Discover the new hotels, restaurants and high-speed lifts gracing the world’s most iconic ski destinations for the 2025/2026 season.
BY Sofia Quintero
This year, winter’s chill beckons with the allure of fresh powder, exclusive après-ski experiences, and newly minted luxury offerings in the most glamorous ski destinations worldwide. From Aspen glitz to the timeless sophistication of St. Moritz, here’s a look at what awaits discerning travelers on the slopes this season.
Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Nestled within easy reach of Zurich and Geneva, Crans-Montana is the ideal destination along an Alpine panorama that sweeps from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. The chalet-inspired Crans Ambassador positions guests mere steps from alpine adventure. For those seeking a preview of excellence, the annual World Cup races in late January are an exhilarating opportunity to witness elite athletes navigate the same runs you’ll master yourself.
Courchevel, France
The jewel of the French Alps is upping its game with a host of new offerings this season. High-end accommodations have expanded, with prestigious properties like the Airelles Courchevel opening an exclusive suite collection, complete with private butler service and direct ski-in/ski-out access. The dining scene is also flourishing with new culinary gems like the much-anticipated restaurant by celebrated French chef Pierre Gagnaire, bringing his signature innovative cuisine to the mountains.
Big Sky, Montana
This majestic Montana mountain has exciting new offerings for the 2025 ski season. Set to open December 20th, the Explorer Gondola and Kircliff will add fresh access to the slopes. The Madison 8 chairlift remains a guest favorite, with its high-speed service to the mountain’s colder, shaded terrain cutting ride time by 30%. Adding to the momentum, the One&Onlyofficially opened a few weeks ago. Guests can reach the resort’s new Ski Lodge restaurant via gondola from Big Sky Resort Madison Base, while the full property, including guest rooms, spa, and additional amenities, opened this past summer.
Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy
The mountain resort in the Dolomites reclaims the global spotlight as the 2026 Winter Olympics return to Italy, seven decades after its inaugural hosting in 1956. However, the “Queen of the Dolomites” offers more than Olympic activity, with access to over 750 miles of interconnected runs and some of Europe’s most breathtaking high-altitude vistas. Off the slopes, SanBrite crafts Michelin-starred cuisine that honors Dolomitic traditions through a contemporary lens. For a chic stay, the Romantik Hotel Turmexudes intimate Alpine charm, while Ancora anchors Cortina’s pedestrian Corso Italia.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is buzzing with fresh openings, revamped classics, and winter wonders this season. Arriving as if on cue, the White Elephant Aspenintroduces a refreshing architectural counterpoint to the town’s traditional Victorian and rustic aesthetic, its contemporary sophistication anchoring the heart of downtown. America’s most storied mountain destination is also scheduled for an exceptional season, with Aspen Snowmass channeling nearly $80 million into comprehensive enhancements: high-speed lift installations, forest health initiatives, and the much-anticipated reimagining of Snowmass’s Ullrhof restaurant, the resort’s oldest surviving structure and a cherished on-mountain institution.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is buzzing with fresh updates this season, combining classic mountain charm with modern luxury. New developments include the opening of The Madeline Hotel & Residences’ revamped with a refreshed menu that spotlights locally sourced ingredients. Telluride Ski Resort has also added guided heli-skiing options through a partnership with local experts, making deep powder experiences more accessible. Telluride Artsopened a new gallery space to showcase local artists’ work year-round. Winter enthusiasts will enjoy enhanced snowmaking capabilities on the slopes, which promise longer and more reliable conditions, and there’s a new gondola app offering real-time tracking for the iconic free gondola ride between Telluride and Mountain Village.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad is unveiling exciting new developments and events this season, making it an even more alluring winter destination. Tucked into the Bernese Oberland, The Alpina Gstaad strikes that rare balance between adventure and serenity. The 56-room retreat offers direct access to some of Switzerland’s most exhilarating winter activities, while providing compelling reasons to stay put. The 2025-26 winter season is also filled with events celebrating Gstaad’s vibrant community spirit. Holiday markets in Saanen, musical evenings, and a Christmas concert by Swiss Gospel Singers are just a few highlights on the calendar.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is experiencing a renaissance, introducing fresh attractions and revitalizing classic venues. The newly opened Grace La Margna is bringing modern luxury to a historical site, offering sophisticated dining and a blend of Art Nouveau with contemporary design. Meanwhile, a new wave of fine dining options is taking center stage, with restaurants such as Kulm Country Club introducing seasonal, locally-inspired menus that cater to the modern foodie.
Zermatt, Switzerland
The Ikon Pass has unveiled an exciting expansion for the 2025/2026 season, welcoming five distinguished Italian Alps destinations within the Valle d’Aosta region. Among them, Cervino Ski Paradise offers seamless connectivity to Zermatt’s legendary Matterhorn ski area. The car-free village of Zermatt presents three properties from the Michel Reybier Hospitality collection, the Schweizerhof Zermatt, Monte Rosa Hotel, and Mont Cervin Palace.
