Originally Posted by
Andre
Le Melezin in Courchevel is a clear winner in that race: world class skiing and the Aman brand/amenities. The Chedi would be my second choice, but Andermatt is quite remote, and the town itself is neither charming nor upscale (yet - the Chedi is the first component of a planned megadevelopment). Gstaad is not a location for serious skiers IMO, so the Alpina comes in last. There are some decent runs nearby in Schönried for example, but you need to drive there.
Finally, since 2 of your 3 choices are chain hotels, I do feel duty-bound to stress the fact that most of the top hotels in the Alps are independent properties, or part of small chains such as Sibuet.
I have to be honest and admit I've arrived at these 3 options as the vast majority of independent properties just don't make the grade in Europe. I appreciate your point, but I think in reality - most so called 'luxury' ski hotels are high on ski credentials - low on actual hotel keeping. Although of course, there are a few exceptions - my friends assure me that Le Blizzard in Val is incredible.
Where some have great suites - the cuisine lets them down... where some have good service - the facilities leave a lot to be desired. In North America and Canada - we gravitate to Aman and Four Seasons for our luxury ski holidays as we find exactly the same problem there.
Also, I must correct you - Aman and Chedi are not chain hotels. In the same way that Four Seasons are a management company - and not an owner (with a few exceptions) - Aman and Chedi do not personally own the hotels they operate. They bring a benchmark of hospitality to an owners vision and as such should never be regarded as a 'chain'.
Its interesting that 2 of my top 3 options are in Switzerland though - this country may just set the luxury ski benchmark next year?