Stunning ski resorts for a snowy alpine getaway
When the winter season rolls in, Malaysia remains in eternal summer, where we’re sweating through the rainy-but-somehow-still-sweltering weather.
If your heart’s been dreaming of a white Christmas in the form of sparkling snow, crisp mountain air, snug cottages, and fireplace fondue, an alpine getaway may just be what you need this festive season.
Whether your idea of a snowy adventure is carving through the powdered slopes or curling up by the hearth, you’ll find your winter wonderland at these 8 glittering ski resorts by the Alps. They have slopes to zip down, après-ski to indulge in, storybook villages to stroll along, and are far from the muggy heat of Malaysia – but not too far, as you’ll find flights from KLIA to these destinations.
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1. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
KLIA to Venice Marco Polo Airport
Image credit: Maison Sport
Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy is dubbed the “Queen of the Dolomites” for a reason. Pristinely white pistes are framed by cinematic Dolomite peaks, which you’ll probably recognize in some Hollywood films, including James Bond and The Pink Panther.
These slopes beckon to the skiers with endless ribbons of snow. But travellers who are there to simply enjoy the Italian snowscape and its alpine glam will be spoiled with a very chic winter that’s filled with window-shopping at designer boutiques, coffee-tasting at espresso bars, and warming up at luxury chalets, too.
To enjoy the view of the Dolomite darling at its best, hop onto a cable car ride near dusk, and watch in awe at how the town glows like a Vogue-esque snow issue.
Resorts to stay at: Cristallo, Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, Faloria Mountain Spa Resort Cortina d’Ampezzo
2. Kitzbühel, Austria
KLIA to Vienna International Airport
Image credit: National Geographic
Skiers should head to Kitzbühel, Austria, for the legendary Hahnenkamm Run and the Streif racetrack, which is one of the world’s toughest ski descents. But the illustrious winter destination also has alpine adventure in the form of rustic restaurants, thermal spas, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
After some ski runs, go for a stroll along cobblestone streets in the old town, and then enjoy some warm strudel in one of the many candlelit cafes or hop on scenic train rides through frosted valleys.
Resorts to stay at: Schlosshotel Kitzbühel, Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel, Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort
3. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
KLIA to Geneva International Airport
Image credit: Chamonix
Glistening runs, rugged peaks, glamorous lodges, and cocktails with a view of glaciers? All check. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France is pure alpine poetry in its ethereal scenery of sparkling cliffs and slopes, but also in the adventures you’ll be undertaking here.
Skiers will have a blast with Mont Blanc’s dizzying drops or playful runs for beginners, as well as tandem paragliding and a good bit of hiking. If a slow, picturesque life is what you’re after in this winter wonderland, go for strolls along snowy trails bathed in sunlight and lined with pine trees, indulge in spa marathons, wander about museums and exhibitions in town, and enjoy some fondue by the fireplace.
The one thing you should be checking off your list here is to take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to gasp at the stunning views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. Très beau.
Resorts to stay at: Grand Hôtel des Alpes, Le Hameau Albert 1er, Hôtel Heliopic Hotel & Spa
4. Zermatt, Switzerland
KLIA to Zurich Airport
Image credit: Travel + Leisure
There’s no way we’re leaving out the ski town of Zermatt, Switzerland, from this list. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn, the world-class alpine ski resort has views straight out of a postcard, fairytale towns with gingerbread houses, luxury lodges, snowy summits, and all.
A whopping 360 kilometres of powdered slopes await skiers to be tackled in the areas of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, and Schwarzsee, which cater to a variety of skill levels. Take a break from carving through the blanket of snow and snowshoe instead along the destination’s many hiking trails, or float up to the epic Gornegrat for panoramas that’ll make you weep with awe.
Resorts to stay at: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, The Omnia, Riffelalp Resort 2222 m
5. Hakuba, Japan
KLIA to Tokyo Airport
Image credit: Hakuba
Sushi’s great, but Japan’s also here for you when you’re craving snow rolls, too. The serene valley of Hakuba, tucked deep within the Japanese Alps, is a renowned host to several Olympic competitions, including the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and is also a ski resort-laden alpine haven.
With its Olympic-grade slopes, it’s no surprise that this destination is a favourite of many skiers, but casual travellers won’t have to worry about being left in the cold here. Between soaking in steaming onsen baths, slurping up hearty bowls of soba, sampling sake at Izakayas, and simply enjoying the quiet rhythm of falling sparkles, you’ll be blissfully taken by the zen of the winter wonderland.
Resorts to stay at: Hakuba Tokyo Hotel, Hotel de la Neige, Hakuba Gondola Apartments
6. Morzine, France
KLIA to Geneva International Airport
Image credit: Alps to Alps
The French alpine gem of Morzine will dazzle you with not only its stark-white snow, but also its cozy charm – think wooden chalets decked out with fairy lights, postcard-perfect pine forests, and firelit evenings with chocolat chaud.
Tucked in the vast Portes du Soleil ski region, this alpine playground is god’s gift to skiers who will be able to clock runs stretching across the French-Swiss border with pistes that sweep through pine trees and the most magical views. If you’re not that much into skiing, there are sled rides, ice skating, and exploration around the charming village with lots of French joie de vivre.
Resorts to stay at: Hôtel Igloo, Hôtel la Bergerie, Hôtel Névé
7. Vivaldi Park, South Korea
KLIA to Incheon Airport
Image credit: Klook Travel
At Vivaldi Park in South Korea, you’ll be living more than just your wintry dreams with perfectly groomed snowy slopes, photogenic chalets, and even a snow-themed amusement park. Having been featured in a bunch of major K-dramas, including Legend of the Blue Sea and That Winter The Wind Blows, you’ll be living out your own romance montage here as well – and by that we mean strolling along neon-lit Snowy Light Street at night, chilling in the hot spa, and indulging in some warm Korean snacks.
The ski resort’s slopes are perfect for a wide age group and skill levels, and are exceptionally family-friendly. When the cold gets too much, you can escape to Ocean World, an indoor waterpark that offers a warm sanctuary of heated pools and hot springs.
Resorts to stay at: Sono Belle Vivaldi Park, Sono Felice Vivaldi Park, Sono Pet Clubs & Resorts Vivaldi Park
8. Seefeld, Austria
KLIA to Vienna International Airport
Image credit: Snowplaza
Dusted with a good amount of snow and draped in Tyrolean charm, the elegant Seefeld in Austria is surrounded by snow-drenched mountains and pine forests that feel all at once adventurous and extremely romantic. Skiers adore its Olympic pedigree and immaculately groomed runs, while non-skiers can lose themselves in scenic walks along sunlit trails, spa and sauna rituals, sleigh rides, and slow dinners.
Here, you’ll be culturally-immersed as well, with the village itself boasting traditional Austrian architecture in its buildings and houses, as well as the resort’s proximity to the historic city of Innsbruck, where you can head to for a quick day trip.
Resorts to stay at: Hotel Klosterbräu & Spa, Chalet & Apartment Alpina Seefeld, Alpin Resort Sacher
Have a white Christmas skiing at these ski resorts in the Alps
There’s a certain magic in the Alps, and you can experience all that in person when you make a trip to these ski resorts. From Austria’s slope-side chalets to Japan’s steaming onsens, these alpine getaways promise both action on the slopes and snow-kissed scenery to melt your tropical heart.
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Cover image adapted from: WeSki via website, Signature Luxury & Travel via website, Tom Archer via Pinterest, SportsGuide via website