Skiing is one of the world’s most glamourous sports, so it’s only natural that there are some incredibly stylish and fashionable ski resorts in the mountains. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, and dedicated in equal parts to the pursuit of outdoor adventure and high fashion, these ski destinations are known for their glitz and their glamour.
Discover the best fashionable ski resorts with Inghams this winter. From boutique fashion shops, to champagne bars, these five resorts are the most stylish places to ski.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
It’s Cortina! The glitziest and most glamourous of all the Italian ski resorts. Known as the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’, Cortina is recognised as the most fashionable ski resort in Italy. We’d be remiss not to include it on this list.
Cortina’s high street is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and even a yachting shop! You’re just as likely to see people wandering the streets in sophisticated, fur coats as you are to see them in ski gear – especially during the 5pm ‘passeggiata’, the traditional, Italian, evening stroll. This is a great time to peruse the designer shops, or enjoy an Aperol Spritz in a classy bar.
Adding to the resort’s allure, it is one of the most filmed and photographed resorts in the Italian Alps. The resort was a prominent location in the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only, which is hardly surprising, Cortina is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The iconic, jagged peaks of the Dolomite Mountains rise up around the resort giving it a very cinematic look and feel.
Courchevel, France
Not only is it one of the premier resorts in the Three Valleys, the largest ski area entirely situated in France, but it is also one of the most luxurious ski resorts in the French Alps where the skiers are as perfectly groomed as the pistes. Popular with the rich and famous, Courchevel was the choice for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first family ski holiday with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in 2016.
Courchevel 1850, the highest village in the ski resort, has a wealth of boutique shops selling high-end luxury clothing, jewellery and perfume. Hotel Fahrenheit Seven provides some fantastic views - you'll either be greeted by the slopes and Moriond snow front or you'll be treated to views of the Courchevel valley and some amazing sunsets. The location is also ideal as the hotel is only a 100m walk to the centre of Courchevel 1650 providing a selection of shops, restaurants and bars to fill your time when you're not on the slopes.
The ski resort has an exceptional fine dining culture too. Courchevel 1850 alone has five Michelin starred restaurants, with Michelin starred restaurants in nearby Le Praz and La Tania as well. If you wanted to, you could eat at a Michelin starred restaurant for every night of your 7-night holiday.
Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl has done well to combine traditional, Tyrolean charm with an urbane, glitzy atmosphere. The resort centre, built largely in the traditional style is full of swanky, luxury shops and a stylish range of hotels offering incredible spa and wellness facilities, we highly recommend the Hotel Brigitte and the Hotel Solaria, both renowned for their excellent service and cuisine.
The resort is also renowned for its après ski scene, which is equal parts lively and sophisticated. You won’t struggle to find classy nightclubs and chic champagne bars, but you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy regular, on-mountain concerts such as this year’s Mountain Opening Concert, which is being headlined by Jason Derulo.
Let’s not forget Ischgl’s fantastic skiing either. The resort has an ultra-modern lift system providing incredible access to the 238km of piste. The ski area is wonderful for intermediate skiers with plentiful cruising red runs, while advanced skiers will be impressed with the free ride opportunities.
Whistler, Canada
Whistler is best known as one of the world’s premiere ski resorts, with its colossal ski domain suited to skiers of all abilities, abundant powder, and accessible backcountry. But Whistler is also a stylish ski destination – one of the most sophisticated in Canada.
The pedestrianised village centre is great for people watching. Get comfortable in one of the many village cafés or chic bars and watch as the passers-by explore Whistler’s boutiques, jewellery shops, and up-market sports gear shops. Whistler has a thriving cultural scene, with a couple of commercial galleries as well as the Audain Art Museum, which houses First Nation carvings and Canadian art work.
Incredible restaurants abound in Whistler, with a wide choice of stylish places to eat out. Booking in advance is strongly recommended for many of the best restaurants in the village, which are incredibly popular, especially during peak season.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St Moritz is known for combining a stylish resort with high altitude skiing. An idyllic location St. Moritz is split into three villages which each have access to Corviglia, the home mountain. It has an array of bars and restaurants which will excite any foodie. While this resort isn’t known for its nightlife you will still find a variety of bars, pubs, and alpine hang out spots including The Sky Bar at the Hotel Monopol which is one of our favourite's - you can’t beat the views across the lake.
St. Moritz is filled with designer boutiques and luxury jewellery shops making it a shopper’s paradise and earning the title of the most exclusive ski resorts in the alps, it’s no wonder it’s considered a favourite of the Royals. With high fashion brands from Cartier to Louis Vuitton, Bulgari to Dior lining the streets its easy to see how this resort makes the most fashionable list!
How to book your holiday
Simply give us a call to book your holiday. Flights, hotel and transport? We’ve got you covered.
