Ski Resorts Attracting the A-List

Recently, top names from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos to Prince Harry and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have been enjoying themselves in Aspen. Despite unpredictable snowfall, many are exploring alternative winter getaways beyond typical locations like Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Switzerland.

Freshly opened or revamped ski resorts are drawing in celebrities and influential figures with their exclusive amenities, private terrains, and offerings from renowned chefs.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Major players: In 2019, Julia Roberts celebrated her husband Danny Moder‘s 50th birthday at this secluded resort. Accessible only by helicopter, it is nestled beneath North America’s tallest mountain, Mount McKinley, on a 33-acre nunatak deep in the park.

“If you’re not ready to camp out, eat freeze-dried meals, and face the elements, there’s no other way to experience this place,” said owner Marn Sheldon. “We invite you to our stunning 2,000-square-foot chalet, complete with gourmet chef meals and soft, warm beds, all amidst breathtaking scenery.”

This location is steeped in history; Sheldon’s father-in-law claimed it decades before Alaska became a state. The luxurious two-story lodge can accommodate up to 10 guests, featuring five bedrooms, a rooftop sauna, and a kitchen run by Neil Young’s former chef. Exclusively booked at $32,000 per stay, it includes personalized adventures like heli-skiing and glacier trekking, making it a prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights.

Fljöt Valley, Iceland

Major players: Chad Pike, a former Blackstone executive, opened this exclusive getaway in 2016. It is one of eight global lodges managed by his luxury adventure firm, Eleven Experience. Reportedly, Justin Bieber spent a week here in May 2025 recording music and enjoying the stunning vistas.

Set on a former sheep farm near the Arctic Circle, Eleven Deppler offers pristine skiing terrain without the crowds. Helicopter drops take guests to a vast snowfield stretching to the icy Atlantic. The ski season lasts until June, with midnight sun in late spring.

Adventurers can also engage in snowmobiling or arctic surfing, with thick wetsuits readily available. The inn contains just 13 rooms, a restaurant, and a geothermal spa. It is particularly fitting for advanced skiers due to its remote location—around four hours from Reykjavik.

Hokkaido, Japan

Major players: Niseko, Japan’s booming ski destination, has attracted countless celebrities, including Hugh Jackman and Sam Neill. The Seasons Collection Niseko, on Mt. Annupuri’s quieter side, stands out amid the rising luxury accommodations.

Guests access this unique private property by skiing through trees on the secretive Seasons Chairman’s Run. It boasts multi-level villas and a Michelin-starred chef. Featured in Netflix’s “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,” the lodge provides home theaters, a heated pool, and an extensive wine cellar.

Windham, New York

Major players: The previously modest Wyndham Mountain was transformed into a private club by hospitality experts Kemons Wilson Jr. and Sandy Beer after a $70 million investment. Membership entails a $200,000 fee and $9,000 annually, offering early access to mountain first tracks—especially beneficial given last season’s unexpected snowfall.

While parts remain open to the public, members enjoy exclusive perks like private lifts and upscale dining, including a steakhouse and a small sushi restaurant. New boutique hotels, including The Henson and its trendy restaurant, contribute to the appealing atmosphere.

Dolomites, Italy

Major players: Historic Rosa Alpina has hosted many notables, from Tom Cruise to Grand Duke Albert of Monaco. After a two-year renovation, it reopened as Aman Rosa Alpina, enhancing its charm while offering modern conveniences.

Located in quaint San Cassiano, the hotel is a short stroll from the Piz Sorega Gondola and near the site of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics events. While the hotel retains some old-school charm, like its ski butler service, it has shifted to a more casual dining atmosphere, emphasizing local cuisine.

Park City, Utah

Major players: Deer Valley, a hot spot for both vacationers and celebrities, has expanded significantly. Recent upgrades added a myriad of new lifts, effectively doubling the skiable area. However, a lag in lodging expansion might result in less crowded conditions this winter.

Despite all these developments, the resort maintains key features: strict daily visitor limits, a prohibition on snowboarding, and unique lessons with Olympic athletes available for around $3,000.

Wolf Creek, Utah

Major players: After acquiring Powder Mountain, Reed Hastings of Netflix fame initiated plans for a $300 million semi-private residential community. While some areas remain accessible to regular skiers, homeowners benefit from exclusive, less crowded paths.

This season marks the debut of a new members-only lift and the opening of new powder terrain. As development continues, considerable interest has led to most lots being claimed even before construction begins.

With amenities like private ski lockers and a members-only clubhouse coming soon, the interest in this community is hardly surprising.