Swap your European Beach Vacay for a European Ski Week!
Missed your beach vacay in Europe this year? We recommend mixing it up this year by visiting your favorite European destination this winter for a ski vacation. While there are so many options for a luxurious ski trip in the US, nothing feels as glamorous as stepping out into the crisp air on the French, Italian or Swiss Alps.
Ski butlers and guides are at your service to show you the ropes on the mountains and to point out the hidden gems for lunch and après-ski hot spots during and after your ski day. With a wide assortment of top gourmet dining options at each destination, we can guarantee an amazing time on and off the slopes.
If you were supposed to visit the Italian countryside this summer, you should visit The Dolomites.
The idea of traveling to The Dolomites may seem overwhelming at first, since there are many different towns, villages and ski resorts that are considered part of this region; however, we recommend setting up your home base in Cortina d’Ampezzo for your first stay in this delectable part of the world. More understated than rival European ski towns such as Courchevel and St Moritz, this is the perfect region for understated luxury. Arrive from the US and spend the night in Venice or Milan before driving into the stunning Italian Alps.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is by far the most well-known town in the range due to its rise to fame after hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. The Alta Badia valley could also be synonomous with foodie paradise. This small valley in the heart of the Dolomites is the mecca of fine-dining, boasting four three-Michelin-starred restaurants and countless others holding one and two stars.
Andiamo Hotel Pick:
Cristallo Resort & Spa – Cortina d’Ampezzo
Located on the Northern Italian border with Austria, this Palace Hotel honors the Viennese style and architecture and has hosted famous guests since its origin in the 1900s, such as Leo Tolstoy. A 40min drive from the hotel is Cortina Ski Resort, offering over 70 runs. There are also great options in this area for ski safaris and heliski tours.
If you were supposed to visit Corsica this summer, you should visit Courchevel, France.
If you are looking for the who’s who of Europe, you are sure to find your place amongst the background of Les Trois Vallees, considered the largest linked ski area in the world. The area is comprised of four smaller villages – Courcheval 1300 (Le Praz), Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) and Courchevel 1850. To reach the city, we recommend flying into Geneva as there are often flights for Home to the 1992 Winter Olympics and soon to be home of the 2023 Alpine Ski World Championships, Courcheval also boasts over 11 luxury 5-star hotel and seven Michelin-starred restaurants and great shopping. Except the Moet to be flowing at these elite après-ski parties.
Andiamo Hotel Picks:
Aman Le Melezin (Courchevel 1850) – immerse yourself in the serenity of this ski-in/ski-out Aman resort. Enjoy the expansive Aman Spa, shiatsu, after a long day on the slopes or dine at their Japanese restaurant, Nama, an unique addition to Les Trois Vallees cuisine. Le Melezin also provides exclusive ski butlers who will meet you in the lobby and take you through the slopes for the day.
Cheval Blanc Courchevel – set in the prestigious Jardin Alpin of Courchevel 1850, this beautiful Maison boasts direct ski-in/ski-out access to the Trois Vallee. For those looking for a home away from home, the modern color palette and carefully curated art collection brings out the sophistication of your surroundings. Dine at Le 1947 three-Michelin-star restaurant or try out something more casual at Le Triptyque brasserie. For groups of friends or families, we recommend the 3-Bedroom Chalet for the ultimate ski escape.
If you were supposed to visit St Tropez this summer, you should try Megeve, France
The resort town of Megeve in the French Alps was developed in the 1920s by the Rothschild family to provide a French alternative to St. Mortiz and a destination for the French aristocracy to get away from the city. The skiing area Domaine Evasion Mont Blanc, comprised of many different ski slopes, still remains one of the most famous ski resorts in the world and is known for its understated luxury.
Andiamo Hotel Pick:
Four Seasons Megeve - opening just last year in December 2019, Les Chalet du Mont d’Arbois, Megeve a Four Seasons Hotel, is located just 10 minutes from the city center in the most desirable part of town. True to Four Seasons fashion, guests can expect contemporary designs with subtle nods to the high-end chalets in the area. Featuring five indoor-outdoor dining and drinks options, the hotel is home to Michelin-Two-Star restaurant Le 1920 - adding to the collection of Michelin-starred restaurants in this exclusive area.
If you were supposed to visit Switzerland in the summer, you should visit Gstaad.
Our favorite thing about Switzerland is that it’s a beautiful destination any time of year. Many travelers come in the summer to luxuriate at some of the world’s finest spas and explore the beautiful mountain ranges for hiking and biking. However, the country is also known for some of the best winter sports. As lovers of Aspen in the US, we always recommend Gstaad for travelers trying out a Swiss winter vacay.
Andiamo Hotel Pick:
The Alpina Gstaad – for those looking for an intimate Alpine hideaway, it’s hard to imagine a better place to settle into. Located nearby a ski resort with moderate slopes, there is nothing like returning to the property and basking in their Six Senses Spa. This is the pick for our travelers who love the vibe of ski villages and resorts, but also love to enjoy the other winter activities, yoga and fitness and spa aspects to the resorts. Perfect for couples looking for something different this winter. We recommend starting in Geneva or Zurich before heading to Gstaad.