Tailor-made luxury ski trips

A luxury ski trip is much more than just booking a hotel in the mountains. It's a carefully planned stay, where the location, ski slopes, accommodation standards, transfers, and additional attractions are tailored to the needs of specific travelers.

CARTER® organizes individual ski trips to the best Alpine resorts and selected resorts outside of Europe. Depending on your needs, this could be a family vacation, a romantic getaway for two, a week-long ski-in/ski-out hotel vacation, a stay in a private chalet, or a trip for experienced skiers seeking expansive terrain and challenging slopes.

Each trip can be tailored to your needs. We select the destination, hotel, and range of services based on travel dates, skiing skills, number of participants, and desired vacation style.

Where to go for luxury skiing?

The best ski destination depends on your skill level, travel date, preferred holiday style and whether you are traveling as a couple, with children or in a larger group.

On offer CARTER® offers luxury ski trips to France, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Andorra, and Canada. Each destination offers different conditions, atmosphere, and opportunities for off-piste activities.

Skiing in France

The French Alps are perfect for those looking for extensive ski areas, modern infrastructure, and hotels located close to the slopes. Among the most popular resorts are Courchevel, Val d'Isère, Val Thorens, and Megève.

Courchevel attracts visitors with its wide selection of hotels and private chalets, restaurants, and direct access to the slopes of the 3 Valleys region. Val d'Isère is a popular choice for more experienced skiers, while Val Thorens offers high-altitude skiing.

France is perfect for both a couples trip and a family holiday in the Alps.

Skiing in Italy

Ski trips to Italy combine skiing with cuisine, a more relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to relax in spa hotels. Popular regions include the Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Cervinia, Courmayeur, and Madonna di Campiglio.

Italian resorts are a good choice for families, beginners and skiers who, in addition to sports, value restaurants, views and relaxation in an intimate setting.

Depending on the location, you can stay in a five-star hotel, a boutique property, or a private alpine cottage.

Skiing in Switzerland

Switzerland is the preferred destination for travelers seeking high standards, excellent service, and renowned Alpine resorts. Popular destinations include St. Moritz, Zermatt, Gstaad, Verbier, Andermatt, Crans-Montana, and Arosa.

Zermatt captivates with its Matterhorn views and unique village atmosphere. St. Moritz combines winter sports with elegant hotels, restaurants, and events. Verbier attracts with its extensive ski areas and après-ski life, while Gstaad is prized for its privacy and intimate atmosphere.

Swiss resorts are perfect for couples' trips, family holidays, and stays for people who expect discreet service.

Skiing in Austria

Austria offers well-groomed slopes, cozy villages, and a wide selection of Alpine-style hotels. Among the most popular resorts are Lech, Zürs, Kitzbühel, Sölden, and the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis region.

Lech and Zürs are good choices for those seeking luxurious chalets and a more relaxed atmosphere. Kitzbühel combines skiing with a wide range of restaurants and an elegant resort, while Sölden attracts those looking for extensive slopes and active après-ski.

Austria is also a popular choice for families due to its well-organized ski schools, wide slopes and easy access to lifts.

Skiing in Andorra

Andorra is an interesting alternative to the most famous Alpine resorts. It offers extensive ski infrastructure, spa hotels, and the opportunity to combine skiing with shopping and relaxation.

A trip to Andorra can be suitable for families, beginner skiers and those looking for a less obvious winter holiday destination.

Skiing in Canada

Canada is a great option for those who want to combine skiing with a long journey and a stay surrounded by vast mountain landscapes. One of the most famous resorts is Whistler, offering a wide selection of trails, hotels, and off-piste activities.

A ski trip to Canada can include a stay in a five-star hotel, private lessons, guided skiing, and additional winter activities. Due to the distance involved, it's worth allocating more time for this trip than a standard week-long trip to the Alps.

How to choose the best ski resort?

Choosing a resort shouldn't be based solely on the number of kilometers of slopes. Equally important are their difficulty level, hotel location, transfer time, altitude, and recreational opportunities for non-skiers.

For beginners

Beginner skiers feel most comfortable in resorts offering wide, gentle slopes, dedicated learning areas, and easy access to schools. A hotel located close to the lifts is also crucial, ensuring a hassle-free daily commute to lessons.

Before your trip, you can book a private instructor or small group classes.

For advanced skiers

More experienced skiers pay attention to the length and variety of trails, the possibility of traveling between valleys, areas off the groomed slopes, and access to high-mountain guides.

In this case, larger ski resorts in France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Canada are ideal. The program may also include off-piste skiing, conditions permitting and under the supervision of a properly trained guide.

For families with children

A family ski trip should take into account the children's ages, experience, and interests off the slopes. Hotels located near the lifts are the most convenient, offering family rooms, apartments, childcare, and access to ski schools.

It's also worth checking whether the resort has gentle slopes, areas for children, an ice rink, a swimming pool, and other attractions for days without skiing.

For non-skiers

Not everyone on a winter trip needs to ski. Many Alpine resorts offer spas, swimming pools, restaurants, boutiques, winter hiking trails, sleigh rides, and scenic railways.

If you choose the right place, a group trip can be successful for both skiers and people who prefer a quiet holiday.

Ski-in/ski-out hotel – what does it mean?

The ski-in/ski-out hotel is located directly on the slope or at a point where you can start and finish your ride right next to the hotel. In good conditions, skiers can leave the hotel in their ski boots, strap on their skis, and head straight to the slopes.

This location eliminates the need for daily travel by car or hotel shuttle. It's particularly convenient for families with children, groups of varying skill levels, and those wishing to return to the hotel during the day.

Not every property described as "slope-side" offers full ski-in/ski-out access. Therefore, when choosing a hotel, it's worth checking the actual distance to the slope, lift, and ski school.

Hotel or private chalet for a ski trip?

The choice between a hotel or a private chalet depends on the number of participants and the desired level of privacy.

Luxury ski hotel

The hotel is a good choice for couples, smaller families, and those looking to enjoy a restaurant, spa, pool, and concierge service. The best properties offer equipment storage, ski service, transfers to the lifts, and assistance with organizing lessons.

Private chalet

A chalet offers greater privacy and freedom. It's especially comfortable for several families, groups of friends, or those traveling with children.

Depending on the standard, your stay may include a host, a private chef, housekeeping, local transportation, and concierge services. Some homes also offer a swimming pool, sauna, cinema room, fireplace, and private spa.

What does a tailor-made ski trip look like?

Organizing a personalized trip begins with establishing key expectations. Critical factors include the date, number of participants, age of children, skill level, and preferred hotel standard.

On this basis, you can select the appropriate resort and prepare a coherent stay plan.

Choosing a destination and resort

The advisor helps you choose a destination that suits your skiing level, the date, and the nature of your trip. A family with small children will need a different resort than a group of advanced skiers.

Hotel or chalet reservation

Accommodation is selected based on location, standard, room size, and access to slopes. It can be a ski-in/ski-out hotel, a spa, a family resort, or a private home.

Organization of transport

Your trip may include flights, private airport transfers, car rental, or transportation between resorts. For some destinations, you may also consider a private plane or helicopter.

Equipment, passes and instructors

Depending on your needs, you can plan equipment rentals, season ticket purchases, private lessons, and children's activities in advance. This allows you to minimize paperwork upon arrival and get your vacation started sooner.

Restaurants and additional attractions

The program can be supplemented with restaurant reservations, spa treatments, sleigh rides, winter walks, shopping, transfers and other activities available at the selected resort.

When is the best time to go skiing?

The European ski season usually lasts from December to April, but the exact date depends on the altitude of the resort, the location of the slopes and the current weather conditions.

December attracts visitors with its festive atmosphere, January often offers quieter slopes outside of the school holidays, and February is a popular choice for families. March allows for combining skiing with longer days and milder weather.

High-altitude resorts and glacier areas may offer a longer season. However, snow conditions are variable and cannot be guaranteed based solely on travel dates.

How much does a luxury ski trip cost?

The price of a ski trip depends on the destination, date, accommodation standard, number of participants, and range of services. The greatest price differences occur during the winter break, Christmas holidays, New Year's Eve, and the busiest weeks of the season.

The cost is influenced by, among other things:

• flights and transfers,
• hotel or chalet rental,
• the location of the facility relative to the slopes,
• food,
• ski passes,
• equipment rental,
• private instructors,
• childcare,
• additional attractions and reservations.

In the case of a private chalet, the total price may be high, but with a larger number of participants, the cost per person can be comparable to staying in several hotel apartments.

Why is it worth planning your ski trip in advance?

The best hotels, spacious apartments, and private chalets have limited availability. This is especially true during school holidays, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and the popular weeks in February.

Booking in advance provides a wider selection of rooms, convenient connections, and slope-side accommodations. It also makes it easier to book private instructors, childcare, and tables at popular restaurants.

Frequently asked questions about luxury ski trips

Where is the best place to go for luxury skiing?

The most popular destinations are France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. France offers extensive ski areas, Switzerland offers high standards and renowned resorts, Austria offers a cozy atmosphere and good infrastructure, and Italy combines skiing with cuisine and relaxation.

Which ski resort should you choose for a family with children?

Resorts with gentle slopes, ski schools, children's areas, and hotels located near the lifts are ideal for families. Family rooms, childcare, and off-piste activities are also important.

What does a ski-in/ski-out hotel mean?

This is a hotel with direct access to the ski slopes and ski back to the hotel. Exact conditions depend on the building's location and current snow conditions.

Can I book a private instructor?

Yes. Individual lessons can be arranged for both adults and children. The instructor adjusts the pace of learning to the participant's skills.

Czy CARTER® organizes ski trips for larger groups?

Yes. A trip can be planned for a family, a group of friends, or several families traveling together. In these cases, renting a private chalet can be a good option.

Can you arrange a transfer directly to the hotel?

Yes. Depending on the destination, the program may include private transfers by car or minibus. In selected cases, other forms of transportation can also be arranged.

How far in advance should you book a skiing holiday?

It's worth booking the best hotels and chalets several months in advance. For holidays, New Year's Eve, and school breaks, it's a good idea to start planning even earlier.

Will non-skiers have something to do?

Yes, provided you choose the right resort. Many locations offer spas, restaurants, boutiques, winter walks, scenic train rides, sleigh rides, and other attractions.

Plan a luxury ski trip with CARTER®

Tell us what your ideal winter vacation should look like. Based on the date, number of participants, and skiing experience, we'll help you choose the right resort, hotel, or private chalet.

We can arrange a family vacation, a romantic getaway in the Alps, a group trip for friends, or a ski trip to Canada. The program will be tailored to your needs, ensuring a comfortable winter vacation both on and off the slopes.