Must-try exclusive winter experiences

St. Moritz , Switzerland – Snow Polo World Cup  

Every January, the resort of St. Moritz transforms into the epicenter of the international polo scene. On the frozen Lake St. Moritz, the Snow Polo World Cup gathers elite teams from around the globe for three thrilling days of high-goal competition, the only event of its kind played entirely on snow. 

In 2026, the tournament celebrates its 41st edition, taking place from 23 to 26 January. Tickets for this prestigious occasion are available online. For many, the holidays begin with a private jet arriving direct at Engadin Airport, just minutes from the lake. 

Between the matches, visitors relax in the elegant hotels of St. Moritz, from the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski to Suvretta House or the iconic Badrutt’s Palace. 

The season opens on 3 December with the Christmas market, filling the streets with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.  

In February, attention turns again to the frozen lake for White Turf St. Moritz. On 8, 15 and 22 February 2026, thoroughbreds and international jockeys race across the snow during the legendary Skijöring event.  

Those who prefer art to adrenaline can visit the Nomad Art Fair from 12 to 14 February, a curated gathering of leading galleries set against the stunning alpine backdrop. 

Skiing, of course, remains a cornerstone of life here. Visitors can even glimpse the Prada ski lift, a striking remnant of the fashion house’s 2021 campaign. 

St. Moritz is, quite simply, a winter dream, the Ballroom of the Alps. 

Lech Zürs am Arlberg, Austria – Champagne Gondola 

Source: Lech Bergbahn Champagner Gondel

High above the snow-covered peaks of Lech Zürs am Arlberg, one of Austria’s most exclusive ski resorts, guests can experience a truly unique highlight: the Moët & Chandon Champagne Gondola. As the cable car glides over the pristine alpine landscape, passengers enjoy breathtaking views paired with sparkling champagne moments. This extraordinary experience combines the glamour of the Alps with the elegance of Moët & Chandon – a must for those seeking more than just skiing. Tickets and reservations can be arranged online. 

For skiers, the legendary White Ring connects Lech with Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech. Covering 22 kilometers of pistes and 5,500 meters in altitude, the circuit offers both a sporting challenge and spectacular views from panoramic platforms such as Rüfikopf. The White Ring is a true Arlberg tradition – half-day through the heart of the Alps. 

And those who prefer hiking with wonderful views can take the Snowflake Panorama Trail. 

After a day on the mountains, visitors can enjoy whisky tastings, fondue evenings or the après-ski culture that defines the Arlberg from December to April.  

Just a short drive away, St. Anton am Arlberg captures the same spirit of alpine adventure. Its renowned Run of Fame stretches across three mountain passes, covering 85 kilometers and 18,000 meters in altitude, a journey that follows in the tracks of ski pioneers and legends of the silver screen. 

Lech Zürs and St. Anton together embody the finest expression of winter luxury. Every moment on the Arlberg is defined by tradition and the unmistakable charm of the Austrian Alps. 

Courchevel, France – Luxury Fashion  

Courchevel is far more than a ski resort, it is a world of style nestled in the heart of the French Alps. Alongside its immaculate slopes, visitors discover a glittering array of designer boutiques, from Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Here, shopping becomes an experience in itself, an extension of the jet-set lifestyle that defines this glamorous alpine village. For guests arriving by private jet, the journey is as refined as the destination. All boutiques reopen around 5 December, marking the start of another sparkling season in Courchevel. 

At Courchevel 1850, sophistication meets comfort across a collection of 45 exceptional hotels, ranging from charming hideaways to palatial retreats. Each is distinguished by its own character and ambience, making sure that every stay feels exclusive. Most properties offer direct access to the slopes, so guests can ski in and out. Among the most celebrated are Le K2 Palace, L’Apogée Courchevel and Cheval Blanc Hotel. 

Courchevel remains the epitome of alpine glamour, where high fashion meets high altitude. 

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada – Heliskiing at Bighorn Lodge 

Tucked away in the towering peaks of British Columbia, Bighorn Lodge is regarded as one of the finest mountain retreats in the world and the ultimate gateway to heliskiing heaven. With direct access to the legendary Monashee Mountains, guests lift off from their private helipad and carve lines through fresh powder. British Columbia is the birthplace of heliskiing, and Revelstoke remains its shining crown jewel. 

The region’s vast wilderness and incredible snowfall have made it a magnet for heliskiers for over half a century. From wide glacial bowls to perfectly spaced tree runs, the terrain is nothing short of extraordinary. Forbes once described Bighorn as “heliskiing Valhalla” and it lives up to the name. Private heliski operators fly directly from the lodge, offering instant access to the best powder on earth. 

After a day of pure exhilaration, guests return to the comfort of Bighorn’s world-class facilities. Gourmet dining and spa treatments create the perfect contrast to the thrill of the mountains. Beyond heliskiing, the adventure continues with snowmobiling, dog sledding and even heli-accessed glacier treks. 

Revelstoke itself has evolved into one of North America’s most exciting ski destinations. The Revelstoke Mountain Resort combines lift, cat, heli and backcountry skiing from one base, a first of its kind. With the continent’s longest skiable vertical and more than 1,200 hectares of pristine terrain, it offers a playground for every level of skier. 

At Bighorn Lodge, adrenaline meets elegance in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. 

Dolomites, Alta Badia & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The Italy Gourmet Ski Safari 

In the heart of the Dolomites, the Italy Gourmet Ski Safari combines two of Italy’s greatest passions – skiing and gastronomy. Between Alta Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the event turns the slopes into a tasting route where each descent ends not at a bar, but at a mountain hut serving dishes created by Michelin-starred chefs. It is skiing with a distinctly Italian accent. 

Each December, the Gourmet Skisafari marks the beginning of Alta Badia’s culinary winter season. Participants ski from hut to hut, sampling the signature creations of renowned chefs such as Massimiliano Alajmo, Chicco and Bobo Cerea, and Simone Cantafio, each pairing their dishes with wines from South Tyrol’s vineyards. The following spring, the Wine Skisafari – De dl vin celebrates the region’s winemaking tradition, bringing tastings of Alto Adige’s mountain wines to altitudes above 2,000 meters. 

The Dolomites’ vast Dolomiti Superski network connects 12 resorts and offers one of the most extensive ski areas in the world, yet the rhythm here remains unhurried. Between runs, visitors pause at panoramic terraces overlooking limestone peaks. 

Alta Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo have long understood that food is part of the journey, not a break from it. The Gourmet Ski Safari captures that idea perfectly.  

Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan – Winter Glamping at HOSHINOYA Fuji 

Overlooking Lake Kawaguchi and facing the snow-covered slopes of Mount Fuji, Hoshinoya Fuji brings a contemporary approach to winter in Japan. Set within the forest above the lake, the retreat offers a calm alternative to traditional ski resorts. Each cabin opens to wide views of Mount Fuji, combining clean design with a connection to nature. Especially in the colder months, the air feels clear and the silence around the lake is part of the experience. 

The area surrounding Mount Fuji offers a surprising variety of winter activities. The Fujiten Snow Resort, at the mountain’s northern base, provides gentle ski runs and open views of Fuji’s peak, while Snow Town Yeti on the southern side attracts local skiers and families. The wider Fuji Five Lakes region is known for hiking and natural hot springs, all set against Japan’s most recognisable landmark. 

Beyond Yamanashi, Japan’s winter landscape stretches north into some of Asia’s best ski regions. Hokkaido is celebrated for its powder-light snow in resorts such as Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. On Honshu, the Japanese Alps offer more challenging slopes around Hakuba and Shiga Kogen, both easily reached from Tokyo. For travellers seeking culture alongside snow, even Kyoto sees occasional winter flurries that turn temples and gardens into something quietly extraordinary. 

Each February, Japan’s fascination with winter peaks during the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido. Towering ice sculptures, snow slides, and illuminated displays fill the city’s parks and streets.  

Seen through winter’s light, Japan becomes both quieter and more vivid at the same time.  

Montana, USA – Yellowstone Club Experience 

Hidden within the mountains of Montana lies the Yellowstone Club, a private winter paradise reserved for an exceptionally exclusive circle of members. With more than 2,900 acres of pristine ski terrain, over 300 inches of annual snowfall and more than 100 runs, it is widely regarded as the world’s most private ski destination. Here, skiing is just the beginning. Members enjoy ski-in/ski-out chalets, fine dining and a sense of belonging shared only by a select few. 

At Yellowstone Club, luxury is defined by privacy and community. The resort’s SnowSports Team tailors every experience, from Nordic skiing and snowshoeing to guided tours led by legendary skier Scot Schmidt. Beyond the slopes, the village offers elegant lodges and world-class wellness facilities designed for those who appreciate understated sophistication. 

For guests who value discretion, private jet travel provides access, with nearby airfields accommodating arrivals from around the world. The Yellowstone Club embodies the very essence of exclusive alpine living, tranquillity in the heart of Montana’s snow-covered wilderness. 

Start your holiday with Chapman Freeborn 

Travelling to the mountains should reflect the same standard as the destination itself. With 50+ years in global aviation, Chapman Freeborn offers a service built on experience and attention to detail. Each flight is arranged to individual preference, providing direct access to the world’s most exclusive winter destinations.
Contact pax@chapmanfreeborn.aero to arrange your flight.