Passion Points: Active/Adventure

Western Australia
Western Australia

My Spring Skiing Favorites Text Size A A A

Disclaimers first: 1) I haven’t skied everywhere. Whistler and Gstaad could be favorites. Haven’t tried them yet. 2) I don’t believe in lists and rankings, only in personal preferences, because I think what’s best for one person or one purpose may not be right for another. 3) These mountains rate high with me because they offer beauty (natural and man-made), challenging skiing and an authentic sense of place. 4) Share your list, by using the comment icon below or by sending us an email.

COURCHEVEL 1850, FRANCE

The appeal: L’art de vivre in an awesome Alps setting, which means you can ski one run that is almost five kilometers long from above Courchevel 1850 and arrive at a Savoyard farmhouse for lunch. Eat outside on the terrace with a lap blanket and views of an 18th-century village steeple or inside at an antique table near the wine cellar.

Who it’s right for: Couples should book the Amanresort’s Le Mélézin with a sexy indoor swimming pool and fur-blanketed beds. Traditional families prefer Les Airelles and hipper ones opt for Hotel Kilimandjaro. Both have wonderful rooms with bunk-bedded sleeping nooks.

Where to stay Read our Courchevel destination guide

Le Mélézin

Les Airelles

SUNDANCE, UTAH

The appeal: Robert Redford has seen enough of the American West to qualify as an expert on its splendors and he chose this remote box canyon for his own ski resort and film school. The cabins in the woods come heavy with Western details such as Navajo rugs and log furniture as well as stone fireplaces and kitchens so you can hole up in a snowstorm.

Who it’s right for: Couples who want to hideout in between ski runs.

Contact: Sundance: 801-225-4107; in the U.S. 800-892-1600; www.sundanceresort.com

ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

The appeal: Few settings can equal this quaint, car-free village in the shadow of the Matterhorn, and if you zip your passport in your ski jacket, you can slalom into Italy for lunch and trade fondue for pasta.

Who it’s right for: Anyone who loves glacier skiing (go only with guides) in a drop-dead setting.

Where to stay: Riffelalp

Read our Zermatt destination guide

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

The appeal: America’s first ski resort may not be its fanciest but the there’s a laid-back sense of fun here that really shines on sunny days. The on-mountain lodges offer baked potato bars with all the fixings. Forget waitress service or wine cellars, but at the end of the day don’t be surprised to see parties brewing at the base.

Who it’s right for: Friends and families who love a Rocky mountain high.

Where to stay: Read our Sun Valley destination guide

DOLOMITES, ITALY

The appeal: The Dolomites’ glamorous face is Cortina but an equally beautiful option to the legendary resort town of Prada-clad instructors is the historic little village of San Cassiano. In it, there is a jewel of a hotel with a three-Michelin-star restaurant and world-class spa called the Rosa Alpina. The ideal chic chalet retreat only miles from glorious untracked powder.

Who it’s right for: Adventurous skiers who like to end a hard day of sports with every comfort.

Read our Dolomites destination guide

Read our insider report on Courchevel

Read our insider report on Deer Valley

Read a member postcard on skiing in Lech

For up-to-the-minute availability, preferred member rates and more ski options, contact our booking department by calling 212-988-2611 or by sending an inquiry

Add to Favorites | Add Comment| Send to Mobile| Print| Email | Share
 
Images | Related Links | Comments (1)

Search By Keyword

Submit A Postcard

Postcard_logo

Popular Destinations

Asia/Pacific: India: India: Jaipur
Jaipurhero_a_4

Palace hotels and painted elephants are part of the colorful...

Read More

Europe: Greece: Greece: Corfu
Corfu1_a_4

This Ionian island has been famous since the days of...

Read More

Caribbean: Cuba: Havana
Cuba_a_4

To get the most out of a visit to the...

Read More

SPECIAL OFFERS

  • Rant & Rave: Indagare members can share their advice with the community by logging in first, then clicking here: Rants & Raves.
  • Give the Gift: Indagare: Give the gift of travel intelligence with a membership to Indagare. For details or to order, call us at 212-988-2611 or click here: Gift Membership.
  • Indagare Plus: Remember that hotels marked by an Indagare Plus symbol offer preferential rates and benefits to members.
  • Indagare Share Feature: Share articles, postcards and reviews with family and friends on such networking sites as Twitter, Facebook and Delicious. Simply click on the three small dots that symbolize our connect icon, at the end of every article, and follow the link to the networking site of your preference.
  • Sample Indagare: With free bi-weekly email blasts on new hot spots and insider tips when you sign up for our mailing list.
  • Profile feature: Members share your profiles, comments, favorite articles and IQs. Just click on the Profile tab on the upper right of your screen and look for the Edit My Profile blue tab.
  • Indagare means to discover, explore, seek, scout in Latin.