The ski season is finally upon us, but if you're struggling to pick your next winter break destination then you might want to take inspiration from the British royal family! Renowned for being keen skiers, the royals have a series of go-to destinations for the ultimate ski break, whether Prince Charles is heading to his favourite town Klosters, Switzerland or Prince William and Kate are hitting the slopes in the French Alps, where they took Prince George and Princess Charlotte for a family holiday last year.
We take a look at some of the royals' favourite ski destinations which are sure to inspire you for your next ski trip!
Klosters, Switzerland
This glamorous resort is Prince Charles' go-to winter break destination – the royal has been hitting its slopes for years and even brought Prince William and Prince Harry for a father-son trip in 2005 ahead of his wedding to the Duchess of Cornwall. In fact, Charles is such a regular that two cable cars at the resort are named after him!
Located just an hour and a half from Zurich, this quaint village is renowned for its luxurious chalets and lodges, as well as boasting Michelin-starred restaurants and cosy après-ski bars to sip on mulled wine and relax after a day taking on the pistes of its breathtaking mountains.
The French Alps
© Photo: PAOne of Prince William and Kate's favourite ski destinations, the couple chose the idyllic mountains for their first holiday as a family-of-four with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. William and Kate reportedly chose to stay in the town of Courchevel for the break, and delighted royal fans when they shared a series of sweet family portraits during their winter adventures.
The French Alps host a wide range of iconic skiing resorts including Chamonix, Alpe D'huez and Courchevel, providing ample opportunity to find the break that's right for you. Dine on that famous and delicious French cuisine, or enjoy off-slope activities such as riding the Olympic bobsled at Paradiski.
Verbier, Switzerland
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice regularly holiday in Verbier, where father Prince Andrew has a home. The royal sisters have been spotted spending quality time with Prince Harry, showing off their skills as they took on the Swiss mountains. The resort is no doubt particularly special for Princess Eugenie, as it was where she first met boyfriend Jack Brooksbank.
Suited for more experienced skiers, Verbier has more than 400km of runs and boasts some challenging terrain that has been host to exciting Xtreme events. The scenery is also incredible, and you can even spot the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc from some of the pistes.
St Moritz, Switzerland
© Photo: RexThe Earl and Countess of Wessex are avid skiers, so it comes as no surprise that they regularly hit the slopes. Earlier this year the couple enjoyed a family holiday in St Moritz with their children, joined by a group of family friends.
Nestled close to the Italian frontier, St Moritz boasts up to 300 days of sunshine a year, so you're unlikely to be let down by the weather during your stay! For those who don't want to just ski, the resort also has a frozen lake which hosts a wide range of sports including skating, curling and even cricket!
Lech, Austria
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Diana took William and Harry on a very special holiday in 1991, as it marked the first time her boys had been on a ski trip. The doting mother spent the break taking to the slopes with her sons, no doubt teaching them the ropes – and it clearly sparked a long-term passion for the pair as they have continued to participate in the sport to this day.
It comes as no surprise that Diana chose Lech for the milestone holiday. Not only does the resort have over 305km of runs, but there are plenty of fun winter sports to try such as ice skating or hiking if you fancy a break from the slopes. The accommodation can suit a wide range of budgets and there are plenty of restaurants with cuisine from around the world making it a foodie heaven.
Villars, Switzerland
© Photo: Getty ImagesMike Tindall's passion for skiing was evident when he competed in The Jump, but the sportsman has admitted that wife Zara never fails to impress him with her skills. "Zara skis very well but is happy to take it easy around me," he told The Telegraph. "She will often wait for me when I’m on my snowboard but she can really whizz around if she needs to."
Mike listed Villars as one of his go-to ski destinations – and as it's just a short train journey from Geneva airport, it's perfect for a short weekend break. Tailored more to families and couples, there are plenty of great ski schools which are perfect for beginners, not to mention there are endless cosy chalets to relax in after a busy day on the slopes.
