Over the last ten years, a group of French and Austrian scientists has tried to understand what the future of skiing in Europe will be given the consequences of climate change. The study, published last August by the journal Nature Climate Change, was carried out because winter tourism linked to this sport is a very important economic sector for Europe: approximately half of the world's ski resorts are located on the continent. .
Researchers estimated that without artificial snow more than half of European slopes will be uncovered one year out of two. In fact, in the event of a prolonged absence of precipitation, such as that which occurred with the drought between 2021 and 2023, snow must be replaced artificially, something that, however, requires a lot of water and particular temperature and humidity conditions in the environment. .
This is why the ski resorts with the best chance of survival are those located at higher altitudes, which also makes them less accessible and more expensive. Sven Odia, CEO of Engel
Obstacle
Regardless of what the real estate statistics say, in the firmament of the most exclusive ski resorts, Sankt Moritz continues to shine with its unique and unattainable charm. Proof of this is the 10,000 private jets that land each year at the nearby airport to enjoy its magnificent frozen lake and trails, its princely hotels and high-rise chalets and, naturally, its boutiques and restaurants. In fact, winter tourism was born here one summer at the end of the 19th century, when a young hotelier, Johannes Badrutt, bet his English guests that he would pay for their accommodation and travel if, upon returning in winter, they did not find temperate weather. and sunny.
His son, Caspar Badrutt, founded Badrutt's Palace in 1896, which today is a true legend, also being the only mountain resort included in The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023. With its unmistakable castle architecture, it has welcomed the most famous people. famous, from Marlene Dietrich to Audrey Hepburn, and from Coco Chanel to Charlie Chaplin. One of the most beautiful suites, which still has period furniture, is dedicated to Alfred Hitchcock, who apparently had the idea for the film The Birds here.
Speaking of movies, every year many Hollywood stars spend their Christmas vacation in Aspen, Colorado. Some have luxury chalets, others stay in the most famous hotel in the United States, The Little Nell, equipped with a wine cellar with more than 50,000 bottles of wine, among the rarest and most expensive in the world. All around, the stunning landscape offers four snow-capped mountains, each with at least one of the most fascinating high-altitude restaurants in North America.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, the queen of the Dolomites, is the symbol of ski holidays in Italy. Always present in the classic films of transalpine cinema, this place, of unique beauty, is the landing point for those looking for evenings full of fun and glamour. 19th century villas, typical hostels and chalets, cobbled streets covered in a blanket of soft snow like cotton candy, Michelin-starred restaurants, charming natural resources, elegant shops and a very lively atmosphere are the key to its success.
Courchevel, in France, is one of the pearls of the Alps and is made up of four villages located at the end of one of the largest ski areas in the world. What makes it the ideal destination for the wealthiest skiers is one of the most beautiful and qualitatively best snow covers in Europe, as well as the presence of the most sumptuous hotels in France (after Paris, of course): there are 11 five stars and three six stars that can boast the title of Palace. Plus an incredible number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Courchavel. In the other two large ski resorts in France, Méribel and Val d'Isère, it is possible to choose to rent one of the spectacular Machapuchare chalets, awarded Best Chalet in France at the World Ski Awards 2023.
In Austria there is no better place to enjoy snow luxury than Lech, the favorite destination of royalty and celebrities from around the world. The traditions of an ancient peasant town are still very present in the culture of the population: barbers, milkmen and bakers carry out their daily activity, satisfying the requests of the most distinguished visitors to Europe, who enjoy discreet and reserved luxury.
If Walt Disney had needed to imagine a ski town, he would have drawn it like Whistler-Blackcomb, in Canada. Located beneath two towering pine-covered mountains and home to the world's longest and highest cable car, Whistler is home to the country's most exclusive bars, restaurants and hotels, as well as the most popular and fun après-ski in North America.
Among the most exotic snow places, the pearl to be discovered is Niseko, in northern Japan. Every winter, 14 meters of extraordinary powder snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland for ski and snowboard lovers. Located in the heart of the island of Hokkaido, Niseko is known for offering holistic skiing experiences, combining the best snow in the world with opulent accommodations, as well as an authentic Japanese onsen – natural hot springs – the perfect harmony of well-being and spiritual benefits and zen culture. From mountain chalets like Kiraku, a masterpiece of contemporary design and traditional Japanese elements, to luxury ski-in/ski-out hotels like the Aya Niseko, the experience of skiing in Japan is downright amazing.
