When it comes to holidays in the winter months, it’s a toss-up between a luxury beach resort on a tropical island, or a lavish chalet in a posh ski resort. Skiing has often been seen as a pastime for the wealthy, with royalty from across the world regularly enjoying a break at only the most exclusive ski resorts.

Even if your skiing ability has much to be desired, the world’s most exclusive ski resorts offer so much more than just a day out at the slopes. A week in the lush snowy mountains could end up with you being pampered in a health spa, or perhaps taking helicopter trip to take in the awesome views of a mountain range from above. Not to forget the luxury boutiques that can leave you wondering where the day went after you just popped out to have look.

Skiing is not a sport just for the élite anymore, and with the advent of snowboarding and budget resorts some places are now overrun with people, and the feeling of exclusivity has been lost. Never fear however, because there are still some resorts that keep their posh status, but the price doesn’t come cheap. Just remember that you could be rubbing shoulders with the rich, famous, and powerful, so it will at be worth it.

St. Moritz – Switzerland

Quite possibly the birthplace of winter holidays in the Alps, St. Moritz was thrust onto the world stage when it hosted the 1928 Winter Olympic Games. It later hosted the 1948 Winter Olympics, and the original stadium still stands to this day. This resort attracts the rich and famous, with Liz Hurley being one of the notable regular visitors. It’s all about upper-class living here, and if skiing isn’t your thing there are loads of posh boutiques to go shopping in. Every year the Cartier Polo Tournament is held in St. Moritz, which is also sponsored by the luxury brand Ralph Lauren. One of the most extravagant places to stay in St. Moritz is Badrutt’s Palace. Complete with ski huts and luxury suites, it has everything even the most discerning guest could wish. Other great accommodation includes the five-star Kulm Hotel, located right next to the lake.

Zurs – Austria

Located high up in the mountains at 1717m, Zurs is nestled within the Arlberg ski region, a place that has produced a number of Olympic skiing champions. It is widely regarded as Austria’s most exclusive ski resort, and almost all of the hotels are absolutely luxurious. It’s a small place, full of expensive places to sleep, eat, and drink, and the ski runs surrounding the resort rarely get busy. It lacks the bustle of places Like St. Moritz, but it certainly matches it for price. Famous actors and actresses are especially found of Zurs, mainly because they can keep out the limelight and enjoy the company of other rich and famous people. You really can’t go wrong with any of the hotels in Zurs, because they are all so good, but one that really stands out is the Hotel Zurserhof, where the Royal Suite comes complete with your very own personal butler!

Telluride – Colorado

Telluride is often compared to the famous Aspen resort, but for all the right reasons. Sure, you will see celebrities, film stars, rich business owners, and musicians wandering round the resort, but unlike in Aspen, that’s not why people come here. Telluride can throw off any accusation of it being pretentious, and rest in the knowledge that it’s exclusive. The attitude is different here, because there is no gaping or autograph requests when a celebrity does show their face. There is a film and art festivals held here, and it’s got a real cool vibe about the place. It’s so cool that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes own a place here, as does Oprah Winfrey. If they haven’t invited you round to stay, then settle for the Lumiere Telluride, where you can watch the sunset while relaxing in a private hot tub, if you take the penthouse suite.