WINTER · THE ALPS & ASPEN
Gstaad, St. Moritz, Courchevel or Aspen: choosing your winter
Four of the world’s great winter resorts compared for families: the atmosphere, the skiing, arriving by private jet, the social calendar, and which suits children, grandparents and a quiet New Year best.
Published 9 November 2026 · ATLAS MAISON editorial team
- Gstaad
- Quiet, chalet-based, discreet; Saanen airfield nearby
- St. Moritz
- Grand hotels and winter events; Engadin Airport at Samedan
- Courchevel
- The largest ski area, ski-in chalets; its own altiport
- Aspen
- America’s great mountain town; Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
- Book
- Christmas and New Year chalets, a year ahead
The families we look after rarely ask whether to go to the mountains in winter; they ask where. Gstaad, St. Moritz, Courchevel and Aspen each have their own character, and the right choice depends on who is travelling, how much they ski and how they like to spend the evenings.
Gstaad
Gstaad is the quietest of the four: a car-free village street, wooden chalets, long lunches and a strong sense of privacy. The skiing is gentle and spread across several areas, which suits mixed groups and grandparents. Saanen airfield nearby handles smaller aircraft and helicopters; Geneva is around two hours by road.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is grander and more social, with historic palace hotels and a winter calendar that includes the Snow Polo World Cup and White Turf. At around 1,800 metres, it has reliable snow and famously sunny days. Engadin Airport at Samedan serves private aviation, weather permitting.
Courchevel
Courchevel 1850 offers ski-in, ski-out chalets of extraordinary standard and direct access to the Trois Vallées, one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. It suits strong skiers and families who want everything at the door. Its altiport takes small aircraft and helicopters; the main airports are Geneva, Lyon and Chambéry.
Aspen
Aspen is America’s most famous mountain town, with four ski areas, an energetic town centre and excellent restaurants. It suits American families and those combining the holidays with New York or Los Angeles. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is a few minutes from town. See our Aspen concierge page.
How to choose
For privacy and grandparents, Gstaad. For grand hotels and winter society, St. Moritz. For the best skiing from the door, Courchevel. For an American Christmas with a lively town, Aspen. Whichever you choose, the best chalets for Christmas and New Year are often committed a year ahead. Read also our guide to a ski holiday for three generations.
Choosing a winter resort: questions
Which is the best ski resort for families with grandparents?
Gstaad is often the easiest, with gentle skiing, a car-free village and many non-ski activities. The right chalet matters more than the resort.
Which resort has the best skiing?
Courchevel, with direct access to the Trois Vallées, offers one of the largest linked ski areas in the world.
Can private jets fly to these resorts?
Smaller aircraft and helicopters can use Saanen (Gstaad), Samedan (St. Moritz), the Courchevel altiport and Aspen/Pitkin County, all subject to weather and aircraft limits. Larger jets use Geneva, Zurich, Lyon or Eagle County.
When should we book a chalet for Christmas?
As early as possible; the best chalets for Christmas and New Year are often committed a year ahead.