Hamptons Habitués Hit The Stylish Slopes

In summer, the Hamptons is THE place to be. But off-season, Hamptons habitués who don’t decamp for warmer climes want serious winter with snow and challenging slopes. They’re also looking for chic destinations like these with see-and-be-seen cachet, luxury spas, designer boutiques, first-rate restaurants, and lively bars for après ski.

Courchevel, France
There’s nothing like skiing in France where high-end cuisine is an expected perk. Apparently, the French don’t loosen their boots for just a lunchtime sandwich. Eight Michelin-star chefs ride the range here. Six villages offer a wide variety of terrain from beginner to extreme in over 100 ski runs, many dotted with moguls. Snowboarding and snowmobiling are also popular. There are 17 five-star hotels and three in the palace category. You’re in the lap of luxury here always with magnificent Alpine views.

Vail, Colorado
They say Vail is like being in the French Alps without an international plane ticket. Powder, powder, powder covers its vast 5,200-acre groomed terrain plus seven legendary back bowls. Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the world and is set in the White River National Forest in Colorado. The Hythe and Four Seasons offer luxury accommodations. Chic ski wear and fur coats are de rigueur for strolling the Bavarian-style village.

Aspen, Colorado
A silver rush put Aspen on the map in 1879 but the Silver Panic of 1893 practically turned it into a ghost town. As American skiing grew in popularity post World War II, it didn’t take Aspen long to become one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States. Aspen’s world-class slopes on four mountains — Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands — and après ski restaurants and bars are a magnet for the rich and famous. Plus, private jets can land at the Aspen airport. Celebrities bed down at the Hotel Jerome, Little Nell, and the St Regis.

Park City, Utah
Like Aspen, Park City rode the silver boom and bust. But now it’s booming again. Renowned for powder, Park City Mountain is the largest ski area in the United States and neighboring ski-only Deer Valley Resort offers five-star service and amenities. The two areas combined have 62 lifts, over 400 runs and 9,526 skiable areas. There’s also snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country, and ice skating. The international Sundance Film Festival, founded by actor Robert Redford, draws Hollywood power players each January. The charming mountain town has numerous bars and restaurants. The Courchevel Bistro is a nod to their French sister city. Gateway is the Salt Lake City International Airport.

St. Moritz, Switzerland
This sunshine-blessed region in the Swiss Alps became the birthplace of winter Alpine tourism in 1864 and has been attracting royalty and celebrities ever since. It hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Beyond skiing and snowboarding the region is a mecca for cross-country skiing, ice skating, and bobsledding. Its famous frozen lake hosts polo matches, horse racing, and even an international Concours d’Elegance for auto enthusiasts. In 1974 the late art collector Gunter Sachs founded the member-only exclusive Dracula Club where collectors like himself could mingle with Swiss bankers, captains of industry, and tech titans.

Gstaad, Switzerland
Known for its luxury hotels and prestigious international boarding schools such as the winter campus of Institut Le Rosey (the “School of Kings”), Gstaad attracts the wealthy and famous. While some fly through Geneva, many arrive by private jet or helicopter. Aside from the glitz and glamor, Gstaad is known for its ski and cross-country trails and winter hiking. Among the notable luxe hotels are the Grand Hotel Park, Alpina Gstaad and the Gstaad Palace. Private chalets bear breathtaking price tags.

Zermatt, Switzerland
It’s the Swiss Alps! Do we really need to say more? The Zermatt mountaineering and ski resort in Southern Switzerland sits at the base of the iconic Matterhorn peak, the most photographed mountain in the world. Definitely Instagrammable! Terrific slopes with panoramic views. And a picture postcard car-free village with plenty of fondue and raclette.

Beverly Stephen is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle writer and co-owner of the culinary travel company Flavor Forays. | flavorforays.com