Here’s what’s hot on the slopes this year.
The 2018/19 ski season is off to a riotous start. Snow reports from across the globe are pointing to record accumulations of “white gold,” early season openings, and conditions for what stands to be an incredible season. Here, we’ve gathered new ski experiences that range from just plain luxe to truly over-the-top. It is time to get your skis waxed and start packing…
The Dining Experience: EMP Winter House
Why you need to go: Chef Daniel Humm of Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park fame is bringing his much beloved Hamptons pop-up, EMP Summer House, to the Rocky Mountains through April 2019. Taking over a residency at the Chef’s Club at the St. Regis in Aspen, Humm will draw upon his upbringing in Switzerland to deliver lavish après ski snacks such as charcuterie and bone broth, in addition to hearty lunch and dinner menus featuring Smoked Trout Toast, Veal Schnitzel, and, of course, fondue. For the ultimate mountainside feast, make sure to book a large format feast in your own private yurt.
Opening date: December 15, 2018The damage: Reservations are available for American Express Card Members only and require a $50 deposit per person; experiences start at $175 per person.
The Recovery: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Location: Ragaz, Switzerland
Why you need to go: Even amateur skiers can train (and recover) like an olympian at Bad Ragaz’s Medical Health Center, which is one of 12 Olympic Medical Centers in Switzerland. The state of the art health clinic is nestled within the 5-star luxury retreat, where guests can book preventive check-ups, performance diagnostics, in-patient rehabilitation services, and a variety of medical examinations. Work with a trainer to build a customized training program and test your newfound strength on the neighboring slopes of Flumserberg and Pizol. Don’t forget to take a dip in the thermal spa with waters from the Tamina Gorge, for a soothing and restoring après ski.
Opening date: Open since 1872
The Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Megève
Why you need to go: Picture the pinnacle of alpine-chic lodgings—sky blue accents, pale alpine wood beams, views of nearby Mont d’Arbois and creamy cashmere throws cover nearly every surface. As one expects from a Four Seasons resort, Hotel Megève, now in its first full season, fires on all cylinders. With just 41 guest rooms and 14 sumptuous suites, designed by the revered Pierre-Yves Rochon and Baroness Ariane de Rothschild the property summons the finest the ski gods have to offer. Your options are endless: a concierge and valet for a day on the slopes, or partake in snowshoeing, skating, hockey, curling, and icefall climbing. When it comes to dining, tuck into traditional French cuisine at the two Michelin-starred Le 1920, helmed by Executive Chef Julien Gatillon or opt for a lighter meal at Kaito, a breezy sushi bar. Finish off the evening with a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride. Oui, bien sur…
Opening date: December 15, 2018
The Edge of the World: Sheldon Chalet
Location: Denali National Park, Alaska
Why you need to go: Perched atop the Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park is a chalet so remote that guests have to helicopter in. As such, a stay at Sheldon Chalet is a complete adventure, with daily excursions including a snowshoe or glacier trekking in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, snow cave or igloo construction, a visit to the nearby remote hot springs and, of course, heli-skiing. Each evening, 10 guests max. get to enjoy a gourmet chef-prepared dinner, accompanied by a program of sommelier selected wine, beer, and spirits.
The Ski Safari: The Dolomites
Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Why you need to go: Traverse 50 miles in the Dolomite mountains of Northern Italy, following an itinerary packed with stunning ski runs and historical sites. The four day adventure starts in South Tyrol, a region not far from the Italian-Austrian border that played a pivotal role in World War I and winds along the interconnected ski resorts of the region. Along the way skiers encounter ancient mountain huts, rock trenches, parapet walks, and one of the longest ski runs on the globe. Perfect for skiers of all levels, this adventurous trek includes three nights of accommodations at both 5-star hotels like the Cristallo resort and Spa and mountaintop rifugios, plus all breakfasts and dinners.
The Guides: Hokkaido Storm Chasing, Japan
Location: Hokkaido, Japan
Why you need to go: Brothers Jake and Charlie Cohn grew up skiing Telluride, CO and much of Southwest, but became obsessed with chasing powder on the pistes of Japan in 2011. Not long after they founded SnowLocals.com, translating the old-school mentality of Japanese resorts for modern, adventurous skiers. Those with flexible schedules will love the Hokkaido Storm Chasing package, spontaneous trips that are organized around Japan’s notorious “pow-pocalypse storms” dumping face-deep powder found few other places on the planet. The Cohn’s take care of all the details such as flights, accommodations, and, of course, delicious local meals. All you need to do is show up and shred.
Opening date: Based on weather reports
The Boutique Ski Hotel: Limelight Snowmass
Location: Snowmass, Colorado
Why you need to go: The third property in the Limelight portfolio is a cheery addition to the Snowmass Base Village, offering 99 family-friendly rooms, plus 11 residences, all decorated in a colorful, contemporary scheme. Roll out of bed right to Snowmass Mountain’s Elk Camp Gondola, which is located steps from the hotel; the ski concierge will make the ski-in, ski-out experience seamless. And don’t forget to check out the Limelight’s 54-foot climbing wall that clocks in at 5 stories and happens to be Colorado’s largest indoor rock-realistic climbing wall.
Opening date: December 14
The Lodge: Snowpine Lodge
Location: Alta, Utah
Why you need to go: They say timing is everything—and that rings entirely true for the Snowpine Lodge, Alta’s first luxury resort with ski-in/ski-out access that will open their doors at the very same time that the neighboring Snowpine ski lift starts running. With 78 accommodations, Snowpine’s offerings range from a sprawling King-size suite to compact and kitschy dorm-style bunk rooms. They’ve also developed a well-rounded array of fun and relaxing après ski activities, including the game room (equipped with karaoke), movie theaters, slope-side heated pool, oxygen bar, and outdoor fireplaces. Enjoy globally-inspired gourmet meals at Swen’s Restaurant or opt for an elevated bar experience at The Gulch Pub.
Opening date: January 2019
The Private Club: Cimarron Mountain Club
Location: Cimarron, Colorado
Why you need to go: Have you ever dreamed about having your very own ski resort? Former natural resources lawyer, Jim Aronstein and his wife, Patsy are making that once far-fetched dream a reality by offering only 13 memberships to the first and only private ski resort in Colorado. Spanning 1,000 exclusive acres of terrain and 950 acres on adjacent public lands in the peaks of the San Juan Mountains, there are over 60 professionally designed runs that are only accessible by snowcat. Each Cimarron member receives a 35-acre plot to build their own cabin, while also having access to the three-bedroom Club Cabin and four yurts. As more memberships are claimed, a lodge, mid-mountain Barn, and a lakeside Warming Hut will be built, rounding out the secluded property.
Opening date: Now open
The Ultimate Spring Break: CMH Adamants
Location: Interior British Columbia
Why you need to go: You, your family, and your own helicopter tackling 247,000 skiable acres of untouched powder. The bragging rights alone are worth it. This heli-access only lodge truly shines in April when days are long, temperatures are warm, and the memories last a lifetime. Is that wasn’t enough, CMH is part of the Ikon pass, allowing access to 3 million acres of British Columbia’s most coveted terrain with exclusive pre-booking perks.
The date: April 2019
Read the full article from Town&Country here