The Ultimate Ski Edit

Dive into our winter ski edit for all things style-led ski, the hottest destinations, snaps of the Alps and a swig of Schnapps or two – you’re on holiday, after all.

AUSTRIA

Home to the Central Eastern Alps, it’s no wonder that skiing runs in Austria’s very veins. With a reputation not only for the slopes, but for the fun that comes after– the après ski, Austria is alive with Gemütlichkeit and these cosy, dancing on tables, shots by the metre, clashing Steins and ‘who even are you, let’s hug’ vibes can be found from the smallest mountain cabin to the largest, luxe cool cat den.

THE SKI - The style squad’s ski mecca of Lech am Arlberg is full of taste, heritage, big names and fabulous ski fall, as well as the infamous ‘White Ring’. An hour from Zurich, Lech channels sophisticated, champagne-driven après ski. (Though with just as much dancing on tables, we are sure). Head to Hotel Arlberg for a shot at the high life.

Tirol’s Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is one of Austria’s highest-lying winter ski destinations, the opening of the season is a festivity of pure excitement and is perfect for an early alpine holiday refresher. An hour from the beautiful, tiny town of Imst, their Christmas Advent Market is not to be missed when staying at Art and Relax Hotel Bergwelt.

The mountain village of Bad Gastein isn’t only home to beautiful winter runs, as it also hosts Red Bull’s Playstreets, the urban skiing competition boasting incredible scenes as riders soar off roofs and onto snow-laden cobbles. Home to wife and husband cool cat dens Haus Hirt and Miramonte.

Arguably the coolest spot in the Alps, Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn in Leogang, Western Austria, is the only place to whip up your board or skis and stream into the valley at speeds of up to 130hm/h, from your very own luxe nature spa, Forsthofgut.

NORWAY

With its soaring mountain ranges, rushing fjords and powerful, majestic forests, Norway has the feel of an ancient land about it; the aching beauty of its natural scenery is akin to the stuff of legend, and it isn’t bad for skiing either. In fact, did we mention the Norwegians invented the sport…?

THE SKI - The panoramic plateau of Beitostølen and the Jotunheimen mountains are where Norway hosts the annual cross-country ski world cup. A prime winter destination and first-class ski area for nature lovers and die-hard adventurists from all levels, here is where beginner skiers, hardened mavericks and cross-country fanatics are all welcomed with open arms.

You could also head to the much-loved Stranda ski resort for the best fine powder in all of Scandinavia.

To enjoy more of its breath-taking scenery and even spy some of Rudolph’s relatives, potter post-ski (and pre après) to Snøhetta’s Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion, an architectural delight which overlooks the magnificent Snøhetta Mountain itself.

STAY - Our fave hotspot is Ex-Machina cool Juvet Landscape Hotel in Alstad.

ITALY

One of Italy’s fave winter destinations, skiing in South Tyrol means two things: the Merano 2000 Ski Area and the soaring, breath-taking beauty of the Dolomites - a famed UNESCO World Heritage Centre and a favourite part of the Alps for any skier worth his (or her) post-ski-Raclette.

THE SKI - Merano 2000 is one of our favourite places to ski in South Tyrol, mixing Alpine beauty with Mediterranean cool. 

Meanwhile, Alta Badia is perfect for if you wish to set your sights on the rocky Dolomites and whizz down these Italian slopes as if in a James Bond dream. On the border of Italy and Austria, Alta Badia is bustling equally with mighty toboggan runs to really get your ticker racing as much as chilled downslope jaunts for some natural P&Q time.

SWITZERLAND

In picture-peak-perfect Switzerland, breath-taking scenery is just a backdrop for the best skiing in the world. Take advantage of the snow with mountaineering activities on the soaring peaks of the Matterhorn and Mount Titlis, or frolic in winter wonderland playgrounds a precisely on time train ride away from major shopping cities. 

THE SKI - A classic Swiss winter ski destination, Zermatt is synonymous with waving to Switzerland’s ever iconic, Matterhorn Mountain. Surrounded by heart-warmingly beautiful alpine scenery, from quaint chocolate box chalets, car-free narrow cobbled lanes and slated barns that marry with a scattering of grand belle-époque buildings, the runs aren’t the only reason you’ll be coming here.

One of the largest areas in the Alps, the essence of Swiss ski resort Saanen in the Canton of Bern, is all about the fusion of Bernese chocolate box allure dating back to the 16^th century and brimming with cultural sophistication – an Alpine menagerie of Bergkäs, fab wooden clad restaurants and concerts by local resident, Yehudi Menuhin.

Skiing in neighbouring Gstaad channels more of a glitzy vibe, but it also has family friendly runs, multiple snow parks and even helicopter skiing, for those brave enough.

In the heart of Switzerland sits Mount Titlis and ski destination Engelberg, home to myriad runs and the famous Titlis Cliff Walk, the highest suspension bridge in Europe, which offers jaw-breaking vistas across the Alps and perfect snaps for you Insta junkies.

FASHION

Don’t forget to look cool while you’re at it, too, with ski brand and collaborator, Maloja. Inspired by the familiar allure of the Swiss Alps that saw an authentic, fantastically imaginative take on the traditional dress sense of the wintertime ski club. Think of re-crafted, re-cultivated attire, made just for the modern day Alpinistas.

Editor’s Journal Edit

Have a peek in our Travel Journal for more on all things ski and winter holidays with our special Ski Edit, which collects together all your must-stay ski hotels, too, or browse our Alpinists Edit instead for cool cat design holidays made mountainside, come sun or snow.