Billionaires have the means to ski at the most exclusive, luxurious, and picturesque resorts around the world. With private jets to whisk them off on a moment’s notice, money is no object when deciding where to carve tracks in fresh powder. But what are the top ski destinations for the ultra-wealthy? Here we’ll look at some of the best places billionaires go to ski.
Overview of Billionaire Ski Destinations
When deciding where to ski, billionaires look for exclusive, private ski experiences at luxury resorts. Some of the main requirements are:
- Easy access – Nearby airports with private jet facilities or helicopter transport to the slopes.
- Luxury accommodation – 5-star hotels and private chalets with premium amenities and services.
- Prestige – World-class ski resorts with a reputation for excellence.
- Privacy – Exclusive ski areas, private lifts, runs and instruction away from the crowds.
- Activities – Fine dining, spas, entertainment and non-skiing activities for a well-rounded experience.
- Service – Personalized, discrete attention from a private staff.
While billionaire skiers have the means to go anywhere in the world, there are a few select locations that tick all the boxes and regularly attract the private jets of the ultra-wealthy.
Courchevel, France
The exclusive Courchevel resort in the French Alps is a perennial favorite for billionaire skiers. Located in the world-famous Three Valleys ski area with neighboring towns of Méribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, Courchevel offers extensive terrain for all abilities.
Courchevel has the largest heliport in the world for those looking for the ultimate in ski-in/ski-out ease. Many billionaire visitors arrive by private helicopter to land right at the ski slopes. For longer stays, they also have access to two nearby international airports at Chambery and Geneva, under an hour’s flight away.
In the center of the village, Place du Rocher is surrounded by six 5-star hotels including the Cheval Blanc which operates a private ski lodge on the Bellecote piste exclusively for its guests. Shopping includes Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton stores.
There are many luxury chalets to rent, some with indoor pools, home cinemas and private chefs. Exclusive ski instruction, guide services and après-ski are available on demand. With over 150km of slopes rising to an altitude of 2550m, Courchevel appeals to billionaires for its exclusivity, luxury and extensive ski terrain.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Since 1864, St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps has been one of the world’s foremost winter destinations for the wealthy and elite. Its proximity to several international airports make it very convenient for billionaire travelers.
This alpine town on the edge of Lake St. Moritz was twice the host of the Winter Olympics (1928, 1948). Surrounded by the Engadin mountains, St. Moritz offers 350km of varied pistes, glacier skiing, extensive snowmaking and sun-drenched weather. Exclusive ski areas around Corviglia and Corvatsch have private lifts just for hotel guests.
There is no shortage of 5-star luxury in St. Moritz. The Kulm Hotel and Badrutt’s Palace are historic grand hotels catering to royal and celebrity clientele. Nearby are elite lodges like the Carlton Hotel and Suvretta House. For greater privacy, rent one of the multi-million dollar chalets tucked away in the trees.
St. Moritz has become a wintertime getaway for billionaires and their families. They enjoy the beautiful scenery, mountain air, fine dining, high-end shopping and tailored adventures in the Swiss Alps.
Deer Valley, Utah, USA
For North American billionaires, Deer Valley in Utah is a top ski destination just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City’s international airport. What makes Deer Valley special is its incredibly high standard of service – even by billionaire standards.
Deer Valley limits lift tickets to reduce crowds on its superbly groomed runs. The resort offers ski valets to unload and park vehicles, load and unload gear, and custom boot fitting. There is even complimentary overnight ski check at the base of the mountains.
Most Deer Valley accommodation is ski-in/ski-out with attentive staff ready to cater to any request. Popular luxury lodging includes the Stein Eriksen Lodge, Montage Deer Valley and St. Regis Deer Valley
Notable visitors have included Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, several former U.S. presidents and celebrity couples like Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel. They enjoy world-class skiing with an unmatched level of pampering and service at Deer Valley.
| Resort | Country | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Courchevel | France | Largest heliport in the world for ski-in/ski-out billionaire access |
| St. Moritz | Switzerland | Winter Olympics host with 350km of pistes and glacier skiing |
| Deer Valley | USA | Renowned for über luxury service and amenities |
Aspen, Colorado, USA
For American billionaires, few ski destinations can compare to Aspen in Colorado. It has become a winter playground for the rich and famous. Private jets fly into Aspen Airport daily bringing celebrities, CEOs and entrepreneurs.
Aspen offers four separate ski areas – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Between them there are over 600 acres of skiable terrain, 5,500 vertical feet, eight terrain parks and extensive backcountry options. Snowfall is plentiful thanks to the Rocky Mountains.
Accommodation includes the Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, St. Regis, Limelight Hotels and lavish lodges in Aspen and Snowmass Village. Like Deer Valley, service standards are superb. Many properties have ski-in/ski-out access.
Off slope, Aspen is known for its high-end restaurants, bars, boutiques and art galleries. It also hosts major cultural events like the Aspen Music Festival. For billionaires, Aspen delivers ski-resort prestige year after year.
Whistler, Canada
Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler in British Columbia, Canada is the largest ski resort in North America. Spanning two peaks – Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains – the combined terrain offers over 8,100 acres of skiing and snowboarding.
Whistler village is pedestrian-only for a relaxed vibe. But make no mistake – the resort caters extremely well to an upscale clientele. Luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Whistler, Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Pan Pacific Whistler attract elite skiers.
Heli-skiing is one of the big draws of Whistler for powder hounds wanting to access untouched off-piste terrain. Whistler also has one of the longest ski seasons, often from November through June.
Just a 90 minute drive from Vancouver, the resort is conveniently located for domestic and international travelers alike. The scale and quality of this renowned Canadian resort make it a favorite of billionaire skiers.
Destinations in Europe
In addition to Courchevel and St. Moritz, Europe offers several other legendary ski resorts popular with billionaire skiers:
- Gstaad, Switzerland – Favored for its charming Alpine village and 250km of pistes across 6 areas. Home to five 5-star hotels.
- Kitzbühel, Austria – Historic ski town with excellent terrain, high-end chalets and frequent visits from aristocracy.
- Lech, Austria – Exclusive resort town with pristine conditions, charming hotels and royal connections.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Glamorous destination for the Italian jet set with 116 pistes and swanky shops and eateries.
- Verbier, Switzerland – Boasting challenging off-piste terrain, grand hotels and elite European vacationers.
Year after year, Europe continues to attract billionaire skiers from around the world who come to experience the superb skiing, luxury accommodation and mountain decadence of its finest resorts.
Destinations in North America
In addition to Aspen and Deer Valley, North America has several other top-tier ski resorts drawing crowds of wealthy visitors:
- Vail, Colorado – The largest ski resort in the United States, famed for its back bowls and quaint Bavarian-style village.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Dramatic vertical terrain with luxury lodges like Four Seasons Jackson Hole.
- Telluride, Colorado – Picturesque quality skiing with exclusive lodges and vacation homes.
- Big Sky, Montana – Massive 5,800 acre resort with custom Experiential Mountain Villas.
- Sun Valley, Idaho – America’s first destination ski resort, popular with generations of elite skiers.
For well-heeled skiers primarily based in North America, these resorts provide outstanding ski conditions amidst luxurious accommodation and superior service.
Resort Qualities that Attract Billionaires
Based on some of the world’s top ski destinations for billionaires, we can summarize the key qualities that attract wealthy patronage:
- Exclusivity – Private slopes, lifts, runs and instruction away from the general public.
- Luxury Lodging – Five-star hotels and lavish chalets with premium amenities and service.
- Location – Easy access via private jet, with stunning mountain settings.
- Terrain – Extensive groomed terrain plus off-piste, heli-ski and backcountry options.
- Service – Personalized attention, bespoke experiences and discreet staff.
- Amenities – Fine dining, spas, entertainment and activities for non-skiers.
- Prestige – World-famous resorts known for luxury hospitality.
- Privacy – Exclusive lodging and the ability to avoid crowds and paparazzi.
While these resorts attract visitors across the economic spectrum, they excel at catering to billionaire clients. The combination of excellence, extravagance and seclusion is hard for the ultra-wealthy to resist.
How Billionaires Ski Differently
With seemingly unlimited funds, billionaires ski differently than most people. Here are some of the differences:
- Arrive by private jet or helicopter, even bringing their own equipment.
- Stay in multi-room luxury suites or private chalets vs standard hotel rooms.
- Have personalized guides, instructors and staff exclusively for their party.
- Access restricted slopes and lifts off-limits to regular guests.
- Ski off-trail via helicopter drops to fresh powder runs.
- End each day with private dinners prepared by renowned chefs.
- Enjoy exclusive shopping, entertainment, spas and custom experiences.
- Never wait in lift lines or rent equipment – it’s all beautifully prepared.
- HAVE every aspect of their ski vacation conveniently arranged and managed by others.
The elite level of service, exclusivity and luxury provides billionaires an experience inaccessible to most people. Money truly is no object when it comes to enjoying their favorite ski destinations.
Conclusion
For the world’s billionaire class, ski trips mean escaping to the most exclusive, private and luxurious resorts on the planet. Courchevel, St. Moritz, Aspen and Deer Valley are haven destinations with private jets constantly coming and going. Europe and North America boast many elite ski destinations catering specifically to ultra high net worth individuals.
With personalized luxury, service and exclusivity, these resorts provide the perfect winter getaways. Billionaires can enjoy perfect powder minus the crowds and hassles. For them, skiing is transformed into a truly private and privileged escape. After a week surrounded by beauty and indulgence, they can jet off until the next winter adventure calls.