They can’t all be bluebird days, but thanks to the great partners in the Virtuoso network, you’ll feel as cozy as an après-ski hot toddy by the fire on your next ski vacation. Domestic or international, there’s no shortage of options for hitting the slopes. Basically anywhere that has mountains and snow works — or, as with Ski Dubai, you can just make your own. Of course, some experiences are better than others. These getaways will have you tearing fresh lines in the pow-pow with no worries.
Colorado
With a whopping 53 mountains peaking at 14,000 feet or higher, Colorado is at the top of any skier’s list. There are more than a dozen Virtuoso-preferred ski resorts across the state, so there’s surely one for you. For a set itinerary, Virtuoso-preferred tour partner American Excursionist has a Colorado Luxury Winter Adventure 10-day package split between Aspen’s The Little Nell and Dunton Hot Springs just across the mountain from Telluride. The itinerary features cross-country skiing, heli-skiing, snowmobiling and dog mushing for a total mountain adventure. Book by Oct. 31 with Virtuoso-preferred Alpine Adventures and get seven nights for the price of five at The Hotel Jerome Aspen, or book a stay between Nov. 17 and Dec. 14 and receive the third night free at the Four Seasons Resort Vail.
Utah
Book a stay at the Montage Deer Valley with Alpine Adventures before Oct. 1 and get a fifth night free and shared roundtrip airport transfers for two from Salt Lake City for non-holiday dates between Dec. 3 and April 8. Book a weeklong stay at the Montage with Alpine Adventures anytime and get a seventh night free with roundtrip shared airport transfers for the same dates. Virtuoso amenities are included in the packages. Exclusive amenities are also available at the Waldorf Astoria Park City, Sundance Mountain Resort, St. Regis Deer Valley and Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City.
British Columbia
Whistler played host to the ski events for 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and the slopes remain world-class. Between now and Dec. 21, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has a fifth-night free promotion to go with the Virtuoso amenities of breakfast for two daily, an upgrade on arrival (subject to availability) and souvenir martini shakers plus two signature martinis during your stay. How’s that for après-ski? The Four Seasons Resort Whistler has a third night free up until Christmas. Bring the whole family and receive daily life passes for two adults and two children 12 or younger to go with daily breakfast, a complimentary resort shuttle and personal ski concierge for a stay or four nights or more between Nov. 17 and March 17.
France
Tucked into the Alps near the Italian border is the winter wonderland of Courchevel, where the towns have their elevation in meters tacked onto the end of their names. This ski playground is home to four Virtuoso-preferred resorts: L’Apogee Courchevel, Hotel Le K2, Hotel Les Airelles and Cheval Blanc Courchevel. L’Apogee has ski, romance and early booking specials including half-board, among other amenities. Le K2 is a self-contained “luxury hotel village” boasting two-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Kintessence. Inspired by an empress, Les Airelles looks like an alpine fairytale come true, and Pierre Gagnaire pour les Airelles has two Michelin stars. Cheval Blanc’s ski service team will heat your boots before you go out, and after-ski stretching sessions keep you loose when you get back in. Refuel at Le 1947 restaurant, which boasts three Michelin stars. So there will be no shortage of calories to burn off.
Switzerland
Last but nowhere near least is the alpine haven of Switzerland. Like Colorado, it has more than a dozen Virtuoso-preferred ski resorts. Bucher Travel Inc.’s eight-day winter tour will pair you with private ski guides at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz and Mont Cervin Palace in Zermatt with a farewell night at Baur au Lac overlooking beautiful Lake Zurich. Alpine Adventures has group departures to Grindelwald, Wengen and Murren in January and to Zermatt in February and March. But the pièce de résistance is their Ski and Safari with five nights at Mont Cervin Palace followed by eight nights in South Africa. Bet you’ve never gone shark cage diving on a ski trip before.