Switzerland is inextricably linked with skiing and everything in the Alps, so it is no surprise that it is probably the most popular winter destinations in the world. The Swiss Alps exudes a wholesome, wholesome and fun charisma where diners know they can expect the very better of quality. Is it prime ski, luxury ski chalet rental or top restaurants, Switzerland delivers. We highlight a selection of the best luxury ski resorts in Switzerland.

Gstad, Switzerland

Gstaad was a playground for the rich and famous, who enjoyed diverse cultural activities and opportunities to socialize amongst the upper class. Popular events include everything from SommetsMusicaux de Gstaad to the Hublot Winter Polo Gold Cup. Far from hobnobbing, the international jet set enjoys the nearby Gstaad Mountain Rides snow sports area and you can too! It has such a broad range of runs that each level of skier will find something to suit their abilities. The ski slopes near the city center are perfect for newbies and intermediates.

Gstaad has a fairy tale setting in the Saanen valley complete with a wonderful castle that presides over the village. The resort is completely pedestrianized and adheres to strict rules to preserve its mountainous charm and limit development. Consequently, this area is very unspoilt, but still has many luxury boutiques, art galleries and museums. Those in the know head to the Gstaad Palace Hotel to drink and dine at the Alpina Hotel’s Michelin-starred Sommet Restaurant. Luxury accommodations abound, however Chalet Amala really shines as an excellent cool yet relaxed chalet ideal for sharing large groups of friends or family. This 7 bedroom property is full of soft throws and bespoke comforts and there’s a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can enjoy breakfast each morning looking out over the mountains.

Zermatt

Zermatt is the place for high-class fun and has lots of things to do on and off the slopes for all ages. Zermatt is a nice compromise between purpose-built resorts and real mountain villages. This car-free resort feels more village-like than you might expect and all accommodation is tastefully designed so it does not spoil the horizon. Visitors are lured to Zermatt by the promise of amazing sights, including a picture postcard view of the legendary Matterhorn – its triangular shape served as the inspiration for Toblerone’s design.

The resort has more than 250 km of ski and snowboard trails and a few of them are Italian trails that can be reached from the Zermatt lift station. While most runs are geared towards intermediates and experts, a number of easy and delightful runs do exist. Zermatt is the perfect Swiss destination for foodies as it has the highest density of gourmet restaurants in the world. Restaurants aren’t limited to the city, and Zermatt offers some mouth-watering regional cuisine at its many mountain restaurants such as Findlerhof, Chez Vrony, The Paradies and Adler. Back in town, you can stroll through streets lined with thrilling boutiques and more gourmet restaurants such as After Seven and the Michelin-starred Ristorante Capri on the top floor of the Petit Cervin Hotel.

While the view from Zermatt’s mountain restaurant is spectacular, you can experience it from your own luxury chalet rental if you make the right choice. The talented and popular architect, Heinz Julen, designed one of the best buildings in the resort. Originally intended as his own party pad, the Penthouse Heinz Julen clings to the rocks above the resort and offers some of the best views of the surrounding mountains through large picture windows. The entire interior is infused with natural light, but as the sun goes down, guests can feast on state-of-the-art music systems and low-lit coffee tables that can be lifted up to the ceiling.

St Moritz

St Moritz is without a doubt probably the most glamorous resorts in the world, if not the most glamorous. International jet sets have been flocking there since the 1920s when it hosted its first Winter Olympics. St Moritz is located in a remote valley on the shores of a wonderful lake. Framed by a background of soaring glacial peaks, this area embodies stereotypical alpine charm, but with an incredible sophistication. The resort itself is not the main attraction, but the views from the resort are some of the most lovely in the Alps. Mountains in the Southeast – such as the majestic Piz Bernina (4,049m) – form the border with Italy. True to its sporting championship heritage, St Moritz has plenty of physical activity for visitors to enjoy. This spectacular setting plays host to every kind of sports on ice: horse racing, greyhound racing and cricket, in addition to standard skating and ice hockey.

Chalet rentals in St Moritz are some of the most luxurious in the world. Chalet Chesetta, for example, is an ideal choice for families. Leading style magazine Harper’s Bazaar says the seven-bedroom chalet offers “the perfect escape for the whole family.” Chalet Chesetta is located a couple of minutes’ drive from St Moritz in the village of Silvaplana, which has long been a celebrity hideout and has appeared in several James Bond films. Among its amazing five-star features, this chalet has a Bose home cinema, gym, sauna and games room, making it perfect for all ages.

verbier

Crowds of discerning skiers have made Verbier their preferred winter destination every year. Many of these visitors are expert skiers who experience the excitement of conquering the resort’s challenging terrain and a number of professional skiers also call Verbier home. It is among the best off-piste resorts in the world and hosts spectator events such as XtremeVerbier (Freeride World Tour final). It is the biggest resort of the 4 Vallées ski area, with more than 400 km of runs, including incredible glacial clusters and deep powder bowls. The views from this corner of the Alps are equally impressive, all the way to the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. The gondola can take you up to 2700m, and the top lift at Mont Fort reaches a height of 3330m, making it one of the safest places to ski in Europe.

Verbier has some of the most luxurious ski chalets for rent in Switzerland, not least, a shocking nine-room chalet, Cottage. Sir Richard Branson owns the property and has ensured everything is state of the art from the furniture and fittings to the décor. Even the gym is equipped with a plasma TV, DVD and music system. When you get tired of enjoying your luxury chalet, you can visit Coco Club – the first VIP club in the Alps dedicated to celebrities and billionaires. Her signature cocktail, “Coco Chalet” is the most costly cocktail in the world with a price label as high as Verbier mountains.