The winter ski season is in its heyday, and skiing enthusiasts are flocking from all over the world to the top winter ski holiday destinations. Celebrities also don’t shy away from indulging in adrenaline-fuelled snow sports, and swift paparazzi are here to give us a sneak peek into the ways that stars are holidaying at some of the world’s most luxurious ski resorts.
From Aspen to Zermatt, here are the five A-list getaway sites that have been attracting celebs for years. These hotspots are like a winter wonderland backdrop for the stars to fashion their designer ski suits and après-ski style. But what is it that makes those winter holiday destinations such a hit amongst celebrities?
Aspen, Colorado, USA: the Hollywood of winter
Undoubtedly, the number one celebrity ski hotspot is Aspen, Colorado. Located in the Rocky Mountains region, the resort is home to 337 runs snuggled between snow-capped mountains and brimming with opulent nightlife flashpoints.
This winter wonderland is a magnet for celebrities looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities in the cold months. Perhaps the resorts’ quaint atmosphere is what has inspired the iconic music of its regular guest, Mariah Carey?
The beloved singer isn’t the only icon to pack her bags and jet off to Aspen as soon as the first snow falls. Kate Hudson is also a ceremonial winter resident of the resort.
Other celebrities that have been spotted in Aspen include Leonardo DiCaprio, who tried to go incognito but didn’t succeed; Kylie Jenner, who showcased her Chanel outfits; and Elton John, who was spotted with his husband and two children.
But what is it that makes Aspen an A-list getaway? The abundance of ski runs is ideal for skiers and snowboarders alike, while dog sledding and snowmobiling can appeal to others – as it did for Bella and Gigi Hadid. The resort is also home to luxurious hotels that are perfect for an après-ski wind-down. These include the Little Nell Hotel, as well as the venue favourited by Cameron Diaz and Jack Nicholson, Hotel Jerome , and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s favourite, the St Regis Hotel.
But, aside from the quaint experience of a luxurious hotel setting, Aspen offers an array of unparalleled après-ski hotspots. Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry love eating sushi at Matsuhisa, while Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro has it all: the food, the music, and champagne. Here, stars can easily swap their ski boots with chic lace-up boots and be ready for some fun.
Verbier, Switzerland: an all-time favourite
Verbier is the party hotspot for celebrities. It’s a place where they can stay under the radar while throwing shapes at some of its iconic nightclubs. The area is a royalty hotspot since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have visited the resort. At the Farm Club, the resort’s most famous dance club, Prince William didn’t go unnoticed when he took over the dance floor after a few drinks during his skiing holiday.
The Farm Club has been in business for over 40 years and has hosted the after-ski glory of a number of celebrities including Madonna, David Bowie, and Diana Ross. But, apart from a wild nightlife, the resort is also known for its thrilling slopes, amounting to a combined length of 400km. One of the longest sledge runs in The Alps, stretching to a distance of 10 kilometres, can also be found here.
Located in Switzerland’s Four Valleys ski area, Verbier boasts stunning panoramic views, a number of wellness centres, and a host of family-friendly activities.
Currently, singer James Blunt owns a local restaurant called La Vache, and it’s thriving. There is also a chairlift named after him, as well as one after Diana Ross.
Courchevel, France: the king of luxury
Courchevel is arguably the most affluent resort in the Alps where celebrities can land right on the slopes in their private jets. The airstrip in Courchevel is considered to be one of the most dangerous in the world as it’s only 525 meters long and cradled amongst deep valleys and mountain peaks.
But the journey is definitely worth it since over 600km of ski runs unfold across the stunning winter wonderland. The resort is located in the Les Trois Vallées area and is split into four villages. Each one is named after its altitude, the highest and most expensive one being 1850. That’s where celebrities have fashioned their fur-lined ski wear for years, from French sex icon Brigitte Bardot and the Russian bourgeoisie to modern-day stars such as George Clooney and the Beckhams.
Courchevel is also home to a total of 12 Michelin-star restaurants serving state-of-the art meals, boutique shops, and lavish après-ski bars such as L’Apogée Courchevel. That’s where you can savour signature cocktails in the company of the notorious DJ David Guetta and singer Taio Cruz. Royalty is also a regular to the resort and it’s believed that Prince William and Kate Middleton have stayed there recently, as well as Pippa Middleton in previous years.
Celebrities definitely know how to holiday in style, especially when it comes to displaying their ski attire and drinking Don Pérignon at the après-ski bar. These A-list winter getaways have been attracting stars for decades, and it seems that the elite loves the spotlight even when on a holiday.
What’s your ski resort hotspot and do you like to glam up when on the slopes like the stars?
