The Posh Way to Ski: Why Europe Beats the West This Winter ⛷️❄️

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with snowboarding and when it comes to winter travel, I’m always chasing the most breathtaking runs and the best après scenes.

Living on the East Coast means it’s a long flight to those legendary Western slopes, and let’s be honest, skiing out West has gotten crazy expensive. Lift tickets, lodging, rentals, and even a casual lunch on the mountain can make your wallet feel lighter than the snow under your board.

But here’s a little insider secret I share with clients: Europe often delivers a more Posh ski experience at a better value.

Europe’s Ski Secret

Many travelers are surprised to learn that flights to Europe can be similar in price or sometimes cheaper than flying across the U.S. Add in the fact that European lift tickets cost a fraction of what you’ll pay in Colorado or Utah, and suddenly the math starts working in your favor.

After skiing, you can chill in cozy wooden chalets or hit up fancy Michelin-starred spots. For Europeans, skiing isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. It’s all about enjoying every moment, both on and off the slopes.

Imagine this: you’ve just finished a perfect bluebird run, your legs are pleasantly tired, and you step into a sun-soaked terrace in Zermatt or Courchevel. Someone hands you a glass of chilled rosé or a mug of vin chaud, and all around you, skiers are unwinding in cashmere sweaters and sunglasses. That’s not just skiing—that’s the Posh way to ski.

Where to Go in Europe

Here are some of my favorite destinations that combine stunning alpine views, refined hospitality, and unforgettable mountain energy:

• Courchevel, France – Glamorous, elegant, and part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world. Expect five-star hotels, designer boutiques, and slopeside champagne bars.

• St. Moritz, Switzerland – The original luxury ski resort, where style, sophistication, and legendary snow meet. Polo on ice, anyone?

• Zermatt, Switzerland – Ski beneath the Matterhorn and explore endless runs connected by scenic lifts. The town feels like a snow globe that came to life.

• Verbier, Switzerland – A favorite among advanced skiers and those who love a lively après-ski scene with world-class restaurants and music.

• Lech & Zürs, Austria – Refined yet cozy, offering quintessential alpine charm and Austria’s warm hospitality.

• Megève, France – Straight out of a French fairytale, Megève is chic without trying too hard, filled with cobblestone streets and gourmet dining.

• Baqueira-Beret, Spain – A hidden gem in the Pyrenees, with incredible snow, Spanish flair, and tapas after every run.

• Kitzbühel, Austria – A historic town with centuries of ski tradition, elegant hotels, and the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill race.

• Cortina d’Ampezzo / Alta Badia, Italy – Glamour meets Dolomite drama. Ski in the morning, sip an Aperol spritz at lunch, and dine on Italian perfection by night.

• Val d’Isère / Tignes, France – Vast slopes, lively après, and snow-sure conditions—perfect for serious skiers and luxury seekers alike.

Each of these destinations offers something unique: breathtaking views, impeccable cuisine, and that distinctive European approach to leisure, where skiing and sophistication blend seamlessly.

If you’re dreaming of a ski or snowboard getaway this winter but aren’t sure where to start, I can help. I’ve explored some of the most iconic resorts across the U.S. and Europe and I know how to match each traveler’s vibe with the perfect mountain escape.

Whether you want to cozy up in a five-star chalet in the French Alps, experience the elegance of St. Moritz, or sip espresso between runs in the Italian Dolomites, there’s a European resort waiting to impress you.

Let’s make this the winter you ski the Alps. The Posh way.