The ski resorts that have featured in our favourite films and TV shows
Love it or loathe it, Emily in Paris is one of Netflix's most popular shows ever, with millions of viewers across its four series – and another on the way. As well as deliciously frivolous plot lines and outré fashion, one of the most irresistible elements of Emily in Paris is its dreamy destination inspiration, especially in the French capital itself.
But in Series Four, our TV-fuelled wanderlust extended to ski resorts, with Emily (played by Lily Collins) hitting the slopes for the first time in the sixth episode. The scenes were filmed in the glamorous French ski resort of Megève, and Emily's chic fur outfit paid homage to Audrey Hepburn in the 1963 film Charade, which was also filmed in there.
Inspired by the Alpine allure in Emily in Paris – as well as some other stars who try skiing, from Bridget Jones to James Bond – we’ve asked our friends at ski holiday operator Heidi to help us round up the best ski resorts from TV and film. From France to Austria, Italy and Switzerland, these European hotspots (or perhaps rather, cold spots) will suit an array of skiing abilities – and budgets.
And with Heidi's Black Friday event (which runs from 25 November to 3 December 2024), you can save £50 per person on all ski holidays, as well as being entered into their holiday prize draw.
So, without further ado, here are five of the best screen-inspired ski destinations to give you some snowy inspiration...
Megève, France
One of the most romantic ski resorts in the world, Megève is a place of snowy cobbled streets, luxurious spas and horse-drawn carriages – little wonder this is the place Emily meets her new Italian love interest, Marcello, in Emily in Paris. Filming locations featured in the series include the pretty village square and the Mont d’Arbois ski area, as well as Idéal 1850 restaurant, which is located inside Four Seasons Megève Collection.
It's a great spot for beginners like Emily, with wide open green and blue runs that descend gently down into the scenic town. Visitors can also expect an uber-glam après-ski scene, with fine dining restaurants and raucous yet elegant clubs.
Where to stay
For a blow-out stay, Four Seasons Hotel Megeve is a five-star, no-luxury-spared haven. It's the only hotel on the Mont d'Arbois slopes and has its own Michelin-starred restaurant. A more affordable room can be found at Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Mont d'Arbois, which is housed in a beautiful Savoyard-style chalet and has a panoramic pool and terrace.
Lech-Zürs, Austria
You might recognise this Austrian gem of a ski resort from Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (who could forget our favourite frazzled English woman snow ploughing through a slalom race?). Easily the most glamorous resort in the country, Lech is one of the prettiest ski towns you're likely to come across, offering access to an extensive 300km playground of slopes. Beginners will revel in the smooth, easy slopes, though there's also plenty to draw more advanced powder fiends.
There's also plenty for those looking for a break from skiing, with ice skating and tobogganing, as well as spas and charming little spots for hot chocolates (with or without rum). January, February and March usually offer the best conditions here.
Where to stay
Hotel Bianca is a great choice, located in a quiet spot in the centre of Lech, just 350 metres from the main cable car. Friendly and family-run, the hotel also offers free access to spa facilities – there's nothing like a sauna and steam at the end of a big day of skiing.
Sölden, Austria
Advanced skiers and off-piste enthusiasts will love Sölden, especially if they're looking to channel their inner 007 – it's a very James Bond destination. The latest incarnation to hit its high-altitude slopes was Daniel Craig in Spectre, but there's also ice-Q, a magnificent glass restaurant that was used as the futuristic Hoffler Clinic in the film.
With three peaks over 3,000m and two glaciers, there are plenty of spots to recreate your favourite Bond scenes in Sölden, including notorious black runs at Hochsölden. If you prefer winding reds and blues, there's also a lovely route from the top of Rettenbach down into the resort. Thanks to its high altitude, Sölden is known to have snow into April, so it's also great for spring skiing.
Where to stay
A great hotel for skiing enthusiasts is Die Berge Lifestyle-Hotel, which offers fast downhills, picturesque hikes and extensive cross-country skiing routes from its stylish doorstep.
St Moritz, Switzerland
If you'd rather embrace the retro glamour of Bond, it has to be St Mortiz, easily one of the most stylish ski resorts in the world – and the place where Roger Moore whizzed through powder in a memorable yellow onesie in The Spy Who Loved Me.
Having been the host of the Winter Olympics twice, St Moritz is known for its world-class piste and challenging ski routes, as well as its timelessly glamorous appeal. There's also a lot of great off-piste skiing to be had here, especially in the Corvatsch area. You can also check out moonlight ice-skating and Cresta Run sledding in this idyllic destination.
Where to stay
Located on the famous Suvretta hillside, Berghotel Randolins is well placed for St Moritz skiing, with direct access to slopes. The rooms are humble but perfectly comfortable for a week or so of skiing.
Courmayeur, Italy
You might recognise Courmayeur, in the heart of Italy’s Aosta Valley, from the second Kingsman film, in which a ski suit-clad Pedro Pascal makes an appearance. The scenic setting of this Italian ski town is just as easy on the eyes, with glistening peaks and an air of classic Alpine elegance. Lovely pistes flow through lush pine forests, and plenty of red runs make this a great place for intermediate skiers – though anyone less keen on skis can swap them for snowshoes to explore frozen waterfalls and gorgeous views of Mont Blanc.
The season runs from mid-December to mid-April here, so there's plenty of time to visit, though those seeking warmth will prefer February or March, when the south-facing slopes are often bathed in sunshine.
Where to stay
At the foot of Mont Blanc, TH Courmayeur is a crowd-pleasing choice. Don't miss the spectacular views from the swimming pool...
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