The art of the ski season: Opening the Alps in style

The opening of ski season in the Alps marks the beginning of a truly extraordinary time of year. As snow begins to blanket the mountain peaks of Switzerland, France, and Austria, the region transforms into a playground for those who value refinement, adventure, and privacy in equal measure. For Grandeur members, it’s not simply about skiing, it’s about experiencing the essence of winter with sophistication and ease.

A season of elegance begins

Each year, late November and early December welcome the opening of ski season in the Alps, where the first snowfall meets the season’s first arrivals, private jets touching down in Geneva, Innsbruck, and Sion, carrying those who seek the pristine calm of early winter. The atmosphere is one of anticipation: slopes are freshly groomed, chalets glow with warmth, and the mountain air carries a quiet exclusivity that fades once the season is in full swing.

Grandeur ensures your arrival is effortless. From helicopter transfers that glide over the snow-capped ridges to private car service waiting at the tarmac, every detail is considered. Once settled, your chalet is fully staffed - private chef, sommelier, and concierge at your service - ensuring your stay unfolds as seamlessly as freshly fallen snow.

Private chalets and alpine hideaways

The finest experiences begin with the right setting. Grandeur’s curated portfolio of properties across Courchevel, Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Lech offers ultimate privacy and comfort. Each chalet is chosen for its design, location, and service. Think floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Matterhorn, firelit lounges with bespoke interiors, and heated terraces for evening wine tastings under the stars.

For those seeking the exceptional, Grandeur arranges early-season stays in ultra-exclusive chalets usually reserved for private owners, complete with in-house spa facilities, indoor pools, and personal staff.

Every element, from the moment your luggage arrives to the last glass poured by the fire, is tailored to your rhythm and style.

Skiing before the crowds

One of the great privileges of the opening of ski season in the Alps is the tranquillity it brings. The slopes are quiet, the atmosphere intimate, and the snow untouched. Grandeur’s partnerships with leading resorts grant you early access to certain pistes before they open to the public, ensuring you glide through powder in absolute serenity.

For first-time skiers or those seeking to refine their technique, we arrange sessions with private instructors, including world-class professionals and former Olympians. For the seasoned skier, heli-skiing adventures across remote alpine routes can be tailored to your level, complete with luxury mountain lodges for rest and gourmet dining between descents.

Beyond the slopes

Grandeur understands that true alpine luxury extends beyond skiing. Early winter is the ideal moment to enjoy the quieter pleasures of the mountains: Michelin-starred restaurants, wellness retreats, and cultural excursions.

Indulge in après-ski at exclusive venues in Courchevel 1850 or dine in candlelit mountain lodges accessible only by snowcat. Rejuvenate at spas such as the Badrutt’s Palace Wellness in St. Moritz or the Chedi Andermatt, where treatments incorporate locally sourced botanicals and minerals.

For something truly unforgettable, Grandeur can organise a private evening on the slopes complete with torchlit descents, champagne tastings, and live classical music performed at altitude.

Style, service, and seamless access

Preparing for the opening of ski season in the Alps requires precision and care. Grandeur members enjoy a fully managed experience, from wardrobe preparation with curated designer ski collections to luxury equipment delivery straight to your chalet. Our stylists coordinate with your preferred brands, while our travel team arranges all logistics, from dining reservations to slope passes, before your arrival.

For businesses, this period also presents a unique opportunity. Grandeur organises private corporate retreats and incentive trips in the Alps - blending meetings, leisure, and team-building in an unparalleled setting.

A new season of Grandeur

The first snowfall signals more than the start of winter - it’s an invitation to pause, breathe, and embrace the art of slow, luxurious living. The opening of ski season in the Alps captures this perfectly: untouched slopes, fine wine by the fire, and moments of quiet joy shared with those who matter most.

Grandeur takes care of every element - your transfers, your chalet, your table at the best restaurant in Courchevel. All you need to do is arrive, take in the view, and let the season unfold.

The Alps are calling. Let Grandeur design your opening to winter - one defined by elegance, adventure, and absolute serenity.