The Best Ski Hotels For March

The Swiss ski resort of Verbier might seem an unlikely spot for the Parisians behind the Experimental Group to have planted their flag, but it works. The exterior is distinctly patriotic with its red-shuttered white facade, but gives way to playful, retro interiors by Fabrizio Casiraghi that you enter through the vibey restaurant. Inside, the staff are cool and dressed in bespoke Fusalp and the cocktails are sensational.

Close to Le Rond-Point des Pistes, Le Coucou enjoys a rare ski-in/ski-out experience in Méribel and rubs shoulders with the snow-capped summits. Overlooking the entire valley, Le Coucou has the elegant look of a traditional chalet from the exterior, but its Pierre Yovanovitch-designed interiors reveal a more colorful, playful side that surprises and delight.

Perched above the resort of Crans-Montana, LeCrans is notable for its swoon-worthy views of the Valais region’s extraordinary peaks. It is a grown-up place to switch off and enjoy one’s splendid isolation, cosseted by the tranquil alpine forest that borders the hotel.

Located within easy reach of the center, at a 5-minute walking distance from the ski slopes, overlooking the village with a marvelous view of the Alps, the Kristiania, an eclectic Austrian Chalet boasting unbeatable vistas is Lech's most stylish stay. Othmar Schneider, gold medal winner for the slalom at the Olympic winter games in Oslo in 1952, built the Kristiania up into one of the leading addresses in Lech. Until today, pampering their guests is a tradition at the Kristiania.

To stay at the Almhof Schneider is to be a guest at the home of Mr. Gerold Schneider, whose family history is inextricably linked to that of the 15thcentury property in Lech, which was a mountain farm for 500 years. In 1929, part of the original farmhouse was converted into a modest inn with guest rooms, before evolving over the years into the superior five-star hotel we know and love today.

The Schmelzhof, run by the Strolz family, who have been in Lech for several centuries, is a place defined by its warmth and soul. It is a true family affair: Robert and Gitti take the reins, with their son Arthur presiding over the bar and restaurant and even ‘Grossmutter’ taking your coffee order in the morning. This multigenerational passion and generosity keep their guests returning year after year to Schmelzhof.

Just a short stroll away from the centre of Lech and the slopes, The Berghof is one of our hot picks for your winter break. The hotel is situated in a quiet and privileged location above the centre of Lech and features its own elevator that takes you directly from the village into the hotel. At der Berghof you can expect excellent food, and luxury amenities. The owner has maintained the alpine lifestyle at the highest level of hospitality. Modernity and tradition get combined in a wonderful way to create a unique feel-good atmosphere.

The Rote Wand started life as a simple farmhouse in Zug in the mid 17th century. In the 1950s, its owners, the Walchs, turned it into a cafe and guest house: people came from neighbouring Lech for Burgi’s legendary apple strudel and shredded pancakes; while Josef, a ski instructor, brought his guests from by horse-drawn sleigh for fondue, which often turned into dancing in the cellar bar. Now with their son Joschi at the helm, the Rote Wand has evolved into one of the best hotels at the Arlberg with a beautiful spa — but still with food and warm-hearted service at its core.

Located on the famous “Schlegelkopf-Piste” with a stunning view overlooking Lech, the Aurelio provides the sophistication and comfort of a world-class hotel combined with the atmosphere and elegance of a private residence. The personal butler and concierge service ensure magic moments for their guests.

Enviably positioned slopeside in Oberlech, the much-loved Burg Hotel is widely known as having the most beautiful sun terrace in the Arlberg — and it is definitely one of our favourite places to bask after conquering the pistes. As well as ski-in/ski-out perks, the Burg is also the ideal jumping off point for summer hike. Family-run by the second generation, Elisabeth and Gerhard Lucian, are now focused on taking its culinary character to the next level with their own in-house bakery and a pig farm powering the menus. You can choose from the Lechtaler Stube — with its 3 toques Gault Millau, where light Mediterranean-style dishes are influenced by haute cuisine and traditional Austrian recipes; or the Burg, its more formal restaurant where five and six course gourmet menus are de rigueur accompanied by vintage pours from its impressive wine cellar.

The Knappaboda is a place of retreat where you can find real privacy, the highest quality, and time for family and friends. A place of deceleration and life energy. A place of regionality and sustainable enjoyment. A place whose atmospheric ambiance makes it a home away from home for the duration of the holiday.

Nestled in the middle of the Alberg mountains in the heart of the village of St Anton, the Himmlhof is a four-star alpine hideaway. Whether you wish to ski, hike winter trails, or lounge in your bathrobe, this boutique hotel is a warm and welcoming choice. Run by the Penz family, it is a love letter to their much-loved region and is designed to create the feeling of a home from home.

Reminiscent of a fairytale castle, Suvretta House is located in St Moritz, in the magnificent landscape of the Upper Engadine, surrounded by majestic mountains and lakes that glisten in summer, and freeze over in winter. A 5-star luxury resort with a private ski lift, it is also the only hotel in St Moritz with ski-in/ski-out access.

The Hotel Jungfrau stands on its own at Wengernalp, at a height of 1900 surrounded by a world of peace and tranquillity. This traditional family-run hotel, originating from the 19th century, has been lovingly restored and modernized in several stages, and by today’s standards is considered one of the most charming hotels in the Alps which is especially attractive to families with its pure mountain air. The Wengernalp train station and Jungfrau railway are conveniently reached and winter sports enthusiasts can get to the chairlifts after only a brief descent.

One of the few remaining grande dames of the Swiss Alps, the 19th century Bellevue des Alpes stands at a showstopping 2,054m on the Scheidegg Pass, overlooking the iconic Eiger. Only reachable by train or by foot, you have a feeling of utter peace and of stepping back in time to a golden age of mountain hospitality. Open in both winter and summer, it is a very special option for those who lean towards tradition and the family-run — current owners Andreas and Silvia von Almen are the fifth generation to run Bellevue des Alpes.

The Armentarola enjoys one of the most magical settings in the Dolomites, set in the idyllic village of San Cassiano at the foot of the Lavarello, Conturines and Lagazuoi mountains. Family-run, it started life as a little guesthouse in 1938 before transforming into one of Alta Badia’s most beautiful hotels. It is also the owner of arguably the best terrace — south-facing and sun-drenched — in all of the Alps. There are few better spots to catch some rays with a spritz in hand, after tackling the hotel’s namesake run, one of the most famous in the Dolomites.

Forestis is located in a densely wooded area, 1,800 m above sea level, with an unparalleled view of the Dolomites. The area’s unique and outstanding natural character had already prompted the Austrian monarchy to establish a tuberculosis sanatorium at precisely this special site. Read on below about the vibrant culinary offerings, the medicinal history of the site, and what not to miss at the property.

Sister to the iconic La Perla, the Ladinia is the quintessential mountain inn and Corvara’s first. Opened in 1930 in one of the oldest properties in this Dolomiti village, it still has the same beautiful views of Mount Sassongher and traditional interiors that hold centuries of stories in its beautifully aged walls.

Surrounded by a ring of mountains known as the Sella Massif, La Perla is a jewel in the crown of Alta Badia, a unesco-rated region of the Italian Dolomites. Tucked away in the picturesque village of Corvara, this family-run hotel has been renowned for its exceptional service and for being a slice of la dolce vita in the mountains since it opened in the fifties.

Immersed in a lush pine forest, Saint Hubertus offers a spectacular view of the Matterhorn from the lesser-known Italian side of Breuil-Cervinia. Sitting at an altitude of 2,050 meters near the Swiss border and in the heart of the Western Alps, it was elegantly designed by the architect Savin Couelle and combines exclusive apartments with top-notch hotel services. In winter, Saint Hubertus offers easy access to the 450 kilometers of slopes between Cervinia, Valtournenche, and Zermatt. In summer, it becomes a paradise for climbing, mountain biking, and rafting, as well as remaining home to one of the highest golf courses in Europe.

In the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site stands the ICARO, a retreat and energy oasis. Since 1936 ICARO has overlooked and lovingly guarded the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi at 1,900m above sea level. From the Cir peaks over the Langkofel/Sasso Lungo to the Kesselkogel/Catinaccio d’Antermoia and on to the Schlern/Sciliar. The interior of the new ICARO convinces with contemporary, inspiring, and surprising elements. In the rooms and the suites, in the restaurant and at the bar, as well as in the pool and spa areas, unexpected new designs come as a surprise.

In the foothills of the Matterhorn, the symbol of Switzerland and the gateway to the Valais Alps, lies the classic winter resort of Zermatt. And nestled in this car-free village, surrounded by soaring peaks, you will find the Firefly. A sleek, family-run hotel with interiors that take the alpine aesthetic into the 21st century, it is more of a collection of private apartments that offer the freedom to follow your own rhythm.

THE OMNIA is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional mountain lodge in the glamorous Swiss resort of Zermatt. A quintessentially American concept, it has been reinvented for the Swiss Alps by the New York-based architect Ali Tayar. With its one-of-a-kind location, interior design, fine cuisine, and comprehensive wellness program, THE OMNIA strives to create an environment for moments of peace, in harmony with nature.

Reopened in December 2021 after extensive renovations, BEAUSiTE Zermatt offers freshly refurbished spacious rooms and suites in warm colours with detailed fabrics and a British flair bring back the Swiss golden age of alpinism. You have a breathtaking view of the landmark of the Valais mountain village, the Matterhorn from almost every angle of the hotel.

Set above the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana at an altitude of 2112m, the Chetzeron marries alpine minimalism with breathtaking views over the highest peaks in the Alps. A former gondola lift station and restaurant, it was transformed into a hotel in 2014 and enjoys a secluded location, affording moments of peacefulness and relaxation.