Le Lodge Park, French Alps
Nevai Hotel, Swiss Alps
The Sky Hotel, Aspen
The Sebastian, Vail
Hôtel Ormelune, French Alps
Grand Hotel Savoia & Spa, The Dolomites
Adara Hotel, Whistler
While slope-side hotels can tout their convenience, these decadent, lively spots ensure that what’s accomplished after a long day of S-turns is just as thrilling.
Megève, France — Amid the après-ski glamour of Megève, Le Lodge Park has a distinctive look indeed. Once you’ve registered the singularly woodsy charm of the place, you’re likely to turn your attention to the spa downstairs, the elegant bar and the modern restaurant, which are among the town’s hottest tickets.
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Verbier, Switzerland — It may feel a bit odd clomping around the Nevai’s minimalistic interiors in boots, but come après-ski all is explained — it’s a perfectly conducive environment for a couple of cocktails, and just next door is the Farm Club, long one of Verbier’s top nightspots.
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Aspen, Colorado — Located right at the foot of Ajax Mountain, The Sky Hotel was the first spot in Aspen to cater to a younger crowd with urbane touches like free wi-fi and iPod stereo systems. But it’s the romping success of the glitzy, poolside 39 Degrees Lounge that ensures it keeps its youth.
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Vail, Colorado — Vail’s got no shortage of dining and nightlife, but much of it takes place within The Sebastian itself. Block 16, the flagship restaurant, wears its Napa Valley influence on its sleeve, proof of a newly cosmopolitan Colorado ski scene, while Frost, the cocktail bar, mixes high-design theatrics with casual Mountain West cool.
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Val d’Isère, France — The Ormelune is as fine an example as you’ll find anywhere of the new-breed fun and funky boutique ski hotel. The basics are all covered — on-site bar, restaurant and massage — but in the end it’s simply more fun than the Alpine norm.
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Veneto, Italy — The Dolomites, especially in winter, are key to Cortina’s appeal, but the Savoia is more than some glorified ski lodge. The cigar bar, the winter garden, the Savoy restaurant — all offer distinctly cosmopolitan charms.
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Whistler, British Columbia — The whole point of the Adara is this: now that the beautiful people are skiing Whistler, they’ll need somewhere beautiful to lay their heads. Fortunately its downtown location means most anything you’ll need is just steps away, including all the top nightlife.
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