Crans-Montana, Switzerland

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It's hard to know whether to sunbathe or ski here. Fortunately, in Crans-Montana you can easily combine both on 140 kilometers of slopes. At an altitude of 1500 to 3000 meters, you are surrounded by a more than impressive mountain world (including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc); deckchairs are standard equipment on the slopes, sometimes even including palm trees. In the "Snowpark Crans Montana" there is an "adrenaline zone" that makes freeriders' hearts beat faster - it's better to do it before the snow bar aperitifs. Caviar and vodka are also very popular in a region that is increasingly focusing on luxury clientele. A hotel recommendation is the "Six Senses Crans-Montana" directly on the piste.

Megève, France

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Almost like in the old days, when Hollywood stars, playboys and the moneyed aristocracy drove their sports cars into the mountains even in the depths of winter: The annual vintage car meeting in Megève brings back nostalgia - it also includes a prize for the best historic outfit. The small ski resort near Mont Blanc in the French Alps was established in the 1920s by the Rothschilds as an alternative to St. Moritz. The resort has retained its alpine charm, but also its luxurious standard of living: the density of Michelin-starred restaurants is fascinatingly high. Although many of the hotels boast five stars, they have fortunately retained their traditional wooden building style, which is cozy and snug. The "Lodge Park" is a luxury hideaway with a spacious spa and breathtaking pool overlooking the snow-covered treetops.

Verbier, Switzerland

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Verbier is regularly listed among the best ski resorts in Switzerland, but that alone does not make it particularly attractive: The third highest ski resort in the country has not only won the hearts of numerous celebrities (such as singer James Blunt), but is also very popular with aristocrats - the royal families of Denmark and Great Britain have been spotted here several times, for example; Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Harry regularly come to explore the fantastic slopes. Those who don't stay in a private chalet to spend their vacation as unobserved as possible can be seen in the luxury hotel "W Verbier", which lies at an altitude of 1530 meters in the middle of the Valais mountains. You have direct access to more than 400 kilometers of ski slopes.

Alta Badia/Corvara, Italy

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This is how understatement works: the "La Perla" hotel in Corvara advertises on its homepage what it doesn't have: no huge wellness area, no wine from Australia, no marble from Carrara. "Our focus is on people," says hotelier Michil Costa, whose extravagant style of dress (such as jackets in the brightest possible colors) would make you expect him to be in an urban environment. He was a punk, made a living as a DJ in London, ran for the European Parliament as a Green Party candidate, visited the Dalai Lama; until he returned to his parents' hotel and opened the "La Perla"La Stüa de Michil" gourmet restaurant, which has held a Michelin star since 2002. Dining is by candlelight in a South Tyrolean parlor made of antique wood. The wine cellar is impressive - ideal for tasting the Ladin wines from the region.

Courchevel, France

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Malicious tongues claim that skiing is merely a side issue in Courchevel, despite having access to the largest ski area in the world. France's posh ski resort is known as the "St. Tropez of the Alps"; a sleepy mountain village that is the perfect backdrop for high society - although Courchevel was never actually a village, but rather the first ski resort in France to be built on the drawing board in 1850, with five-star hotels and luxury boutiques. Ski boots next to Louboutin heels are not uncommon here; those who want to can land in a private jet at Courchevel airport, which has even been the setting for two James Bond films. The density of Michelin-starred restaurants is high and champagne flows freely. The "Cap Horn" is the oldest mountain restaurant - and a popular party address.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

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St. Moritz is not particularly idyllic, there are far more picturesque places in the Engadin - those who come to St. Moritz either love the fantastic slopes or have a penchant for luxury and decadence, which are indulged in particularly extensively here. "See and be seen" is the motto of the legendary Snow Polo World Cup, which has been held every January since 1985; the density of fur coats and champagne consumption are nowhere as high as at this winter event. If you are still looking for seclusion, stay at the traditional hotel "Badrutt's Palace" with panoramic views of the Engadine Alps. The "Swiss Historic Hotels" label guarantees that nothing has been over-renovated and that much of the old elegance of the legendary grand hotels is still present.

Recommended reading: The myth of Badrutt's Palace

Laax, Switzerland

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If you're looking for adventure, Laax is the place to be. The region is considered a freestyle paradise and also attracts a young, hip crowd. Here you will find the largest halfpipe in the world, an Olympic-sized pro kicker line and more than 90 obstacles spread across five snow parks. Snowboarders from all over the world also love the lively nightlife: Anyone looking for a diverse après-ski scene in addition to fun on the slopes will love Laax - you can easily move from one bar to the next, there's plenty on offer. The "Arena Bar" in Flims-Dorf stands for cool music; in good weather the party starts at 3 pm. A perfect starting point for a long night!

Lech, Austria

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Since the 1960s, the typical mountain farming village of Lech am Arlberg has become a world-famous luxury ski resort. Lady Diana was once one of its most famous guests, but the Dutch royal family also likes to visit every winter. As a ski resort, Lech Zürs is unbeatably extensive and varied - from family slopes to race tracks for speed junkies, you will find all levels of difficulty. Heliskiing is also on offer - and the "Skyspace" is a place where heaven and earth meet: The underground color-and-light room by US artist James Turrell, who wanted to create a place of peace in the middle of the Alpine landscape, looks like a UFO. Sunlight shines through a dome, and in bad weather an artificial light installation illuminates this very special mountain museum.

Gstaad, Switzerland

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Not only Gunter Sachs, probably the most famous playboy of all time, had a chalet in Gstaad - nevertheless, the Swiss Alpine resort has managed to retain a certain relaxed atmosphere to this day; the super-rich know that glamor meets a pleasant down-to-earthness and authenticity here. World stars come and go, but Gstaad remains relaxed, which is what makes it so charming. Of course, luxury is celebrated, preferably in old grand hotels that look like palaces from another era. Après-ski excesses? Gstaad is too good for that, instead you can enjoy the peace and quiet. In the luxury hotel "Gstaad Palace", which opened its doors in 1913, you feel like you've been transported back in time: You immediately want to browse through Thomas Mann's novel "The Magic Mountain" and go for long winter walks before getting a wonderful night's sleep.

Zermatt, Switzerland

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Zermatt is car-free - but that is just one highlight of this mountain village, which is famous for its view of the Matterhorn: the density of luxury hotels and chalets is impressive. The best way to get here is on the Glacier Express, which runs between St. Moritz and Zermatt, so you can get a feel for the breathtaking landscape. Of course, Zermatt is no longer an insider's tip; numerous day visitors now come to take photos of the idyllic place. In the Mountain Lodge "The Omnia"Fortunately, you don't notice much of this in the hotel: Situated on a rock 45 meters above the rooftops of the city, you can only reach the lobby via a tunnel and an elevator; the fresh mountain air and the view from the wellness area are incredibly relaxing.