I have been skiing for 35 yeas all over the world. My favorite ski destination is the car free village of Zermatt, Switzerland at the foot of the Matterhorn. When I go there this year I will stay at the Hotel Mount Cervin Palace in the heart of the village. If you are looking for a romantic ski hideaway I would suggest the Romankik Hotel Julen. For that "out of the way ski experience" I would stay at the Riffelalp, high up on the Gornergrat mountain. Zermatt is one of the few places in the world where you can easily ski to a different country and return the same day. With the current exchange rate, Switzerland is an attractive ski option.

My second most favorite intimate ski area is Megeve, France.  I will stay at the Chalet du d'Arbois. Megeve emerged as a serious haute winter playground in the 1920s, thanks largely to the Baroness Naomie de Rothschild, who built her famed Palace Hôtel du Mont d'Arbois here. Since that time, everyone from Hubert de Givenchy and Rita Hayworth to Ringo Starr and Saudi royalty has descended upon this tiny French hamlet, parking their private jets in the nearby Geneva airport. Megève is a town and commune in the Haute-Savoie department and Rhône-Alpes region of France. Megève is a famous ski resort near the Mont-Blanc in the French Alps. It is sometimes considered one of the most beautiful resorts in the world.

The Megève ski area boasts 300 kilometers of marked trails, served by 81 integrated lifts, (and no t-bars) offering extensive terrain for skiers of all levels. Since opening in 1913, the resort has played its part in the development of the sport of skiing and regularly hosts World Cup races. Two snow parks and a half-pipe are available for snowboarding. The resort is served by a modern, high-speed lift system that ensures a quick ride to the top. With an average of 200cm of snow falling every year, the trails are well covered. On the occasion when Mother Nature doesn’t provide enough snow, there are more than 175 snow cannons to make extra. 

In the USA, I love the Vail area also a pedestrian-no car village. My first choice, is the Sonnenalp Resort in the heart of the Vail Village. The Sonnenalp is not a ski-in, ski-out, all be it only a short walk to the lifts. I will always choose the Sonnenalp because of the management and the warm family atmosphere. This Resort is owned and operated by the Faessler family. Johannes Faessler and his wife Rosanna are the owner, operators. They are very hands on. Their attention to detail in every area of the resort is unsurpassed. The accommodations are  authentic Bavarian including fireplaces in each suite and heated floors in the bathrooms. All the suites are totally current with high speed connectivity and flat panel TV's. Let's not forget the food. Ludwig's, located in the hotel, is one of the finest restaurants in all of the Vail Valley. Then there is the only truly Swiss Restaurant, The Swiss Chalet also located in the resort. For a casual snack there is the Bully Ranch and for Apre Ski there is the King's club where you may sip Champagne, sample caviar or have a beer and burger. For me, MrFiveStar, the Sonnenalp has it all.

The Sonnenalp Resort also offeres a new lodging option in the heart of Vail Village. One Willow Bridge Residences is located at the corner of Vail’s Meadow Drive and One Willow Bridge Road, just steps from the Sonnenalp Resort and Vail Mountain. luxury residences Brand new 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums feature elegant furnishings, gourmet kitchens and designer baths. Centrally located, guests have access to numerous dining options within the building as well as the renowned shopping and dining of Vail Village. Guests who make their lodging reservations through the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail enjoy full access to the Sonnenalp Spa, preferred tee times at the Sonnenalp Golf Club, charge privileges and the world-class personal service of this esteemed resort. Call (866) 284-4411 or (970) 476-5656 to reserve.

Did I forget skiing? There is no better mountain to ski  in the US than Vail Mountain with over five thousand skiiable acres and 33 lifts. Shopping? Just show up with your street cloths and underwear. Vail will outfit you in style from head to toe. There is no need to bring a suitcase. The Sonnenalp will send your purchases home upon your departure. See you at the Sonnenalp Resort, Vail. Click here to go directly to the Sonnenalp web site.