If you happened to stumble into Cov HQ on a sunny (who are we kidding?) February afternoon, you would see us divided into two groups. The first, surrounded by Ester-C and echinacea tablets, drowning in cashmere and justifiably terrified of being grazed by the cold hands of winter; the second, though piled equally high with cashmere, are wearing it out of love, not obligation, and are able to make the most of these cold months. They’re the types that revel in snow, spiked hot chocolate and, you guessed it, *the* bougiest ski resorts. So whether you fall into the second category or the first (but are looking to convert), we asked a few of our undeniably fashionable friends about their favorite mountains they like to aprés (and, yeah, ski) at.
Courchevel 1850, France
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@courchevel_officielCourchevel 1850, the highest village in Courchevel, is arguably *the* bougiest ski destination in the world. Yes, you heard us...the world. With 16 five-star hotels and five 2-Michelin-star restaurants in its village, you can sleep easy knowing that you’re likely sipping on $$ warm cider next to Russian oligarchs who probably just landed their jet on. the. fucking. mountain.
“I’ve been snowboarding in the French Alps since I was really young, and for the last few years have been going to Courchevel. I love going there because it’s absolutely beautiful and the skiing is great. You can ski for miles as it’s part of Les 3 Vallees, which is the biggest ski area in the world. It’s also an incredibly comfortable resort with great hotels (there is both Cheval Blanc and an Aman resort!) and so many restaurants!” —Kate Foley, Stylist
Megève, France
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@megeve_officielIn the breathtaking Mont Blanc massif, Megève ski resort, though sometimes outshone by its compadre Courchevel, is still one of the most luxe. Its medieval village center is made up of cobbled streets strewn with horse-drawn sleighs (and old money), which give it an authentically charming feel that only the French could pull off.
“One of my favorite ski resorts is Megève in the French Alps. It has a very charming old-town city with a lot of cute shops, nice and cozy hotels, and great spas like Les Fermes de Marie. The ski runs are lovely, not threatening for beginners, and can be challenging for experts. They are cut through beautiful trees. I recommend it highly!” —Charlotte Di Calypso, Model
Mammoth Mountain, California
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@mammothmountainLocated along the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and with one of the longest ski seasons in the U.S., Mammoth Mountain has become the go-to winter (and summer) getaway spot for Los Angeles locals. The move is to rent a plushy place with some pals, so you have as much closet and bar space as possible.
“I love it because it is a hop, skip, and a jump from L.A. (aka six-hour drive). I love this road trip with my pals, because we can catch up on our lives and make fun pit stops at anything we see along the way (like Bavarian bakeries with the best pretzel you have ever eaten!). The town at Mammoth is rustic and super chill—no need for fashion posturing; this is the perfect time to sport my RRL flannels, Elder Statesman cashmere, reworked denim, Carhartt overalls, and Vetements oversized hoodies. With killer snowboarding in the winter and spring, then awesome hiking in the summer and fall, it’s a super rad, rustic -vibe getaway from the Hollywood vibe and So Cal scene. I always rent a house with a couple of friends via AirBNB. If you want a fancy hotel situation, there is a Westin.
“Mammoth is the action sports haven for snowboarding, so don’t be surprised when you bump into Tony Hawk on the ski lift. If you do bump into him, ask him about the Duran Duran bathtub. Happy shredding!” —Sally Lyndley, Stylist
San Martin de los Andes, Patagonia, Argentina
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@laslenasnowThe second highest mountain range in the world after the Himalayas, The Andes is probably one of the most underrated ski destinations ever. Not only do you feel like you’re literally the only person on the mountain, but being surrounded by all of the mouth-watering Argentinian food, wine, and, hello, people (!!) you can get your hands on, makes this resort beautiful on so many levels.
“I love it when I have the chance to ski in Las Lenas, Argentina—which is located in the middle of Patagonia. Not many mountains are as majestic. And only a short drive away is the Vines resort in Mendoza. Just what you need after hitting the slopes—a spa retreat and great wine.” —Elizabeth Sulcer, Stylist
