As the first snow starts to fall in the mountains, skiers start dreaming of first tracks on an untouched, powder-packed mountainside that rarely matches the frenzy of tourists they encounter upon arriving at the resort. We've looked far and wide to find your ski vacation in the ultimate seclusion this winter.
The Tschuggen Grand Hotel will continue its annual tradition of letting its guests be the only ones able to access the slopes at the resort of Arosa in Switzerland from November 27 to 30.
The package is available for two nights (765 CHF, about US$800) or three nights (960 CHF, $995) and includes dinners, a jazz-brunch, your ski pass for Saturday and a much-talked-about after party called "Fire and Ice."
Bounce to the other end of the Northern Hemisphere and join the Yellowstone Club for the ultimate private skiing experience they call "Private Powder."
It's likely the world's only members-only ski resort in Big Sky, Montana, USA where houses cost millions of dollars and access to private slopes can be yours -- among other amenities -- for $300,000 per year.
If that's a bit much to be spending, why not start with a private lift like the one that serves the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa in Vail, Colorado. It's set aside from the central hub of Vail Village to help guests avoid lift lines.
Lodging at the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa starts around $200.
With no parking near the loading zone, guests at the Resort at Squaw Creek (rates start at around $175) enjoy semi-private use of the Squaw Creek triple chair lift.
It's not forbidden for locals and non-guests to access it -- they would just have to find it, which is just difficult enough to keep the lines to a bare minimum.
What about your own private mountain train, shared only with neighbors at your resort? Bear Creek Lodge and Element 52 in Telluride, Colorado share a funicular to transport their guests to the powder.
Rates at Element 52 are variable, see their website for details. Bear Creek Lodge takes reservations for a two-night stay minimum starting at approximately $450.
Source: Relaxnews