Winter travel: red-hot destinations for the cold-weather season

From the fjords of Norway to Aspen's quartet of mountains, here’s our guide on where to find some seasonal thrills

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Despite its cold pinch, winter presents nuanced joys that are specific to this time of year: the chance to bring out your Loro Piana cashmere once again; an excuse to consistently imbibe chest-warming libations; and, of course, the opportunity to jettison everyday life for an escape to a glinting, gloriously frosty, cold-weather destination.

And, if you find yourself falling into the camp that embraces the latter, let VistaJet – the first and only global private aviation company – help direct your travels, as its team has partnered up with Gentleman’s Journal to curate a shortlist of getaways for you to consider this season.

Introduced in 2004, VistaJet has defined itself as the venture that’s simplified – yet retained the premium feel of – the private-flying experience by providing its client base with access to a global floating fleet (bookable with as little as 24 hours’ notice) without the burden of owning an aircraft. On its famed silver-and-red business jets, the company has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering over 96% of the world – an achievement that underlines both its extensive reach and expertise in picking out the most glorious locations to travel to.

So, if you're after a slice of winter action, here are some of the finest destinations that VistaJet can help you reach, from Norway to the US…

Sunnmøre Alps

Billed, in recent years, as a big rival to its more popular west-European counterpart, the Sunnmøre Alps draws in the crowd by placing equal emphasis on snow sports (the summit-to-sea skiing on Hjørundfjord is one of those bucket-list musts for thrill-seekers) as it does on its glorious fjords and mountain vistas whose combination of jagged topography and serene ambience will snap you into a sort of meditative trance. Ålesund, a coastal town known for its Art Nouveau architecture and seafood-focused restaurants, is about an hour’s drive away, making it a fine base from which to explore.

Local wisdom, however, dictates that you should join a ski tourer to engage with the best of the area – luckily, VistaJet has teamed up with 62° Nord, an adventure operator whose Backcountry Skiing experience offers a week-long venture through the terrain, with an itinerary that comprises masterclasses for varying levels; stays at fjord-side accommodation; and a taste of Nordic fare.

Greenland

‘When you've seen the world, there’s always Greenland,’ goes an old traveller’s adage. Indeed, Earth’s largest island is exactly what comes to mind when you think of Big Nature: fjords thick with icebergs, pockets of hot springs, pods of white whales gliding through the water, granite peaks seemingly older than time.

Those craving Greenland’s natural attractions will be glad to hear that VistaJet has also collaborated with EYOS Expeditions, a pioneer in private superyacht adventures. Notably, in 2022, VistaJet Members had the opportunity to board Planet Nine – regarded as one of the world’s leading explorer yachts – with the vessel being used as a launchpad for heli-skiing adventures, ice cave explorations, polar-bear spotting, kayak excursions around glaciers, and various other wild expeditions among dramatic scenery.

Courchevel

Though tamer in spirit in comparison to the above, Courchevel is no less fulfilling, its glowing slopeside bars, accomplished restaurants, exceptional snow management and delightfully groomed pistes (which are genuinely appropriate for all levels of skiers and snowboarders) acting as the primary pulls for the A-list crowd and social uppercrust.

Courchevel may showcase some remarkable hotels, but we’re always keen on the Ultima Courchevel Belvédère, which is sat between Courchevel 1850 and the edge of La Rosière, and blends the premium quality of a five-star bolthole (private-chef on request, dedicated butlers, massage therapists) with the intimacy and domestic cosiness of a private residence. Suited for groups of 8–10 adults, it is an appropriate place in which to recover after a tough day on the slopes, thanks to spa facilities such as an outdoor Jacuzzi, saunas and hammams. For ease of travel, we recommend you fly into Chambéry Airport, a favourite among those who frequent this part of France.

Aspen

If looking for some respite from Europe’s skiing hotbeds, snowseekers should make a beeline further afield to Aspen, set within Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. There are four mountains here, all within 20 minutes of each other and nicely varied in character, and, depending on the strength of your olfactory system, it is said that the snow within these lands has a faint wisp of Champagne, so popular is the area among those with incredibly deep pockets.

For moments when the gilded scenery takes its toll on you, retreat to Hotel Jerome, a landmark of the downtown scene since the end of the 19th century, one that's welcomed in cowboys, mountain soldiers and Hunter S. Thompson during its 134-year existence. Yarrow spa, with its range of skincare treatments, makes for an ideal recovery for the fatigued – but, if you can muster the energy, après-ski activity takes place at The Living Room, a members’-club-style space where small plates and creative libations are served. The Residential Suite, with its private balcony, is perfect if wanting space in which to kick back.