Pics: Ultra-elite winter escapes in Europe where billionaires, royalty and old money spend Christmas

Despite our sweltering Decembers, Father Christmas was always dressed in thermals and trees had canned snow sprayed on them, making a snowy holiday getaway the stuff of childhood dreams for some.

Europe, say seasoned travellers, is indeed a winter wonderland experience in December where snow transforms everything into a sparkling version of themselves. And those Christmas markets!

But where do the elite go for a white Christmas in Europe? We went in search of the places where old money comes alive. But don't stop reading because we have included other spots for rest of us mere mortals to enjoy a snowy getaway. You'll also find our very own “don’t-miss” experiences in each spot, along with the honest truth about your chances of seeing snow. 

St Moritz, Switzerland

Yes, we know it is very 1980s but... St Moritz still holds allure. It isn’t just a ski resort, it’s the playground of the global elite and has been for decades. Tucked high in the Engadin Valley, it delivers immaculate powder, mirror-smooth frozen lakes and a level of exclusivity that feels almost cinematic. Top-end promenades, designer boutiques, private clubs and five-star heritage hotels meet some of Europe’s most spectacular alpine scenery.

Will you get snow? Yes, it's almost guaranteed. December marks the reliable start of deep winter there.

Don’t-miss tip: Book a horse-drawn sleigh ride at dusk across the frozen Lake St Moritz. Wrapped in blankets with the mountains glowing pink in the alpenglow, it’s one of the most elegant winter experiences in Europe.

Another elite favourite: Lunch at El Paradiso Mountain Club. Accessible only by ski or snowcat, it’s where champagne, sunshine terraces and exceptional alpine cuisine meet jaw-dropping views.

Another elite holiday destination: Gstaad (silent g please). Probably the only European spot to have a Bugatti showroom in the centre of town.

Don’t-miss: Après-ski at Gstaad Palace’s Bar 16 or a private helicopter tour of the Alps.

And for the rest of us? Try Zurich

Will you get snow? Very possible. Zurich experiences regular winter snowfall, especially on the surrounding hills.

Don’t-miss tip: Sink into the rooftop thermal pool at Hürlimannbad & Spa at dusk. Watching snowflakes drift around you while the city lights flicker below is the ultimate winter luxury.

Courchevel 1850, France

Courchevel 1850 is the crown jewel of the French Alps. This is where private jets land, Michelin stars glitter and ski-in-ski-out chalets come with personal butlers. The slopes are pristine, the valley views are majestic and the après-ski scene is a blend of quiet opulence and snow-dusted glamour. There are 19 five-star hotels in Courchevel 1850 and 6 Michelin-starred restaurants. Russian oligarchs have private chalets there, as do David and Victoria Beckham. Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge (aka Kate Middleton) are regular visitors.

Will you get snow? Yes. Courchevel has one of the most reliable early-winter snow records in Europe.

Don’t-miss tip: Spend a morning with a private ski guide exploring Les Trois Vallées. Even seasoned skiers are stunned by how extensive and beautiful this interconnected terrain is.

Another must-do: Dinner at Le 1947, Courchevel’s three-star Michelin dining temple. The tasting menu is a sublime once-in-a-lifetime experience. Also try (if you are super wealthy of course) Bagatelle restaurant on the slopes where Dom Perignon Jerboas is served in a ceremony of chilled brilliance. While there is a top-star Meditterranean/French menu - the ultra-wealthy just say "allez-y" and wait for the platters to come. 

Other 'old money' spots

You may want to try these others if you want to bump into royalty and some 'old money':

Megève in France with beautiful chalets and stylish Parisians who come to play. it is a village resort in the heart of the alps. Old money stays at Les Fermes de Marie where there are nine restored farmhouses with authentic Savoyard decor, wood, stone and warm fabrics. "You feel like you are in the most exclusive spa, with wood, tartan and glowing fires. It makes a person emotional just being there," says global events co-ordinator François van Tonder who travels around the world scouting new venues for his clients.

Austria

Lech Zürs and St Anton in Austria are probably some of the best ski resorts in the Europe right now. For Lech Zürs think sophisticated luxury, 'pinch-me-now" charm, fine dining and groomed slopes, while St Anton boasts a more challenging terrain, legendary après-ski and a more bustling vibe.

Lech Zürs: Will you get snow? Very reliable.

Don’t miss: A horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered village, followed by gourmet dining in one of the five-star hotels.

St Anton: Will you get snow? Yes, almost guaranteed. It consistently receives heavy snowfalls in December, making it a reliable powder destination.

Don’t-miss tip: Hire a private ski guide to explore the full Arlberg terrain. From deep powder bowls to scenic ridge runs, it’s the ultimate winter adrenaline fix.

And for the rest of us? Try Vienna Snowfall here is lighter than in Alpine regions, but when it comes, the city looks like a Klimt painting come alive.

Will you get snow? Possible but not guaranteed. Vienna gets some snowfall, though usually light and occasional.

Don’t-miss tip: Attend a performance at the Musikverein or the State Opera. Experiencing a concert in these gilded halls during winter is a soul-stirring experience, even for classical music novices.

Iceland

Billionaires seek out private retreats here with geothermal spas, helicopter access to glaciers, and secluded natural beauty such as that found at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. Nestled amid lava fields and snow, it offers private access to milky-blue geothermal waters, exclusive spa treatments and suites with panoramic views of the Northern Lights. It’s the perfect blend of seclusion, wellness and Nordic luxury.

Will you get snow? Yes, almost guaranteed. December in Iceland transforms the lava fields and surroundings into a striking snowy landscape.

Don’t-miss tip: Book the private lagoon experience at sunrise. The combination of steaming mineral waters, falling snow, and quiet solitude is unforgettable.

For the rest of us: Try Reykjavík

Will you get snow? Almost certainly. Reykjavík in December is cold and snowy, with landscapes transformed into a winter wonderland.

Don’t-miss tip: Embark on the Golden Circle tour in winter. Witnessing Geysir erupt through a snowy field and seeing Gullfoss waterfall sparkle partially frozen is the essence of Icelandic winter drama. And as for the evenings: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines says as evening falls, the sky often puts on a show of its own as the Northern Lights frequently make appearances from November through March.

One hot new spot outside Europe

A new big destination for the ultra-rich outside of Europe: Japan! The ultimate destination for ultra-wealth ski experiences is probably Niseko, in the Hokkaido prefecture, famous for its high-quality "champagne powder" snow and breathtaking accommodation options. 

Nestled on the northern island of Hokkaido, it’s where wealthy Japanese and international travellers escape for pristine slopes, designer chalets and world-class onsen (hot springs) after a day on the mountain.

Will you get snow? Yes, it is almost guaranteed. Niseko averages several metres of powder each winter, making it a snow-lover’s paradise.

Don’t-miss tip: Book a private guided ski or snowboarding tour. The mountain’s famous powder bowls are best explored with a local guide who knows the secret stashes.