When a Luxury Ski Trip Means No Lines or Crowds, Here’s Where to Look

Last winter, Park City, Utah, briefly became the antithesis of luxury. The beloved mountain resort town—known for its epic snowfall and wide runs—became associated instead with ski patrol strikes, operational failures and hourslong queues to get up the mountain. St. Moritz, Switzerland, newly included on the Ikon Pass, suddenly became a hangout for budget-conscious Americans. Meanwhile, Japanese ski resorts, once considered a far-flung adventure by a large majority of skiers, went “officially mainstream” in 2024, according to Ski.com Chief Executive Officer Dan Sherman.

It all raises the question of what makes a ski vacation luxurious. Is it the vibes? The après scene? The decadent lodging and food? A concierge who warms your boots before you set out on the slopes? For most skiers, all of that is ancillary to the thrill of a physical adventure coupled with the peacefulness of nature—the very thing that’s becoming harder and harder to find.