THE JOURNAL

The Solara Guide: Where to Book Your Next Luxury Ski Vacation

Each winter, the world’s most discerning travelers chase not only the best powder, but the most refined alpine experiences—where five-star service, cinematic scenery, and exceptional design meet the quiet thrill of fresh snow. From Courchevel to Queenstown, The Solara Guide curates five destinations where every detail is elevated, and every run ends with champagne.

1. Aman Le Mélézin — Courchevel 1850, France

Perched along the Bellecôte piste, Aman Le Mélézin is where minimalist serenity meets French Alpine prestige. Ski directly from the door into Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area, then retreat to Japanese-inspired interiors bathed in warm oak and soft stone. Evenings unfold in the intimate spa or over exquisite French-Asian cuisine paired with Burgundy’s best. For Solara members, Courchevel remains the ultimate in old-world glamour—private chalets, designer boutiques, and understated luxury that only Aman could perfect.

2. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel — St. Moritz, Switzerland

Synonymous with winter legend, Badrutt’s Palace has hosted royalty, artists, and icons since 1896. Overlooking the frozen lake, the Palace embodies Swiss sophistication with crystal chandeliers, marble suites, and butlers who know your ski preferences by heart. Guests arrive by Rolls-Royce, dine at Michelin-starred IGNIV, and dance beneath vaulted ceilings in the iconic King’s Club. In St. Moritz, the après-ski is as glamorous as the slopes—and Badrutt’s remains its sparkling heart.

3. Four Seasons Resort Whistler — Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

On North America’s largest ski terrain, the Four Seasons Whistler redefines mountain luxury with its Canadian warmth and cosmopolitan polish. Wake to mountain air and fresh snow, ski the twin peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb, then return for fireside cocktails and cedar-scented spa rituals. Private residences with chef-prepared dinners, heli-ski adventures, and glacier picnics make it an unforgettable escape for families and couples alike. It’s the best of Whistler—curated through the Solara lens.

4. Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono — Hokkaidō, Japan

In Niseko, powder isn’t snow—it’s silk. The Park Hyatt Niseko rises amid Japan’s most celebrated ski fields, offering panoramic views of Mount Yōtei and direct access to Hanazono’s pristine slopes. Within, sleek modernism meets Japanese craft: floor-to-ceiling windows, private onsen baths, and refined omakase dining. After a day of world-class powder, unwind in serenity only Japan can offer. For travelers seeking an East-meets-Alpine experience, this is the crown jewel of the Far East winter.

5. Matakauri Lodge — Queenstown, New Zealand

When the Northern Hemisphere melts into spring, the slopes of Queenstown come alive under a Southern winter sky. Matakauri Lodge, overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Remarkables, offers an intimate, lodge-style retreat—wood-burning fireplaces, expansive suites, and wine pairings drawn from New Zealand’s most coveted vineyards. It’s a destination that blends adventure with refinement, ideal for those chasing endless winter or pairing heli-ski days with vineyard lunches and lakeside spa afternoons.

Solara Insight: The New Era of Alpine Luxury

Across continents, these destinations share a distinct philosophy—a devotion to experience over excess. Private chalets replace crowds; Michelin-star dining replaces après bars; and authenticity defines the new standard of luxury travel. Whether you crave the timeless glamour of St. Moritz, the serenity of Aman, or the untouched powder of Niseko, Solara curates the journey—seamless, discreet, and unforgettable.

Solara Society curates tailored ski itineraries for our members, from private jet transfers and chalet reservations to bespoke wine tastings and heli-ski charters.