Winter is the perfect time for romantic getaways. It's the time of the year when couples decide to take some time off their hectic schedule and escape to stunning destinations, offering them a chance to relax, rejuvenate, and rekindle romance. A ski trip is one of the most romantic trips to take with the love of your life. There's nothing more romantic than cozying up by the fireplace of your chalet with hot morning coffees, soaking up the dreamy views of snow-capped mountains with snow gently falling by the window. If you need ideas on where to go, here's a list of the most picturesque destinations made for luxury couples' ski retreats.
St Anton, Austria
St Anton is one of the Alps' top destinations for a romantic ski break, and it's easy to see why. It's in the stunning area of Austria's Arlberg region, along the western state of Tirol. In addition, it has a consistent snow record and a varied and extensive ski terrain of over 300 km of pistes.
The ski area of St Anton consists of four sections. One lies along the south side of Rendl, a small village you can reach on a gondola from the bus station. The other three sections lie along the north. A state-of-the-art Galzig gondola takes skiers west across the Moss Valley and into the Galzig ski area. On the south of Galzig, you'll find the charming resort of St. Christoph, and to the east are the peaks of Schindler and Valluga.
Aside from skiing, couples can bond over other fun activities while in St Anton. You can try tobogganing, starting from the Gampen lift and snaking down four kilometres into the mountain. The run features a 500-metre descent and is free to use, but you must rent a toboggan from one of the sports shops around town.
Val d'Isere, France
Val d'Isere is one of the world's most iconic ski resorts and a fantastic destination for couples looking for a romantic break in the French Alps. It's home to picturesque villages, excellent restaurants, bars, and luxury chalets with romantic views. Val d'Isere attracts holidaymakers worldwide, including couples who want to soak up its romantic atmosphere and enjoy its vast ski area.
Val d'Isere lies at the end of the stunning Tarentaise Valley in France's Rhone-Alps region. The valley is cut-off during winter because of snow. Once the snow melts, skiers can cross to the Maurienne Valley and towards Bonneval through le col de l'Iseran.
Val d'Isere consists of the main village of Val d'Isere and two more villages, Le Fornet and La Daille. You can get around the villages through a free bus service until late at night. If you and your partner want to enjoy the nightlife of Val d'Isere, you should stay in the main village. It's an ideal base for your ski break since it offers numerous accommodation options, including romantic chalets. But if you prefer to stay in a quiet area with less nightlife, stay in Le Fornet, about five minutes’ drive from Val d'Isere.
Zermatt, Switzerland
When going on a skiing holiday in Switzerland, according to ski holiday provider SNO, one of the most popular skier destinations to consider is Zermatt. The world-famous resort is home to the Matterhorn, looming high over the picturesque town. Couples looking to ski in a vast terrain amongst spectacular landscapes should consider a ski retreat to Zermatt. In addition, many of the chalets in Zermatt have incredibly scenic views, allowing for a truly romantic break.
Zermatt offers an ideal setting for skiing and snowboarding in the Swiss Alps, thanks to its high altitude and impressive snow conditions. The ski resort has three sections, including one that connects Zermatt to Cervinia in Italy. Whether you and your partner are beginners or experts, Zermatt has the perfect ski area.
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is Zermatt's most popular ski area, offering year-round glacier skiing accessible from the Klein Matterhorn, Europe's highest mountain station. To get to this ski area, you can take the Matterhorn- Express cable car, traveling over 3,000 meters above sea level in 45 minutes. Aside from skiing, take the time to explore Zermatt and visit attractions like the Matterhorn Glacier Palace and the Snow Park in Zermatt.
Courchevel, France
Courchevel is one of Europe's most popular ski resorts, part of the World's largest ski area called "The Three Valleys." Offering exceptional skiing and snowboarding all year round, Courchevel is an ideal destination for a romantic ski retreat. It boasts a massive terrain, dubbed the winter playground of the rich and the famous.
The Courchevel Village is Courchevel's quietest area, ideal for couples who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a ski holiday with no distractions. It is also popular among families and is home to excellent accommodations, from chalets to modern apartments.
While skiing is the highlight of your romantic break in Courchevel, you can also enjoy other activities like riding a horse-drawn sleigh or huskies, snowshoeing, and ski-touring. If you prefer a relaxing holiday, hit a spa and indulge in a fancy romantic dinner. Courchevel is a ski resort with a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. If you and your partner want to treat yourselves to fine dining experiences, this is the best place to be.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is one of the world's most upmarket ski resorts, renowned for its excellent off-piste terrains, breathtaking views and wide, steep slopes. It links to four Vallées, forming part of Switzerland's largest ski area, boasting over 400 km of pistes to explore. Stretching from 1,500 to 3,330 metres, Verbier is an excellent ski area for couples who are advanced skiers.
Although Verbier is not considered a go-to option for beginners, it has accessible nursery slopes, perfect for first-time skiers. You'll find these slopes between Les Moulins and Les Esserts. However, Verbier is most-renowned for its off-piste skiing, thanks to its ample backcountry ski areas, such as Col de Mouches, which you can reach via a high traverse through the Chassoure-Tortin slope.
Verbier ski resort is in the 4 Vallees, along the French-speaking region of Switzerland's canton Valais. It's part of the largest ski area in Switzerland, home to numerous luxury ski chalets, perfect for couples on a romantic ski retreat.
