Our Favourite Ski Resort Investments

Whistler, Canada
Whistler's grand entrance onto the world stage came in February, 2010, when it hosted many of the events of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. For skiers, though, no introduction was needed; this area has long been one of the world's top skiing destinations. Two hours north of Vancouver, in the middle of British Columbia's scenic Coast Range, it resembles a vintage Currier and Ives postcard. The schussing is world-class, as is Canada's only AAA Five-Diamond hotel, the Four Seasons Resort Whistler. WOW!

Alagna, Italy  
Alagna's way off the "hot-spot" radar. It's a "rustica" northern Italian village with a population of 400, no real shopping to speak of, and only a handful of eateries. But the 115 miles of trails offer incredible skiing and the backcountry runs offer even more. Nightlife - such as it is - takes place at the Caffé delle Guide at the Hotel Monterosa. If you're looking for popular hot-spots, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for hot slopes this is it.

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, U.S.  
One of the best things about Ski Valley is that it's near Taos, a spiritual and artistic south western town with dream-like natural light. The Ski Valley's Swiss-village ambience (including a clock tower) is complemented by 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest mountain, and a beautiful alpine lake with a waterfall called Williams Lake. Average annual snowfall here is 305 inches - but you'll generally be skiing in bright sunshine. And there are 113 trails. Edelweiss Lodge and Spa and Snake Dance offer gorgeous lodging.

Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy  
Cortina nestles amidst the stunning Dolomites of Northern Italy. The area has over 740 miles of ski runs, as well as snowmobiling, bobsledding, dog-sledding, snowboarding, ice-climbing, tobogganing, and ice-skating, and 50 miles of cross-country trails. You can even go rafting down a ski jump. The international set can be seen window shopping in style, partying in the night clubs and piano bars. Top places to stay include the Park Hotel Faloria and the Cristallo Hotel.

Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt's is major league when it comes to skiing. And when it comes to après-ski, as well. It boasts three mountains and 153 miles of runs - along which are some 60 eateries (and drinkeries) ranging fromc casual mountain comfort food to five-star fine dining. On the sundeck of Chez Vrony, a refurbished 19th-Century farmhouse that's now a restaurant, you can look across the valley at the magnificent Matterhorn. The newest hotel in town is the Cervo, a beautiful night time spot complete with outdoor fire pit.