Say what you will about the endless factory of snackable content that is TikTok, but the platform is occasionally responsible for delivering some heartwarming diversions. Case in point: a minor annual trend known simply as “Seeing Snow For The First Time,” where the magic of winter is captured through the eyes of babies, puppies and people from sun-soaked corners of the globe. Their reactions – ranging from shock to laughter to unbridled joy – are infectious.
For ski enthusiasts, the season’s first snowfall ignites a similar thrill. Like nature’s starter pistol, those first flakes announce the arrival of powder-packed adventures, après-ski indulgence and, for the lucky few who own ski properties, a return to their mountain hideaway.
Whether you’re seeing snow for the first time or the thousandth, consider these six mountain ski retreats that will elevate your winter experience.
Four-story chalet in Méribel, France
Part of the legendary Les Trois Vallées – the largest interconnected ski area in the world – Méribel includes 600 kilometers (~373 miles) of groomed pistes, from gentle beginner trails to adrenaline-pumping black runs. Off the slopes, the French Alps resort excels in après-ski culture. Think artisan hot chocolate and a designer blanket around a double-sided fireplace. This contemporary ski chalet, too, pairs indulgence and coziness. Hearty wood finishes throughout the 437-square-meter (4,700 sq ft) interior tip a cap to traditional Alpine architecture. Built over four levels, the chalet stacks nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an underground garage and a wellness area with a sauna and hammam.
Penthouse in Beaver Creek, Colorado
True to its lofty position, this penthouse atop McCoy Peak Lodge in downtown Beaver Creek goes by the fitting name Sky Cabin. Interiors exude classic mountain charm, with thick timber beams and a soaring stone fireplace stretching to vaulted ceilings. Yet, at 2,500 square feet, this retreat transcends the cozy cabin stereotype, embracing its role as a premier penthouse. Perched high above it all, the views rival those seen from summits. In fall, the mountainsides erupt in fiery oranges and gold as Aspen trees brace for winter when fresh powder calls from the nearby ski runs and trails.
Secluded Montana farmhouse beside Whitefish River
A brief drive away from Whitefish Mountain Resort, this 11.9-acre estate delivers more than simple access to the slopes – it offers a postcard-perfect view of them too. Shaped by a bend in the Whitefish River, the property’s end-of-the-road location and tree-lined boundaries create a sense of tucked-away seclusion. Meandering private trails and river access invite a slower pace of life. At its center is a charming four-bedroom farmhouse where rustic aesthetics meet potential for the real deal. With a 1,200-square-foot shop and exterior stalls, the property is primed for a hobby farm.
Chic chalet in the Dolomites
As the preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics continue to heat up, so has the demand for luxury digs in Cortina d’Ampezzo – making this ski-in/ski-out chalet a gold-medal commodity. Spanning five floors and 1,200 square meters (~13,000 sq ft) – a rarity for the region – the property blends its 1939 heritage with a stylish 2008 renovation. Inside, parquet floors, marble-clad bathrooms, and wood-paneled walls pair with chic designer touches. A terrace on the main floor offers panoramic mountain and valley views, while a lavish floating fireplace adds warmth and flair between the dining and living areas. With seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a sauna, a billiard room and a plush attic suite, this chic retreat scales the stylish heights of Italian Alpine living.
Ski-in/ski-out retreat in Mountain Village, Colorado
Telluride Ski Resort is well known as a playground for the fearless, with nearly half its 2,000 acres dedicated to advanced and expert adventurers. Among its legendary runs is the Plunge – a heart-pounding black diamond that drops 3,140 vertical feet from summit to village. Just minutes away in Mountain Village, this 8,000-square-foot ski-in/ski-out retreat is equally built for die-hard skiers. From the back door, owners can click in and glide directly onto the Galloping Goose ski trail. And when it’s time to hit the slopes, the Station Market Plaza is less than two miles away, offering a scenic gondola ride to Telluride’s world-class ski runs.
Contemporary chalet in one of California’s most historic resorts
This December, California’s iconic Sugar Bowl Ski Resort celebrates its 75th winter season. Located along the Donner Pass of the Sierra Nevadas, the resort is known for its snowfall (nearly 30 feet/900cm annually) and its collection of over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, ranging from wide-open groomers to thrilling steeps and tree-lined trails. As one of the closest ski spots to San Francisco, it’s a magnet for Bay Area powder hounds in search of luxe ski-in/ski-out residences like this four-bedroom chalet in Snowbound Village. Perks include 24/7 VIP services, exclusive access to the swanky new Sporthaus and a private express lane to the lifts.
