Chasing Winter

Adventure through the world’s coolest winter sports destinations

There’s nothing like carving fresh tracks in soft powder, ice-skating under the stars, snowmobiling with dramatic backcountry views, or racing over snow-covered meadows on a sled pulled by dogs in the mountains where outdoor adventures abound. At day’s end, you can relax with a luxurious spa treatment, après-ski indulgences, or a cozy moment gathered around the fireplace at this curated collection of Alpine escapes.

From charming villages straight out of a snow globe to landscapes blanketed in white with enchanting aurora borealis dancing overhead, winter travel in Europe radiates storybook magic. Add some adrenaline-fueled adventures to your itinerary and you’re in for a real treat.

Although the famed Alps span eight countries, Switzerland and Austria offer some of the most stunning landscapes for winter exploration. Just south of Gstaad, Verbier extends into the 4Vallées, Switzerland’s largest linked ski area spanning six interconnected resorts. Thrill seekers can soar over the Tortin glacier on the Mont-Fort Zipline, the highest in the world, or try heli-skiing, ice climbing, or hiking on a glacier. For premier access to the ski lifts, visit The Lodge, Sir Richard Branson’s intimate, all-inclusive mountain retreat, where you can book individual suites or the entire chalet. Explore the nearby village of Verbier, with boutiques selling Swiss watches and winter gear, cozy cafés, and cheese or chocolate shops.

ASPEN alpin lifestyle Hotel beckons skiers to the Bernese Alps. The ski-in/ski-out chalet sits in the middle of a run within the Jungfrau Ski Region, where stunning backdrops abound due to the many peaks and valleys found here. Other winter sports like ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing are popular as are activities ranging from hiking past waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen Valley to rides on the Jungfrau cog railway showcasing scenic views of the local mountains. Or go to the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch, where a tunnel through the Ice Palace showcases intricate ice sculptures.

Venturing to the Lech am Arlberg region of western Austria, skiers will delight in the perfectly groomed slopes of the White Ring, a legendary circuit known for hosting the amateur Der Weiße Ring – Das Rennen race. The terrain in this area is known for its firn, old snow that has been recrystallized and partially compacted but has yet to become glacial ice. Typically found in high Alpine regions, firn offers a smoother ski experience, with forgiving snow that is soft enough for easy gliding. At Burg Vital Resort, find yourself enveloped in more than 186 miles of downhill runs with a range of difficulty levels, making it an ideal destination for skiers of all levels.

Snow-covered landscapes abound for half the year in Kitzbühel, a Tyrolean village that is home to Hotel Kitzhof – Mountain Design Resort. A short walk from the town center, this authentic lodge combines rustic charm with comfortable luxury. Stunning Alpine scenery surrounds the resort, providing a landscape of diverse terrain for world-class skiing as well as snowboarding, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, ice skating, curling, horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow, or a unique thrill: night skiing and tobogganing on illuminated pistes from the Gaisberg or Reith Lifts.

Elite Alpine adventures await at the Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort, an elegant retreat nestled in the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area with its own panoramic, ten-person cable car that quickly moves guests up the mountain into unspoiled snow-filled landscapes. Perfect for family escapes, couples, and solo adventurers, the resort features a movement room with warm-up sessions and targeted muscle training. It also has its own academy, guided tours, a children’s practice slope, and heated ski storage.

The western slopes of the United States are known for dramatic elevation changes and diverse ecosystems. Tall and rugged, the Rocky Mountains make Colorado, Montana, and Utah ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, with elite skiing, natural beauty, and relaxed luxury.

Aspen, Colorado, exudes elegance, combining mountain luxury with artistic and adventurous experiences. Four ski areas – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass – ensure skiable terrain for every level of athlete. While on-the-mountain sessions are the main appeal, Aspen is a lifestyle destination offering elevated shopping and fashion, film screenings, and stage performances. MOLLIE ASPEN, a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of town, provides a shuttle to each of the four mountains, while several museums, malls, and an opera theater are located within walking distance. In the mountains, enjoy harder-to-find winter activities like dog sledding, fat biking, fly fishing, and rides down Snowmass’ Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.

Montage Big Sky perfectly captures the spirit of the American West while providing ski-in/ski-out access to more than 5,800 acres of terrain in Montana’s majestic Spanish Peaks. At the Alpine Performance Studio, enlist the help of experts for a ski assessment, complete with an on-the-mountain video session and biomechanics analysis, or book an exclusive experience with world-renowned skier Dan Egan. This adventurous region also offers ice climbing and snowmobiling in the legendary Yellowstone National Park to spot wildlife such as wolves, bison, foxes, and bighorn sheep.

In Park City, Utah, another Montage resort features an elevated experience on a quiet mountain. With ski-in/ski-out access to slopes that don’t allow snowboarding and daily lift ticket caps that manage crowds, Montage Deer Valley is a premier winter destination offering luxury, charm, and convenience as well as powder that has been deemed the Greatest Snow on Earth®. Here, enjoy in-room boot fittings as well as private lessons, including exclusive sessions with world-famous Olympic athletes. Tubing, snowshoe hikes, and winter fly fishing are also available at the resort.

Whether you’re drawn to the Old World charm of the Alps or the untamed grandeur of the Rockies, winter vacations deliver more than just snow-covered slopes – they’re a passport to breathtaking landscapes, action-packed moments, and unforgettable experiences deep in the mountains. Wherever you choose to go, chasing winter is an adventure worth taking.