As snowfall becomes less predictable, many skiers are seeking high-altitude resorts to guarantee great conditions throughout the season. Across France, Switzerland, Japan and the USA, we have hand-picked some of the finest luxury chalets in some of the highest ski resorts, ensuring snow reliability even in warmer winters.
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France
France is home to some of the best ski destinations in the world, renowned for their reliable snowfall and extensive terrain. Whether you’re planning an early-season getaway or a late-spring ski trip, choosing a resort at a higher elevation can make all the difference.
Connecting seven resorts (Courchevel, Meribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle), skiing in the Three Valleys offers something for everyone with almost half the runs being suitable for beginners, whilst the other half are ideal for intermediate and expert skiers. Made up of two interconnecting ski resorts (Val d’Isere and Tignes) the Espace Killy provides 300 km of marked pistes between 1,550m and 3,450m. With 60% of the slopes sitting above an altitude of 2,200m, you are virtually guaranteed good snow cover until the beginning of May.
Switzerland
Zermatt is one of the most popular resorts in Switzerland, nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn Peak. This car-free resort offers 360km of pistes spanning three interconnected areas, including glacier skiing that ensures excellent conditions throughout the season. Verbier, part of the extensive Four Valleys ski area, offers 440km of terrain and attracts an international clientele seeking challenging terrain and vibrant après-ski. The resort is also renowned for its off-piste opportunities and perfectly positioned chalets.
California (USA)
Lake Tahoe is renowned for its high-altitude ski resorts, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in the region. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the highest ski resort in Lake Tahoe, with a summit elevation of 10,067 feet (3,068 m), offering breath-taking views and a range of skiing and snowboarding options. Known for its steep ridgelines and deep snowpack, Kirkwood is a favourite among purists for its challenging terrain and backcountry access. Palisades Tahoe provides big-mountain terrain and legendary snowfall, perfect for those seeking challenging steeps and scenic ridge lines.
Japan
Hokkaido’s high altitude resorts offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in Asia. The region receives around 14 to 18 meters of snow annually, making it a prime destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Niseko is probably known as Hokkaido’s ski central, comprising four interlinked resorts: Grand Hirafu, Hanazona, Niseko Village and Annupuri. The Grand Hirafu area is the largest and most popular of them all, boasting a 5,600-metre-long slope.