WORLD'S BEST SKI LODGES

You’ll never want to vacation any other way again. One look at this heli-retreat found near Revelstoke, and you’ll be able to see why it was awarded the world’s best ski chalet for four years on the run. The whole lodge was created with indulgence in mind – from enjoying gourmet canapes in front of a roaring log fire made by your private chef to watching your favourite movie in the private cinema. And if you need to loosen up those muscles after a day heliskiing, CATskiing or discovering the resort’s new runs, you can visit the outdoor hot tub, indoor current pool or massage rooms. If you need a day away from the slopes, you can also ask the team to organise luxury picnics that take you by skidoo to the top of the mountain, ice hockey matches on frozen lakes and if you’re celebrating a special occasion they can also create an ice bar for you in the garden.

If the thought of slipping your feet into cold, stiff, ski boots makes you want to scurry back to bed, book into The Four Seasons Hotel Megeve. This picturesque Alpine hideaway comes with a secret weapon – it features the resort’s first Ski Concierge who not only warms your ski boots before you hit the slopes but expertly waxes and tunes your skis to the day’s conditions. And whilst you are still sipping the hot chocolate or chomping on the croissants that the Ski Concierge gave you, the hotel’s Ski Valet will carry your skis or board to the lifts. Yes, really. So if the lodge is willing to do all this for you, how does the rest of it measure up? Well, how about a two-star Michelin restaurant, a spa with individual relaxation pods and hotel walls filled with 120 original artworks.

It’s was the W’s first hotel on snow and quite frankly it could be their best, as they have been awarded the World’s Best Ski Hotel by the World Ski Awards for three years in a row. It comes with the tongue-in-cheek flare of all W properties – think Swiss Army blankets in the bedrooms, cowbell-shaped lights and a giant painted cow in the hotel. But the four Alpine lodges connected with a sculptural glass atrium, also contain everything that a skier needs and more. From six restaurants that offer everything from sushi to tapas to a penthouse loft with a rotating bed and a sauna. Then there’s the Away Spa with its Mogul Leg Pump Treatment that will help kickstart you for your next day on the slopes.

We have heard of airport lounges, but ski lounges? The cliff-top resort of Amangani in Wyoming features its own Ski Lounge on the slopes where its guests can plan their day on their slopes, collect their ski gear or just warm through after exploring the mountains. Even if you have the highest expectations for this cliff-top resort, the team will work hard to surpass them. If you want a chiropractor to help you with any aches and pains, just visit the one in the spa, and if you want a huckleberry martini, well, they can rustle that up for you in minutes at the bar. What about the suites? Well, how about the Grand Teton Suite that offers you panoramic views from your hot tub? Exactly.

If you don’t want people riding over the back of your skis in the lift queue, take a heli to Minaret Station in New Zealand. This chic retreat takes its guests on heli-ski charters to find untracked snow. Whether you are a beginner who enjoys a wide-open bowl or an expert who likes to find steep and deep runs, the Minaret Station team will make sure that you have the perfect day in the snow. And the retreat itself as you can imagine doesn’t disappoint either. Picture wood-burning fires, first-class dining facilities and a wine cellar. Want to do some stargazing? Then look up to the skies whilst relaxing in your private hot tub on the terrace of your chalet.