboggan experience for groups of friends and families. Who will win?
Stay At:
Hotel Marielle in Val Thorens has a slope-side location with ski-in ski-out access to the Three Valley ski area.
17. Party Train: The Swiss Après Train
After an excellent day exploring the superb slopes of Switzerland, catch the après ski train which runs between Andermatt and Disentis. The longest journey of its kind in Switzerland, at weekends DJs turn the carriages into small but excellent party venues, and it’s included in the price of your lift pass.
18. Wine: The €6 million Cellar
The wine cellar at Hospiz Alm Ski Lodge in St. Anton holds over 65,000 bottles of divine wines worth an astonishing €6 million. The cellar is accessed by a slide and is home to one of the biggest collections of large bottles in the world. Guests can enjoy a tour by the sommelier – not to be missed.
Stay At:
Located in the centre of St. Anton, the four-star Hotel Schwarzer Adler is a stone’s throw from the lifts.
19. Into the Deep: Heli-skiing in Panorama
Experience the ultimate, adrenaline-fuelled adventure in Panorama; heli-skiing. Gliding through the light, champagne powder Canada is famous for, just the sound of our skis on snow and not a soul in sight is an experience that’s hard to beat. With 930 squares miles of terrain to explore, from ancient glaciers to deep powder bowls, this is the adventure of a lifetime.
Stay At:
The Panorama Upper Village Condos are modern apartments, situated in an exceptional ski-in ski-out location.
20. Only Ski-doo Will Do: Champoluc’s Best Secret
Exclusive and wholly luxurious Hotellerie de Mascognaz is a glorious mountain base. Set in a stunning, secluded location above the village of Champoluc, the property is only accessible by skis or skidoo, the ultimate mountain refuge.
Stay At:
The Hotellerie de Mascognaz is a stunning hotel development tucked away in splendid isolation high above the resort of Champoluc.
