Today we look into the foreign world of luxurious ski resorts. These resorts are some of the most exclusive and expensive in the world and their cliente includes the rich and famous. So why should a ski bum care? Because we can always dream of spending our life like Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne… can’t we?
Sun Valley, Idaho
At one point, Sun Valley was the home away from home for iconic personalities like Marilyn Monroe and Ernest Hemingway. Today is not much different as a litany of Hollywood’s A-listers and captains of industry frequent the resort. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Sun Valley’s hardcore locals are constantly having to rub elbows with luxury.
Courchevel 1850, France
The name alone oozes French aristocracy. However, it’s not just the name that makes this French resort luxurious. Located in Les Trois Vallées region along the Italian border, Courchevel is the largest ski resort in the world with all its lift-based connections. Pair that with its affinity among the rich and famous (such as having been Princess Diana’s go to shred spot) and it’s more than just another luxury ski destination. It’s Courchevel 1850 (meters).
Zürs, Austria
Possibly the most understated location on this list is the small alpine town of Zürs. Located in the Arlberg region, the resort is known as a storied place in skiing history. History knocks off the walls of alpine cottages and not to mention, Hemingway skied here too.
Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley is one of the three skiers only mountains left in the United States. That combined with the fact that the average home cost is upwards of 1.5 million and you have to be fancy AF to stay in this town.
Portillo, Chile
An Oasis amongst a series of degenerate ski resorts (no offense, I love degenerate ski resorts), Portillo is the fancy pants of South America. Unless you have a deal with the resort for employee housing, good luck ski bumming it in Portillo… That is unless you have serious cash flow and/or a sponsor putting you through the paces. On another note, if you’re a rich Argentine or European… COME ON DOWN!!!
Cortina, Italy
The old country… Ahh it feels good doesn’t it? Espresso, old-world architecture, and couloirs for days.
Niseko, Japan
Niseko is both a ski bum and ski snob destination. Its amenities, which include the luxurious Capella Niseko Hotel as well as the Hilton Niseko Village are two of the nicest hotels in the world, let alone Hokkaido. Also, if you’re a ski bum looking to hoof it for cheap, you can visit the Hilton Niseko’s onsen for just $10. Boom.
Aspen, Colorado
The Hotel St. Jerome. Bring your fur… Nuff said.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz… also known as the St. Petersburg of Switzerland is the go to vacation spot for Russian oil men who made their millions while scheming the post USSR world Putin-style… So you know it’s luxurious.
The Yellowstone Club, Montana
The Yellowstone Club is a private resort that neighbors Big Sky, MT. It’s been the home to such famous people as the Swedish golf star Annika Sörenstam and former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. Also, Warren Miller has his own spot on the premises. Interested? I thought so…
