If you are keen to steer clear of crowded resorts or experience something a little different on your next ski adventure but don’t want to compromise on luxury accommodation or the quality of the snow conditions, we’re here to help.
From chic Alpine playgrounds to far-flung escapes, discover our curated list of the finest alternative ski destinations to experience this season.
Niseko, Japan
Niseko links four top-class resorts renowned for some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding conditions, thanks to the consistent season-long fall of powder snow and the quality of the meticulously groomed pistes.
Top-class facilities ensure the resort is inclusive for all abilities, offering everything from gentle beginner slopes to spectacular off-piste trails and world-class tree runs that will thrill the more advanced skier.
Niseko's après ski scene is sophisticated and chic, and you can sip rare Japanese whiskey, savor exquisite local cuisine, or splurge at one of the mountainside Michelin-starred restaurants.
With a wide choice of superb 5-star hotels, luxurious chalets, and short helicopter transfers from Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, Niseko is a tempting alternative to classic European resorts.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
As you'd expect from North America's largest resort and winter Olympic host, Whistler Blackcomb is a world-class skiing behemoth. For advanced skiers or boarders, a private heli-skiing adventure that unlocks breathtaking off-piste terrain is the ultimate Whistler experience.
Thanks to high snowfall, powder days are frequently enjoyed, and with over 200 marked runs, three glaciers, and sixteen alpine bowls hosted on more than 8,000 acres, there's top-quality terrain for every skill level.
After an exhilarating day on the slopes, head to Whistler Village for vibrant bars, cafes, and restaurants and enjoy local craft beers, creative cocktails, mouth-watering grills, and BBQs.
Stay at one of the classic luxury hotels, which include offerings from the likes of Fairmont and The Four Seasons. Enjoy a private flight to Vancouver Airport, where resort transfers by helicopter take less than an hour.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain certainly lives up to its billing. At 3369 meters, it's the highest lift-served resort in California and the largest ski area in western USA.
The exceptionally consistent snowfall delivers a remarkable and long ski season, lasting into the early Summer, and yet you can still bask in the sunshine for 300 days a year. The 3500-acre resort, serviced by 28 lifts, offers a wide variety of terrain to suit all abilities of snowboarders and skiers.
Guests can enjoy 5-star service from first-class hotels like The Westin, or a wealth of ultra-luxurious lodges are available if you seek more intimate surroundings.
The resort has a seemingly endless choice of fine dining restaurants and lively bars, and private charter flights landing at Mammoth Yosemite Airport have just a 20-minute transfer to the resort.
Sainte Foy, French Alps
The charming resort of Sainte Foy, with its picturesque catered chalets, radiates a traditional Alps vibe.
Although its unique microclimate is conducive to reliable heavy snowfall, the resort has invested in 100 snow cannons to ensure perfect conditions throughout the season. This family-friendly European ski resort offers a safe nursery slope, 24 long manicured runs, four black runs, and incredible off-piste adventures through the tree lines.
While the nearby big hitters, Val d'Isère and Tignes, draw the crowds, Sainte Foy is much quieter, making it the perfect choice for those looking for laid-back ski chic, long leisurely cruises and no queues. Chambery Airport is the closest to Sainte Foy, with transfer times of approximately 1hr 40 minutes by road or 35 minutes by helicopter.
Lech, Austria
With its prized luxury hotel hideaways and famously upmarket vibe, this winter wonderland is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the Alps.
The ski area is vast and spectacular and can be accessed via a network of high-speed gondolas that link Lech to the neighboring resorts of Warth-Schröcken, Zurs, and the revered St Anton. The Arlberg region now accommodates over 300km of world-class runs.
The scenery is beautiful, the pistes well-groomed, and the resort is sophisticated, with a great mix of bars and gourmet restaurants. Maintaining close control of building development, Lech has successfully retained its Austrian charm. Fly into Innsbruck’s private terminal before traveling by road transfer in 1hr and 30 minutes or by helicopter in around 40 minutes.
Troll Peninsula, Northern Iceland
Thanks to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, the Troll Peninsula offers a long ski season that extends into June, enjoying daylight from 4 am to almost midnight from late Spring onwards.
With an abundance of pristine powder, heli-skiing, and cat skiing and up to 1500m vertical descents, this is a challenging and thrilling area for proficient off-piste and backcountry skiers.
Surrounded on two sides by fjords, experience the unique perspective of exhilarating summit-to-sea runs. Access this unforgettable landscape via several regional airports and helipads and enjoy a stay at exclusive Deplar Farm.
Private Jet Charter with Air Partner
Wherever your next ski trip takes you, rest assured that the comfort, style, and convenience of private charter will get you closer to your destination so that you and your guests can hit the slopes sooner.
Our expert private jet teams will be happy to develop a personalized solution to ensure ultimate comfort and a hassle-free airport and in-flight experience.
