Snow Place You'd Rather Be

The slopes are calling, and this year's new and revamped luxury ski stays are the perfect excuse - we mean reason - to dust off your Moncler and Arc'teryx gear.

- WORDS: KAREN TEE

MOUNTAIN MAKEOVER Ancora Cortina, Italy

The ski town of Cortina is regarded as the beating heart of the Italian Dolomites.

Now, its grande dame hotel, Ancora, founded in 1826, is ready for her closeup after a meticulous restoration led by none other than Renzo Rosso, the iconoclastic founder of Diesel and fashion group OTB.

Ancora's comeback is perfectly timed: Cortina is poised to take the global stage again as host of the 2026 Winter Olympics next February. The revamped property redefines mountain chic using natural wood, stone and earthy tones dressed up with an irreverent, fashion-forward sensibility. With bespoke furnishings and Dolomite views picture-perfect for an impromptu photo shoot, each of the 35 rooms feels distinct and deeply personal.

And when the sun sets, the hotel's subterranean, no-phones Brave Club will transform apres-ski into something a little more rock 'n' roll. Ski poles are traded for cocktails, caviar bumps punctuate the soundtrack and the stylish crowd struts like it's Milan Fashion Week on ice, so make sure your winter wardrobe is runway-ready. www.ancoracortina.com

TIME FOR JAPOW(DER)

Niseko Kyo, Japan

When it comes to skiing in Asia, all roads – and ski lifts – lead to Niseko, the Hokkaido hotspot that is synonymous with perfect powder and what is possibly Japan’s best apres-ski scene.

Snow bunnies may have already heard about one of the region's newer stays, Niseko Kyo, a ski-in, ski-out sanctuary in Hirafu with 22 designer residences, most with private onsens and fully equipped kitchens. With signature Japanese attention to detail, a ski valet and concierge team handle everything from gear rentals to heli-skiing sessions.