St. Regis Deer Valley
We love vacations inspired by cool design. Check out the best-designed luxury ski resorts and there-in, where to decadently dine.
For years the slopes of Aspen, Vail, Park City and other luxurious ski towns around the world were filled with the latest designer fashions swooshing down the slopes. But eye-catching, well-designed looks aren’t just on the skiers, they’re also on display in the ski resorts themselves.
From unique architecture, unexpected amenities and amazing interior design, the best-designed, luxury ski resorts wow with far more than fresh powder and exciting runs. Ski resorts present an architectural challenge of blending a luxurious resort into rustic, mountain terrain. Our Ultimate ICONIC Ski Guide 2021 looks at five ski resorts that did it seamlessly.
St. Regis Deer Valley
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ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY | Utah
Arrive in style at the St. Regis Deer Valley when you ascend 500 feet in 90 seconds on the resort’s funicular. The heated cabins have leather seating—a lot like your perforated Milano premium leather sport seats—a designated area for luggage, and afford a spectacular if quick, view of the Wasatch Mountain range.
The funicular is the first in the U.S. that allows the two cabs to operate independently so demand at the top or the base can be easily met. The best-designed luxury ski resort itself brings chic to cabin style with stonework, exposed wood, inviting fireplaces and oversized leather seating.
St. Regis Deer Valley
ICONIC TIP: The ski “beach” with its loungers, firepits and menu by Jean-Georges Vongerichten makes an ideal outdoor après ski spot. Oenophiles shouldn’t miss the St. Regis Wine Vault with its more than 13,000 bottles.
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Four Seasons Jackson Hole
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FOUR SEASONS JACKSON HOLE | Wyoming
Located at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, the Four Seasons Jackson Hole is arguably the most luxurious and best-designed ski resorts in the area. Located slope side, the resort’s design harkens back to the Western vernacular architecture of the state. Stonework, exposed wooden beams, deep terrace overhangs and stone chimneys jutting skyward give the property a true mountain feel.
Four Seasons Jackson Hole
ICONIC TIP: Plan to have dinner at the Westbank Grill where the chefs grill up your steak to order in the 1,800-degree infrared grill.
The Golf Club’s elegant, modern architecture contrasts with the ruggedness of the land, while many of the private homes are the most luxurious takes on traditional log homes that you’ll ever see.
Yellowstone Club
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YELLOWSTONE CLUB | Montana
Set on more than 13,600 acres in Big Sky, Montana, the Yellowstone Club is the world’s only private ski and golf club. Nestled in the Rockies, there are more than 2,900 skiable acres to explore. The Golf Club’s elegant, modern architecture contrasts with the ruggedness of the land, while many of the private homes are the most luxurious takes on traditional log homes that you’ll ever see.
Yellowstone Club
ICONIC TIP: With 16 different restaurants, whatever appetite you work up on the slopes can be easily met from the comfort food found at the Buffalo Bar & Grill or BaBa, celebrity chef Ming Tsai’s Asian eatery.
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Shore Lodge Whitetail
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SHORE LODGE WHITETAIL | Idaho
Located in the Salmon River Mountains, the Shore Lodge is still owned by the McCall family that started the lodge back in 1948. Located on the shores of Payette Lake, the property recently renovated 77 guest suites and the expansive windows with lakeside views are the standout design feature. Interiors are very traditional, with exposed wood, a dark color palette and rustic vibe, making it one of the best-designed ski resorts.
Shore Lodge Whitetail
ICONIC TIP: Dine at The Narrows Steakhouse, one of Wine Spectator’s Best of 2020.
Four Seasons Vail
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FOUR SEASONS VAIL | Colorado
With a renovation of some of its public spaces in 2019, the Four Seasons Vail continues to lead luxury with the best-designed ski resort in Vail. While its exterior and common spaces exude the traditional cabin vibe, the accommodations are some of the most modern on the mountain with clean lines, contemporary furniture and a soft, soothing grey color palette.
Four Seasons Vail
ICONIC TIP: You may be in the mountains, but there is no compromising style at The Remedy Bar, where you’ll find one of the liveliest après-ski scenes, creative craft cocktails and firepits that burn year-round.
The Ultimate Ski Guide is a three-part series. Don’t miss The Ultimate ICONIC Ski Guide 2021 and Best Après Ski.
Editor’s Note: Resort conditions and restaurant openings may change at any time. Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local closings, government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.
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