Glistening snow-capped mountains, dramatic landscapes, roaring fireplaces, fresh alpine air, and slopes that twinkle in the night from the scattered chalets that sit tranquilly – there really is something special about this time of year. Whether you prefer to spend the day skiing or sipping on an Aperol spritz whilst admiring the incredible views, we have you covered with these 5 ski destinations to visit by private jet this winter.
1) Chamonix, France
One of the oldest ski resorts in France, having hosted the first Winter Olympics back in 1924, Chamonix is a vibrant town and a world-class ski resort and mountaineering destination that sits at the base of Mont Blanc between France, Switzerland and Italy.
The town’s skyline is dominated by the jagged Aiguilles de Chamonix Mountain, which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc at an incredible 4,810 metres.
Exuding charm with views of snow-capped, pine-covered hillsides and glaciers, and waterfalls that cascade down the mountainside – this town is picture-perfect.
Its expansive and challenging terrain makes this a bucket-list destination for many avid skiers and is, without doubt, one of the most unique and most visited destinations in the French Alps.
WHERE TO STAY:
Nestled in picturesque gardens, the Hameau Albert 1er is known as one of Chamonix’s finest hotels and is situated in the heart of this world-class ski resort. Owned by the Carrier-Maillet family, this hotel has been providing top-class hospitality and welcoming guests to the area since 1903.
An old mountain farmhouse with a modern contemporary feel and added rustic charm, the hotel’s historic converted barn accommodations are full of character, comprising a mixture of architectural alpine traditions. Additionally, they have two independent chalets that offer a chic combination of pure white tones and rustic timber.
On-site is a Michelin-star restaurant that offers a gastronomic experience serving traditional Savoyard specialities. The resort also features a wine cellar, bar, hot tub and sauna, and has a wide selection of rejuvenating massage treatments to offer, perfect for when you’ve had a busy day on the slopes.
GETTING THERE:
Geneva Airport (GVA/LSGG) is the closest airport to the exclusive Chamonix ski resort. The journey from Geneva airport takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes by road.
2) Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is a Swiss Alpine village situated in the Canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland. It offers incredible panoramic views of Mont Blanc and sits around 1,500 metres above sea level, facing the Grand Combin mountain massif. It is ideally located at the centre of the four valleys and has one of the largest skiing areas in Europe, providing over 410 kilometres of ski runs.
Verbier is a vibrant village of low-rise buildings and traditional Swiss charm which, unlike many other ski resorts, is still reflected today. As soon as the first snow falls, Verbier develops into a glamourous winter playground and a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts thanks to its on and off-piste skiing opportunities being some of the most incredible anywhere in the Alps.
In the winter, Verbier truly comes alive with its restaurants, boutique shops, bars, and a vivacious après-ski scene. Verbier also offers a plethora of other activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, husky dog rides, sky diving, sledging and parachuting. There is also an incredible 10km long toboggan run – the longest in French-speaking Switzerland.
WHERE TO STAY:
The Lodge is the ultimate winter hideaway. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, this luxurious nine-bedroom mountain chalet, perched high in the Swiss Alps, comes with a team of experienced staff including a housekeeper, chalet concierge, private chef and personal chauffeur.
Each room is uniquely designed with warm tones and has magnificent views of the mountains and valley opposite. The master suites are exceptionally spacious and feature a modern fireplace in the centre of the room – there is even a secret door that connects the two master suites if extra space is needed.
Dining at The Lodge in winter takes place in the large dining room, where all meals are cooked to order by the private chef and where guests can sample some of the resort’s culinary delights. Alternatively, you can dine at one of the town’s many stylish restaurants, which can be organised by your personal concierge.
For a wind-down, head to the lower levels of the chalet where you will find a heavenly spa area with an indoor jacuzzi, steam room, massage room, gym and a 9m heated indoor pool. This alpine paradise has a true home-from-home feeling, which is ideal for families or large groups.
GETTING THERE:
Sion Airport (SIR/LSGS) is the closest airport to Verbier at 54 kilometres, a transfer from which takes approximately one hour by road. Alternatively, you can fly in via Aosta Valley Airport (AOT/LIMV) which is approximately 80 kiolmetres away and would take around one and a half hours by road. Ordinarily, there are helicopter transfers available to resorts.
3) Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina d’Ampezzo, also known as the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’, is a small ski resort located in the Veneto region of Northern Italy and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
Nestled between the soaring peaks of the Dolomites mountain range, the resort is surrounded by sheltered alpine valleys and well-groomed ski slopes. In the winter season, the town is bustling with people walking through the exclusive collection of antique shops, designer boutiques, bars and fine restaurants.
The town has an Olympic ice stadium with two ice tracks that were built for the Winter Olympic Games held there in 1956, and was host to the 2021 World Ski Championships. Cortina is also due to host the Winter Olympics once again in 2026.
WHERE TO STAY:
Surrounded by unspoiled alpine beauty, the Rosapetra SPA Resort is located just minutes from the centre of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This superb resort is entirely furnished in wood inside and out, making it blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.
The rooms and suites are intimate, elegant and modern spaces, which offer fantastic views of the Dolomites. The handmade warm wood furnishings, fine upholstery, natural stone and neutral colours all reflect the Ampezzo landscape to create an airy, welcoming and inviting space.
Restaurant La Corte del Lampone serves traditional food and often provides local entertainment in the evenings for in-house guests. You can also enjoy a glass or two of wine at The Cellar, where you can explore local and international wines in the comfort of your chalet.
The spa has been designed and characterised around bio-cosmetic products and exclusive equipment designed for holistic care. There is also a Finnish sauna, Mediterranean bath, Turkish bath, full Technogym-equipped fitness centre, and a swimming pool with breathtaking views. The resort also offers a wide range of sporting activities including ice climbing, ski mountaineering, skating and alpine skiing.
GETTING THERE:
The nearest Italian airports to Cortina are Canova di Treviso Airport (TSF/LIPH) and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE/LIPZ) from which it takes approximately two hours to get to the Cortina ski resort by road. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter transfer to Cortina’s own heliport in Fiames, where only private flights operate.
4) Val-d’Isère, France
Val-d’Isère is nestled in Savoie’s Tarentaise Valley in the Alps and is a resort which dates back as far as the 1600s. Although one of the smaller resorts, it can be one of the liveliest high-end resorts and is brimming with challenging slopes, stylish bars and one of the best après ski scenes in all of Europe.
Sitting at an altitude of 1,850 metres above sea level, the resort is among one of the highest in Europe with the longest winters – it has one of the best snow records in Europe.
Val-d’Isère has over 96 ski lifts that serve 300 kilometres of pistes and 25,000 skiing acres comprising a mixture of beginner, intermediate and expert slopes.
This charming old-world village has a lot to offer a variety of visitors. Through its old winding streets, you will find bustling bars, shops and restaurants which all come alive at night, and with restricted access for vehicles in Val-d’Isère, it really does feel like a different world.
WHERE TO STAY:
The Marco Polo Chalet is the most luxurious in Val-d’Isère and was voted the Best Ski Chalet in France two years in a row by the World Ski Awards. Although situated in the heart of Val-d’Isère, the property is set back from the main road providing a more intimate setting.
The chalet has a chic yet contemporary alpine-style interior with a mixture of modern and traditional materials used to create its overall vibe. There are six tastefully decorated rooms each with en-suite bathrooms and expansive living areas that lead through to a spacious balcony with panoramic views out onto the notorious World Cup La Face de Bellevarde downhill ski course.
The chalet features an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, hammam and massage room for some post-ski recuperation. It also boasts a wine cellar called the Cave and Fromagerie where you can enjoy cheese and wine tastings with friends and family. There is also a private gym, open fireplace, chauffeured 4×4 plus personal resort driver, gourmet catering, and two open bars.
GETTING THERE:
Chambéry Airport (CMF/LFLB) and Aosta Valley Airport (AOT/LIMV) are the closest locations to fly into, from which a transfer takes approximately two hours by road to Val d’Isere. Alternatively, you can take a private helicopter transfer and leave all the stress of the road behind.
5) Lech, Austria
The picturesque mountain village of Lech is an exclusive ski resort situated at an altitude of 1,444 metres above sea level in the western state of Vorarlberg, Austria.
Set in the heart of the beautiful Arlberg mountain range, the village has strict building restrictions which give it more of an exclusive feeling and in-keeping with its original Austrian charm.
The village comprises a collection of luxurious hotels and traditional-style ski chalets all built around the river that meanders through its centre. Although Lech is a comparatively small resort, there are over fifty restaurants dotted around serving traditional Austrian cuisine as well as many lively bars which play live music in the evenings.
There is a variety of surrounding scenic ski runs, most of them easy to medium difficulty. There are however more challenging runs available on certain slopes. There is also a local snow park where you can engage in freestyle snowboarding.
WHERE TO STAY:
Chalet 1551 is an ultra-luxury boutique chalet nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, surrounded by ski slopes in the exclusive Arlberg area.
This chalet was built with classic Austrian-Alpine style and luxury at its forefront.
The 600 square metre private residence was decorated by highly renowned interior designer Casus Casa and can accommodate up to 12 guests across five luxurious guestrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms.
Throughout the interior is a mixture of natural stone, light wood, soft furnishings, bespoke handmade furniture and complimentary lighting. On the ground floor, you will find an incredible wellness spa featuring a sauna, steam room, infrared chamber, sports bar and swimming pool with breathtaking mountain and village views.
Available on-hand 24/7 is a team of private staff including a Michelin-star chef, butler service and a chauffeur shuttle service within the area of Lech and Zürs.
GETTING THERE:
Innsbruck Airport (INN/LOWI) and St. Gallen Altenrhein Airport (ACH/LSZR) are both approximately one hour and a half to Lech by road. You can also get a private helicopter transfer to Lech ski resort directly from both airports.
Whether you require guidance on the most suitable aircraft for your route and number of passengers, assistance with planning your trip itinerary and logistics, or arranging the finer details to form your signature journey, we offer a comprehensive range of air charter and concierge services tailor-made to your requirements, leaving you to rest assured that you are in the hands of a professional service provider.
To discuss your requirements in more detail, telephone +44 (0) 330 043 0041 or email fly@sentiensignature.com.
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