You see them in TV shows, on the big screen or on huge stages. But even in winter, global stars and royalty can’t resist the call of the perfectly groomed slopes. SnowTrex reveals exactly where you can spot celebrities in their ski gear and where skiing fans have the best chance of perhaps sharing a lift with their idols. We showcase the ski resorts where the stars come and go in a constant stream and explain why some of them have been returning to these luxurious resorts time and again for decades.
Zermatt (Switzerland)
With 200 kilometres of slopes, Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts. Here, the slopes stretch up to an altitude of 3,800 metres and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding four-thousand-metre peaks, foremost among them, of course, the Matterhorn (4,478 m). No wonder, then, that the car-free ski resort of Zermatt is not only hugely popular with the general public. Celebrities have always been keen to experience the ski resort and the charming village. Among them are stars such as Phil Collins, Paul McCartney and Madonna, who have all carved their way down the slopes here in the past.
St. Moritz (Switzerland)
When it comes to defining a legendary ski resort, the name St. Moritz always springs to mind. Alongside 5-star hotels and luxury boutiques, this exclusive village in the Engadin Valley offers immaculately groomed slopes and an average of 322 days of sunshine a year. It’s a combination that the wealthy find hard to resist. And so, even in the past, St. Moritz was a decisive step ahead of its rivals when it came to high society. Around 150 years ago, the first luxury hotel in the Alps was built here, which meant that over the years the Swiss ski resort attracted more and more international stars. Among others, Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich and Alfred Hitchcock regularly spent their holidays here. Today, however, the resort’s many fans include not only Hugh Grant and George Clooney, but also former Chancellor Angela Merkel and members of the Swedish royal family.
Ischgl (Austria)
Ischgl is one of the best-known and most popular ski resorts in the world. What’s more, the wide range of winter sports on offer in the Silvretta-Arena ski area is sure to set skiers’ hearts racing. In the Paznaun Valley, there are not only chic luxury hotels but also affordable accommodation, meaning that even ordinary skiers can catch a glimpse of stars and starlets such as Eros Ramazotti or Paris Hilton up close. The latter is also a member of the VIP Mountain Club Ischgl, where almost every wish is granted to the maximum of 300 exclusive members: from VIP access to the mountain railways and luxurious accommodation to a private ski instructor.
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Ischgl is also the ultimate après-ski destination, and winter sports enthusiasts will find everything here that even the stars need to round off an eventful day in style. Chic bars, stylish pubs and wild clubs can be found on every corner. Celebrities such as Nicole Scherzinger, Dieter Bohlen, Katy Perry and Kylie Minogue have already been spotted here, turning night into day.
Aspen (USA)
What St. Moritz is to Europeans, Aspen is to Americans. The ‘Beverly Hills of skiing’ in the US state of Colorado boasts 5-star hotels, designer boutiques and numerous jewellers. Consequently, there is hardly any other place in the Rocky Mountains with such a high concentration of celebrities as Aspen, Colorado – particularly in winter. Jack Nicholson and Mariah Carey regularly spend their evenings in Aspen during the cold season. Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn even own houses here and are spotted here frequently. Alongside Hollywood stars such as Cameron Diaz and Harrison Ford, ‘model mum’ Heidi Klum is also among the stars who enjoy being seen on the slopes here.
Kitzbühel (Austria)
Most people associate Kitzbühel with the legendary Hahnenkamm Race, part of the Alpine Skiing World Cup. And, of course, numerous celebrities such as Verona Pooth, Boris Becker and Arnold Schwarzenegger never miss this spectacle. Prince Albert of Monaco, Uschi Glas and the Swarovski clan are also among the ski resort’s regular guests. The rich and famous mostly stay at the ‘Stanglwirt’ in Going or the ‘Lebenberg Schlosshotel’, enjoying the exclusivity and special charm of Kitzbühel. During the race weekend, the partying takes place at the ‘Stanglwirt’ or the trendy ‘Take Five’ nightclub. (The following video is in German.)
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Verbier (Switzerland)
Switzerland’s third-highest ski resort is internationally popular and renowned for its numerous spectacular off-piste runs. In the past, Richard Branson, James Blunt and the Danish royal couple have all succumbed to its charm, showcasing their skiing skills in Verbier. Perhaps winter holidaymakers will be lucky enough to spot the British billionaire or the royal couple on the ski lift, at après-ski or during a lunch break at the chalet. Winter sports enthusiasts might also bump into them whilst ice climbing on the frozen waterfalls (Val de Bagnes) or paragliding at Mont Fort.
Méribel (France)
Les 3 Vallées is the world’s largest ski resort, boasting a total of 600 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,300 metres. Méribel is situated in the Vallée des Allues, one of the 3 Vallées. Here, ski enthusiasts are treated to world-class slopes. The Beckhams – dad David and mum Victoria – and singer Natalie Imbruglia have already enjoyed the spectacular views of the Vanoise National Park in Méribel. And with a bit of luck, you might even bump into Harry Potter star Emma Watson on the slopes in winter, as she has bought a chalet in Méribel.
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Gstaad (Switzerland)
St. Moritz is the Swiss ski resort for celebrities who want to be seen, and Gstaad for those who prefer to remain unrecognised – or so they say. Roger Moore, once a regular visitor, once remarked with delight that the locals were more interested in his car than in him. It is mainly the stars of the older generation who have made Gstaad a celebrity Mecca: Moore, Sophia Loren, Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, Liz Taylor. But Princess Madeleine of Sweden has also recognised the charms of Gstaad.
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Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone even bought a hotel here. Yet the rich and famous don’t flaunt their wealth here. From the outside, the chalets look more like farmhouses than luxury palaces. And those who don’t own their own stay at the 5-star superior “Gstaad Palace” hotel, which has itself served as the backdrop for more than a dozen films in the past. The “Grand Hotel Bellevue” offers a more modern atmosphere.
Davos-Klosters (Switzerland)
At least once a year – except in his coronation year, 2023 – the idyllic town of Klosters receives a royal visit. This is because King Charles III of the United Kingdom has chosen the Davos-Klosters ski resort as his favourite place to ski. The heir to the throne, Prince William, has also spent plenty of time here in the snow with his wife Kate. King Charles’s love for this place has lasted for over 40 years. One of the Gotschnabahn gondolas is even named ‘Prince of Wales’. The well-heeled guests stay either in their own chalet, at the “Chesa Grischuna” hotel or at the “Walserhof”. Outsiders usually cannot tell. For that is another thing celebrities appreciate about Klosters: it is a discreet place.
Lech (Austria)
She used to ski here as a teenager, enjoying many wonderful winter holidays – and suffering one of the greatest tragedies of her life. For decades, the former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has remained loyal to the exclusive resort of Lech am Arlberg. In 2012, her son Prince Friso was buried by an avalanche off-piste here and died as a result of the accident. Nevertheless, the royal family returned as early as 2013. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden also spent winter holidays in Lech, as did the now-abdicated King Juan Carlos I of Spain and his wife Sofia. The same goes for four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, who is equally fond of the resort. The celebrity guests love the gourmet creations at the ‘Brunnenhof’ or the ‘Rud-Alpe’. And the partying takes place at the ‘Schneggarei’ or the ‘Vernissage’.
Courchevel (France)
The popular winter sports resort of Courchevel is also situated within the vast French ski area of Les 3 Vallées. Like many other ski resorts in France, this resort was built specifically for winter sports. Courchevel differs, however, from the classic French mountain village, as no concrete blocks or mass accommodation were built here after the Second World War; instead, the townscape is characterised by chalets and luxury hotels. Wealthy celebrities spend their holidays in one of the nearly two dozen 5-star hotels and indulge in culinary delights at Michelin-starred restaurants such as ‘1947’ at the Hotel Cheval Blanc.
Among the familiar faces regularly spotted in Courchevel is Carla Bruni, the wife of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Naomi Campbell and Gérard Depardieu have also been seen on the slopes of this “St Tropez with slopes instead of beaches”, as the resort is often called. Another reason why this ski resort in the French Alps is so popular with celebrities is that Courchevel has its own airport, the Altiport, which is served exclusively by private jets.
Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy)
Sipping an ice-cold Aperol on the terrace of a luxury hotel, soaking up the sun in the Dolomites whilst watching the parade of sports cars below on the street. For well-heeled guests, Cortina d’Ampezzo offers exactly that, for it is not without reason that this town of 7,000 inhabitants, host of the 1956 and 2026 Winter Olympics, is considered one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations. With its charm both on and off the slopes, such as the legendary Tofana, Cortina attracted world stars of the calibre of Ernest Hemingway, Frank Sinatra, Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren as early as the 20th century. Even today, the ski resort remains a filming location for films such as “House of Gucci”. The two lead actors, Adam Driver and Lady Gaga, fell so in love with Cortina that they have already been skiing here.
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FAQ’s on skiing with the stars
Which ski resorts in Austria are particularly popular with celebrities and stars?
In Austria, Ischgl and Kitzbühel are particularly popular with celebrities and stars. Ischgl is known for its wide range of winter sports in the Silvretta Arena and attracts stars such as Eros Ramazzotti and Paris Hilton. Kitzbühel, on the other hand, is famous for the legendary Hahnenkamm Race and attracts celebrities such as Verona Pooth, Boris Becker and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both resorts offer a mix of luxury hotels and lively après-ski, making them popular meeting places for the rich and famous.
Which ski resort does Britain’s King Charles III prefer to visit?
Britain’s King Charles III loves the Davos-Klosters ski resort in Switzerland. His love for this place has lasted for over 40 years and he visits regularly, with the exception of his coronation year in 2023. The heir to the throne, Prince William, has also spent time here in the snow with his family. Klosters offers celebrities a discreet atmosphere that is appreciated by its royal guests.
Why is St. Moritz in Switzerland such a popular winter destination for celebrities?
St. Moritz in Switzerland is a legendary ski resort offering a unique combination of 5-star hotels, luxury boutiques and perfectly groomed slopes. Added to this are an average of 322 days of sunshine a year. This blend of luxury, sport and sunshine has been attracting international celebrities for around 150 years. Celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Alfred Hitchcock, Hugh Grant, George Clooney and Angela Merkel have been and continue to be among the guests who appreciate the special charm of St. Moritz.
What is the best way for stars to reach the ski resort of Courchevel in the French Alps in winter?
The best way for stars to reach Courchevel in the French Alps in winter is via the resort’s own airport, the Altiport. This airport is served exclusively by private jets, enabling a discreet and comfortable journey for wealthy celebrities. Courchevel itself is renowned for its luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and chalets, and attracts celebrities such as Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell and Gérard Depardieu.
