Brains
We all like to feel special every now and then. While sliding on snow already feels special enough to most of us, some may want to experience something truly luxurious. In the ski resort world, it’s no secret that Europe has some of the best amenities, however, it’s worth mentioning the best of the Americas and Japan, too, for wherever you’re traveling from. If you are looking to elevate your ski experience, here are the top gondola and chairlift experiences from around the world:
Eiger Express VIP Gondola, Jungfrau Ski Region, Switzerland
The Jungfrau Ski Region in Switzerland offers an annual pass for their Jungfrau VIP cable car for CHF 18,000 for 2 people. This package means you are one of only 100 members of the Platinum Club which comes with a VIP parking spot, free storage locker, VIP lounge at the bottom station, and a season ski lift pass. The Eiger Express cable car gives you access to the longest glacier in the Alps, which is guaranteed to have snow 365 days a year. In only 15 minutes you will arrive at the Jungfraujoch “top of Europe”. The new gondola is large enough for 10 people and is 47 minutes faster than before. If a season pass is out of your budget, you can buy a day pass to the VIP gondola from CHF 2,999 ($3,599) per person. The VIP day pass offer includes a bottle of champagne for the way up, and snacks before your lunch at the Jungfraujoch Crystal restaurant. The Jungfrau Ski Region combines the three famous peaks Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, across two valleys, offering 211 kilometers (132 miles) of groomed runs.
Zermatt VIP Gondola, Switzerland
What is more iconic than the Matterhorn? So why not take it to the extra level and take the Zermatt VIP Gondola at the Matterhorn-Express Valley station? The VIP Gondola in Zermatt features four luxurious leather seats and a complimentary bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne. The gondola takes you to the Trockener Steg mountain station, at an altitude of 2,929 meters (9,609 feet) and operates 270 days of the year. A single trip from either Zermatt to Trockener Steg or in the opposite direction is CHF 100 per gondola. A return trip from Zermatt is CHF 150 but is a non-stop ride without an opportunity to disembark. A ski pass is not included in the price if you are planning on skiing at the Matterhorn Ski Paradise.
Kronplatz Italy
While Kronplatz may be known for its famous downhill ski racing course, its luxury uphill rides are worth mentioning if you’re considering going to catch the race. Their VIP cable car is for 1-6 persons with custom Moessmer-designed seats to give maximum comfort. Moessmer is creative partner and supplier of designers Prada, Dolce&Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton. During the 30-minute ride, the customer has access to local cold cuts, cheese as well as sparkling wine. For only €100 ($108.97) per person, this is a great value for the experience as a whole with all of the local amenities included. Kronplatz is truly the place to go if you are not a fan of weathering the storm on a chairlift, as 23 of their 33 uphill infrastructure are gondolas, giving you access to the whole resort.
Ramcharger 8, Big Sky, Montana
North America’s luxury ski lifts have not come as far as Europe’s, but the heated chairs and storm covers are a significant upgrade. Just outside of Yellowstone National Park at Big Sky, Montana, there is a total of 4,350 vertical feet with 24 chairs and 12 surface lifts. As one of many new additions, the resort offers a luxurious 8-person heated chair. Equipped with a storm cover, the chair is one of the nicest in North America, next to a similar one at Vail Colorado. Day tickets at Big Sky can be around $200 so it might make sense to get an IKON pass if you plan on skiing for more than a couple of days. The combination of luxury and riding for all types of skill levels is one of the best in North America.
Symphony Gondola, Hanazono Niseko, Japan
If you want to ski the most snow in the world and have a luxury ski experience, look no further than Hanazono Niseko. Revered as the ‘Ferrari of Chairlift’s the new six-person chair and gondola (or chondola) provide the ultimate comfort for the uphill ride. The new Symphony Gondola encompasses POMA’s ultra-quiet engineering that has heated leather seats and personal suspension gurneys. The structure has customizable LED features that let the resort display local art exhibits to make night skiing possible. With 2,372 vertical feet and only 3 quad chairs, it is not one of the larger resorts in Japan. However, it makes up for this with its affordable $54.68 day tickets and abundance of snow.
Sauna Gondola, Yllas, Finland
It would be unfair to leave out the Yllas Resort sauna gondola in Finland. For a price of €1,350 ($1,462), 9-12 people can split up into groups of 3-4 and take a 20-minute hot tour of the resort, which has a total vertical rise of over 1500 feet. In the meantime, friends or family in the group wait at the outdoor jacuzzi, fireplaces, and showers which are also included in the price. As a pre or post-ski option, this gondola is a truly unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. When it comes to skiing, Yllas is the largest resort in Finland. With 24 ways to get uphill, including T-bars, chairs, and gondolas, there is something for everyone. For adults, day tickets come in at $52.85 USD, making it a great option for a wide range of skiers and boarders alike.
