Snow peaks: Our Tatler community members on their favourite ski destinations

On top of its exceptional skiing and snowboarding conditions, Niseko is also loved for its interconnected ski resorts. Located on the mountainside of Niseko Annupuri, Niseko United comprises four interconnected ski resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Niseko Annupuri and Hanazono Niseko. Together, they offer 47km of groomed trails, extensive off-piste terrain and 325 hectares of skiable area catering to all skill levels.

One of the destination’s other draws is its vibrant dining scene. For Iroshini Chua, the co-founder of Dr Kevin Chua Medical Aesthetics, Niseko is “renowned as a culinary destination as much as its pristine powdery snow”. Chua suggests getting a table at Rakuichi for its soba kaiseki. While reservations are “hard to snag”, she shares that watching soba master Tatsuru Rai working with local buckwheat makes it worthwhile. For cuisines other than Japanese, Pizza Del Sole gets Chua’s vote for “the best pizza I’ve ever tasted in my entire life”.

After a day on the slopes, there is nothing better than retreating into a warm and comforting room—and there is plenty to choose from in Niseko. “I used to love staying at Tsubasa Chalet at Hanaridge, Niseko,” Loo shares. “But now with young kids, I prefer Park Hyatt for its kids programmes. What’s more, everything is right at the hotel front.”

For nightlife in Niseko, entrepreneur Jessi Chloe Chen recommends Music Bar Mina Mina. “DJ Mina Tanaka, who owns the place, always has the best playlist. My go-to drink here is their sake-tini, which pairs perfectly with the live vinyl DJ sets. The vibe is always just right.”

Host to the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, St Moritz is known as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. Better yet, it has “322 days of sunshine”, enthuses Chua. “And we enjoy the practised and polished old-world charm of the resorts.”

Surrounding the town, you will find three main ski areas: Corviglia, Corvatsch and Diavolezza. There are plenty of pistes to choose from, ranging from beginner to advanced. With over 40 ski lifts and over 300km of pistes, you never have to ski the same run twice.

Corviglia is the largest and most accessible, boasting a vast network of impeccably groomed runs catering to intermediate enthusiasts. For the more adventurous, the off-piste terrain of Corvatsch and Diavolezza unveils a realm of untamed powder stashes and exhilarating descents, where the thrill of carving through snow is matched only by the breathtaking vistas that unfold at every turn.

And there is plenty to do away from the slopes. “[You can] explore the beautiful nature, toboggan tracks and ice skating rinks there’s truly something for everyone,” Leong muses. “On days when I feel like taking a day off from the slopes, I would drop the kids off at ski school, and head to town for a shopping day.” She hints at the “amazing finds” from brands such as Loro Piana and Hermès. “They probably only reserve [these pieces] for the snowy mountain destinations,” she adds.

When it comes to accommodation, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St Moritz is the choice of many. “The palace is iconic and we get the royal treatment from the start by being ferried in a vintage Rolls-Royce,” says Chua. “With 13 dining options, a wellness spa with a steaming pool that opens to the outdoors, a special VIP after-hours shopping experience, and even a nightclub on the premises, it is a destination unto itself.” The same is true for Murasaki Group founder Kashma Budhrani, who chooses the hotel as her base every time she is in St Moritz.

For a complete alpine experience, Zermatt is the place to be. Sitting at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, the ski destination offers panoramic views of dramatic peaks and glaciers.

Having visited various ski and snowboarding destinations, the 72 Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the most beautiful and memorable for lawyer Debbie Brittany Lim. “What better combination can you get than Swiss hospitality with an Italian lifestyle? There’s no other destination where you can find such breathtaking landscapes— you literally feel like you are in a snow globe.”

For Lim, the best time to visit is during Christmas: “It feels like you are stepping into a Netflix Christmas holiday movie with quaint picturesque villages and snow-capped mountains.”

Read more: Hitting the slopes: The best ski destinations in Switzerland

Nestled within the legendary Les Trois Vallées, Courchevel boasts perfectly groomed slopes for every skill level. Here, you can find a collection of five charming villages, each one with its own distinct personality. The crown jewel Courchevel 1850 exudes an air of exclusivity, while those looking for a touch of tradition can head to Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) for its charming chalets and relaxed atmosphere. Families will find solace in Courchevel Village, with its dedicated beginner slopes and a plethora of child-friendly activities.

Courchevel holds a special place in society darling Fanty Soenardy’s heart. “It was the first time skiing with my husband and kids—and we all tried something new together as a family. The snow is so powdery, which makes skiing even more enjoyable,” she shares. “Skiing down my first slope was an adventure. As a beginner, I fell down a dozen times. It took a lot of practice to find my balance, but the moment I finally skied down my first slope without falling was incredibly satisfying.”

It is also a family affair for Dimple Aswani, who recalls hitting the slopes of Courchevel with her brother and his family for years. “It’s a place that has everything for everyone, the ski slopes are just amazing and just right for all of us,’ she says.

The destination’s allure extends far beyond the slopes. French gastronomy takes centre stage at the various Michelin-starred restaurants. And if you want to immerse yourself in the region’s rich heritage, take a trip to the 17th-century Saint-Bon-Tarentaise cathedral, or delve into the world of watchmaking at the Courchevel Patek Philippe boutique.

Lesser known but no less luxurious, Kitzbuhel sits within the picturesque valleys and woodlands of Austria’s Tyrol region.

Sandy Ip, founder of The Holiday Project—which curates chic, modern pieces for active lifestyles including ski, apres-ski, and resort wear—says family-run restaurant Hahnenkammstüberl is a must-visit. “[It] serves Tirolean specialties including gröstl, spatzl, blutwurstgröstl, and do not miss the restaurant’s famous sliced blueberry pancakes,” she says.

To stay, Ip recommends Hotel Tennerhof, a Relais & Châteaux property that sits at the foot of the Kitzbüheler Horn ski resort, overlooking the legendary Streif ski slope.

Nestled within the majestic peaks of the Australian Alps, Lech am Arlberg beckons discerning skiers and snowboarders with a captivating blend of tradition, modern luxury and world-class terrain. Part of the expansive Ski Arlberg region, the quintessential Austrian village offers slopes for all ski and snowboard levels, from families and beginners to off-piste adventurers and adrenaline junkies.

“I absolutely love the small town, which is perfect for a family holiday and easy to get to with just a direct flight to Zurich and a short car ride to Lech,” says life coach Shireena Shroff Manchharam. Meanwhile, Karen Soh, the founder of Privé Clinic and Aura Clinic, expounds her love for the European Alps, including Lech, relishing the “feeling of fresh snow and the cold crisp air on our faces, and time spent together as a family”.

Read more: Best family-friendly ski resorts for your next winter vacation

Carved into the heart of Austria’s Ötztal Valley, Obergurgl is a skier’s paradise. Often referred to as the diamond of the Alps, this idyllic village boasts some of the most reliable snow cover in Europe, along with slopes that cater to every level. This is thanks to its prime location which captures storms from the South and East, ensuring a prolonged season, and a winter wonderland experience from mid-November to late April.

There is no shortage of powder-laden playgrounds, with wide and immaculately groomed pistes winding through forested slopes and the vast expanse of off-piste terrain. And off the slopes is a charming village centre with designer boutiques, traditional Austrian shops, and a vibrant dining scene.

There is plenty to explore, but Hian Goh, the co-founder of venture capital firm Openspace Ventures, recommends the Motorcycle Museum in Obergurgl-Hochgurgle for its showcase of 230 historic motorbikes and more. After a long day out, Goh suggests unwinding at the Hotel Alpina Deluxe, a ski-in, ski-out hotel that offers a variety of rooms and suites designed for comfort and relaxation.

Carved by glaciers and bathed in the warm glow of the Italian sun, the Dolomites offer a symphony of skiing and snowboarding experiences unlike any other. This Unesco World Heritage Site boasts 12 ski areas linked together under the Dolomiti Superski pass, creating a winter wonderland paradise for skiers and snowboarders—imagine sun-drenched slopes cascading down majestic peaks, charming villages nestled within the mountains and a culinary scene that elevates après-ski to an art form.

After a day in the snow, society fundraiser Paige Parker suggests retreating to a cosy resort such as the Como Alpina Dolomites, “a chic ski-in/ski-out retreat offering spacious rooms, an indulgent spa with an outdoor pool section ideal for snowy days, hearty Tyrolean and Italian cuisine, complimentary tea-time strudel, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere”.

At the heart of the Dolomites is Cortina d’Ampezzo, a stylish ski resort with perfect pistes and thrilling freeride descents. Here, Hotel de Len is Ip’s hotel of choice. “I prefer smaller hotels and this has only 22 rooms. Unlike the more traditional and grand hotels in Cortina, Hotel de Len has a modern twist that I like,” she says. “Every room has a view of the mountain and it is situated in the centre, making it easier to access the ski slopes.”

For a delicious après-ski meal, Michelin-recommended Baita Piè Tofana is a romantic mountain lodge with a contemporary touch. Ip describes it as “intimate yet unpretentious, as the tables are arranged around the centre fireplace. Everything on the menu is wonderful but the porcini polenta and black risotto are my personal favourite post-ski meals.”

Oozing endless charm, Gstaad is home to over 200km of slopes that overlook beautiful mountain peaks. Perfect for all levels, slopes range from beginner-friendly to off-piste terrains. Private investor and fashionista Wendy Long shares that there is plenty to do, as besides hiking and skiing, Gstaad is also known for hot-air balloons, especially in the Château-d’Oex village.

For those looking to dine while overlooking breathtaking views, she suggests getting a table at Bergrestaurant Wasserngrat. “It’s high up the mountain and the view is breathtaking. The restaurant serves classic fresh seasonal produce and offers both outdoor terrace and cosy indoor seating.”

To stay, Long’s top choice is Hotel Olden. “A long-standing traditional chalet-style inn right in the middle of the main promenade in Gstaad, it’s the meeting place for lunch in town. It’s owned by [former F1 supremo] Bernie Ecclestone, who’s a long time regular of the restaurant and bought it when he heard it was for sale. He refurbished and renovated it, keeping the alpine aesthetics,” she adds.

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