Sashay down a slope you’ll love – from scenic European resorts to world-class regions further afield 

By Cheryl Caira. Lead image credit: Red Mountain, Canada. Destination BC/Kari Medig

For skiing with the jet set

Portillo, Chile

Laguna del Inca

South America’s original and most iconic ski resort, full of old school glamour and A-List pizzazz, it takes but a two-hour drive to arrive in Portillo from the Chilean capital. Its steep slopes have kept the resort on top as a training ground for the world’s most elite skiers, but there are runs for every ability level, and you’d be forgiven for choosing to sip on a Pisco Sour while looking out onto the dazzling waters of Laguna del Inca rather than clipping into your skis. Best to do that from the distinctively-hued Portillo Hotel, a bright beacon in yellow with the best sundowner views.

For thermal spa excellence

Vals, Switzerland

7132 Hotel

If you’re looking for more of a low-key experience on your skis – with relaxation the main name of the game – the small but perfectly formed Vals/Valsertal resort in the Surselva region has 25km of skiing with eight marked pistes, and a panoramic view of the Eastern Alps. The real draw here though, is architectural masterpiece and Preferred Hotels & Resorts member, 7132 Hotel. The award-winning spa, set into the majestic Alpine peaks, was constructed from 60,000 slabs of local quartzite and offers up thermal pools and ESPA treatments.

For scenic forest runs

RED Mountain, Canada

Credit: Destination BC/Ashley Voykin

Fans of off-piste will be in their element at this renowned resort full of pristine skiing opportunities. Fortuitously located on the ‘powder highway’ in Rossland, British Columbia, there are five peaks to ascend and conquer and runs to suit all abilities across 3,850 acres of stunning terrain. With less crowds than other North American resorts, you can really take a breath and soak in the mountain air amongst the groves and glades, as you carve a line through fairy tale-esque treescapes. For glorious views and the closest accommodation you can get slope-side, stay at the boutique Josie Hotel.

For gourmet dining

Val Gardena, Italy

Cuisine at Suinsom

Winning an award recently for its well-groomed slopes, skiers and snowboarders who hit the first chairlifts can expect a smooth and consistent run down the summit at this Dolomites resort. Sitting within the UNESCO-protected views of the Sellaronda circuit, access to 500km of ski slopes means working up an appetite. Step in the three Michelin-starred restaurants in the valley, the most recent being Suinsom, headed up by Tuscan chef Alessandro Martellini. There’s also delicious cuisine to be found in cosy, rustic-chic settings, along with alpine-mediterranean flair at venues such as Rifugio Emilio Comici, tucked beneath the Sassolungo peak.

For northern lights and cross-country 

Gallivare, Sweden

One of the oldest winter sports and particularly popular in Sweden (which hosts the world’s largest cross-country ski race, the Vasaloppet), anyone looking to explore unspoiled, snow-covered nature should consider the Arctic town of Gällivare and its surroundings. There’s the option to follow trails from Dundret Lapland ski resort, but heading out to the Sápmi Nature Camp – located on the the reindeer herding land of the Unna Tjerusj Sámi Community – is something a bit special. As well as exploring the area by ski, you can aurora spot and get cosy in their sauna cabin overlooking the lake.

For soothing hot springs

Manza Onsen, Japan

A destination famed for both its rejuvenating onsen culture and top-notch powder, Japan’s Gunma Prefecture – in the Kanto region northwest of Tokyo – boasts a resort with the moniker: ‘The hot spring closest to the stars.’ At an altitude of 1,800m and situated on an active volcano, it’s a dramatic landscape to behold, whether weaving down the slopes or enjoying the wellness benefits of the milk bath hot springs. The small ski resort above the town has a mix of runs suited to beginner and intermediate skill sets.

For all-round luxury

Lech, Austria

Winning awards across the board for its skiing prowess, Lech Am Arlberg has one of the Alps’ best snow records, and also boasts Austria’s largest area for snowsports. A favourite with the royals, it feels sophisticated but unpretentious, with plenty of family-friendly options for laid-back dining and accommodation. There’s also no shortage of upscale restaurants, with the best après-ski to be found on the Moët & Chandon Champagne Gondola or at Hotel Krone’s Ice Bar. Tackle one of the world’s steepest slopes – the mighty Langer Zug, a black run with an 80% gradient – or hunker down in one of the area’s benchmark-setting chalets. We have our eye on the sleek spin on tradition at The Arula Chalets.