Les Airelles Courchevel

The ski-in, ski-out entrance sets the tone: staff are waiting at the door to take your equipment before you've caught your breath. This is a Forbes Five Star palace hotel dressed in Austro-Hungarian splendor, all hand-painted frescoes, garnet carpets, and wood-burning fires in the lounge. The rooms are few enough that nothing feels anonymous. La Mer Spa and three restaurants are on site, which is fortunate, because nothing outside looks nearly as warm.