Would you like a vacation that combines snow with a dash of adventure and plenty of luxury? Then it might be a smart move to check into one of the top award-winning ski hotels in countries like Austria and Switzerland in Europe or the US or Canada. Whether you’re an ace on skis or a novice, you’re sure to have a memorable trip away from it all.

Four Seasons Resort Whistler

If you’re passionate about serious skiing, the Four Seasons Resort Whistler could be ideal for you. Situated close to the foot of Blackcomb Mountain in British Columbia, Canada, Four Seasons is a luxury 5-star resort. Here, you can ski the legendary terrain of Whistler Blackcomb under the guidance of a professional.

» Hot ticket!

Four Seasons Resort Whistler’s Ski for Free Package starts from CAD 685 (Rs 30,700 approx.) per night and is valid till January 1, 2012. The rates of Ski with an Olympian package start from CAD 941 (Rs 42,170 approx.) per night and the package is valid till April 23, 2011. It includes a day of lessons with an Olympic or world champion skier. Both are based on a minimum two-night stay in a Resort King Room on double occupancy basis and come with passes for Whistler Blackcomb for skiing for two. Fly to Pemberton Airport or Whistler Municipal Heliport via Vancouver International Airport. Return airfare per person (Calcutta-Vancouver-Calcutta) starts from about Rs 99,000. Go to www.fourseasons.com/ whistler.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

One place that offers a rare combination of history and skiing is the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St Moritz, the famous resort town in Switzerland’s Engadine Valley. This 5-star hotel, which first opened its doors in 1896, has won the PATWA International Gold Award for “Best Hotelier of the Year” and the award for the best winter hotel of Switzerland by Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger in 2010. Located in one of the most challenging ski areas in the world, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has 159 guestrooms and 38 suites with spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and Lake St Moritz.

» Hot ticket!

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers two ski packages — The Ski Break (two nights) and Ski Sensation (seven nights) — rates start from 2,245 Swiss francs (Rs 1.07 lakh approx.) and 6,995 Swiss francs (Rs 3.34 lakh approx.) respectively. Both include accommodation in a superior double room, welcome gift, buffet breakfast and dinner and a massage per person (50 minutes). The packages also include ski-pass for the whole region and transfers to and from the ski lift. Take a car/ train to St Moritz via Zurich. Return airfare per person (Calcutta-Zurich-Calcutta) starts from about Rs 45,000. Mail to reservations@badruttspalace.com.

Amangani

If you are looking for a skiing break in the US, then head to Amangani, near Jackson town. Situated in the Jackson Hole Valley of Teton County, Wyoming, Amangani has made it to Travel & Leisure’s list of World’s Top 50 Hotels (2010). The hotel’s private ski lounge in the alpine Teton Village is a 20-minute-drive from Amangani. You can also go for cross-country skiing, dogsledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

» Hot ticket!

Amangani’s Ski to Live package, tagged at $4,800 (Rs 2.15 lakh approx.) on double occupancy basis, includes accommodation for four nights in a suite, all meals, three-day ski pass, daily yoga classes and airport and ski-area transfers. You can avail of up to seven hours (a day) of guided skiing in groups of three to seven people and four evening exploratory sessions. Taxes are extra and the package is valid between March 3 and March 7, 2011. Fly to Jackson Hole airport via Chicago, two hours away. Return airfare per person (Calcutta-Chicago-Calcutta) starts from about Rs 54,000. Mail to reservations@amanresorts.com.

Aurelio Lech

For an unusual combination of spa and skiing under one roof, just check in at the Aurelio Lech, Austria. Aurelio Lech is a 5-star boutique hotel located in Lech — a ski resort in Vorarlberg’s Bludenz district. It featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2010.With mile-long downhill inclines, Lech is the perfect place for skiers of almost any ability level. And after a hectic day of skiing, you can unwind with exclusive spa treatments at Aurelio Spa.

» Hot ticket!

Room rates start at $ 2,115 (Rs 94,974 approx.) for a Top Deluxe Double Room. Prices include accommodation for a night for two, half-board and underground parking. Services include a ski-butler and an overnight ski-service. You can get to Vorarlberg from Vienna International Airport by taxi. Return airfare per person (Calcutta- Vienna-Calcutta) starts from about Rs 55,000. Mail to reservation@aureliolech. com.