Winter is here and with it, all of our favorite cold-weather pastimes. Whether you prefer skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing — or simply want a cozy mountain escape at a ski hotel, finding the perfect experience takes time. Fortunately, luxury and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive, which means you can take your dream vacation without harming the environment.
As more upscale hotels change their practices to reduce consumption and protect their local resources, more options are becoming available for refined eco-friendly stays. From Alpine retreats to cozy chalets, these ski hotels in Europe are perfect for those seeking an environmentally conscious vacation while enjoying the best that the slopes have to offer.
The Alpina Gstaad Hotel, Gstaad, Switzerland
Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, The Alpina Gstaad Hotel is a 5-star beacon of luxury sustainable travel. Surrounded by spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains and the stunning Les Diablerets glacier, the overall hotel experience at The Alpina is unparalleled. With 56 luxurious rooms and suites, three on-site restaurants, and an indoor and outdoor pool, guests are treated to the best during their stay. After a vigorous day of skiing, there is no better place to unwind than at the Six Senses Spa, known for its advanced treatments inspired by Asian traditions.
When it comes to dining, you’ll experience the taste sensations of Michelin-starred Executive Chef Martin Göschel who oversees all three on-site restaurants – Sommet, Megu, and Swiss Stübli at the ski hotel. From traditional, hearty Swiss cooking to innovative Japanese fare, every dish is crafted with pure, locally sourced ingredients. The Alpina partners with local farmers and artisanal cheese makers to provide the freshest natural dining experiences for guests.
Ultima Courchevel Belvédère, France
Nestled within the Sunny Valley in the French Alps, the Ultima Courchevel Belvédère is the home away from home for groups looking for a completely private lodging experience. The property is made up of 13 ski-in and ski-out residences with shared world-class amenities like an on-site spa, restaurant, pools, and fitness rooms. Private butlers, chauffeurs, and personal chefs are also available to provide guests with anything their hearts desire.
Depending on their preferences, guests can choose to dine in the main dining room, or take their meals in their residence. To elevate the experience of fine dining, you can also opt for private chef experiences that cater to your tastes. With a commitment to holistic dining and sustainability, the Ultima Courchevel Belvédère supports local farms.
Every feature of the property has been mindfully designed with innovative features like solar panels and local resources like wood from nearby forests. Additionally, the Ultima Courchevel Belvédère partners with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every night that guests stay at the property.
Naturhotel Forstofgut, Austria
Head to Austria for a breath of crisp Alpine air courtesy of the 5-star Naturhotel Forsthofgut, a ski hotel. What began as a simple farm in 1617 blossomed into a stunning wellness-driven hotel in 1960. Today, this ski-in and ski-out property combines sustainable practices and luxurious amenities, making it an ideal destination for an eco-friendly winter vacation.
Relying on high-quality regional products, many from their own on-site farm, the cuisine at Naturhotel Forsthofgut is nothing short of sublime. They have categorized their offerings according to three criteria: alpine, vegan, or consistently regional in accordance with the R50 seal. At any of their three on-site restaurants, you will enjoy Alpine-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients that reflect the purity of the idyllic scenery.
When you’re tired of skiing and ready to relax, head to the multiple award-winning waldSPA. The 5,700-square-meter facility offers an adults-only organic sauna, herbal and steam baths, a swimming pool, and a whirlpool as well as a designated kids area.
The Chedi, Andermatt, Switzerland
Combining elements of Alpine and Asian decor and experiences, The Chedi Andermatt is the largest hotel on our list, with 123 rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, plus a spa and health club with an Olympic-sized pool. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find sustainable materials and innovative designs that reduce energy usage, including having 100% of their electricity powered by hydroelectric and wind power in the Gotthard region.
The Chedi’s commitment to the environment extends to their dining options, which rely heavily on regional and fair trade products. Using fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers, their restaurants elevate meals to an art form. If traditional cozy cooking is your preference, head to The Restaurant, which features classic Swiss dishes and a food waste monitoring program that guests won’t even notice. You should also book a meal at The Japanese, a Michelin-starred restaurant by Executive Chef Dietmar Sawyere where you can indulge in five to ten-course Kaiseki menus and browse the largest sake menu in Switzerland. The Chedi even has its own wine and cheese cellar where guests can sample and learn about the delicacies of the region.
When it comes to après ski, this hotel has everything you need to de-stress. In addition to a pool and sauna area, their 2,400-square-meter spa includes the Tibetan Relaxation Lounge where guests can book Eastern-inspired treatments with bespoke offerings. Every product found in the spa is made from 100% natural ingredients.
From a traditional mountain lodge in Austria to a contemporary Japanese-inspired ski hotel in Switzerland, there are plenty of options for mindful travelers looking to reduce their impact on their next ski holiday. Part of the beauty of these hotels comes from their appeal across the board, from food to wellness experiences. Even those who don’t ski will enjoy staying at these gorgeous Alpine properties.
