The Capra

If you think ski bums are, well, bums, The Capra proves quite the opposite. Founded by a group of mountain-obsessed friends who first set out to share a private ski lodge, then unleashed their dream to the masses, this ski-in, ski-out hotel literally lives the high life, with clean-lined Swiss architecture inspired by fire and ice and exquisite service for all ages (there’s both a wine cellar and a Fun Lab for kiddos complete with a foosball table and DVDs galore). Cozy yet mod rooms are lined with blonde woods and fitted with hangout seating areas and plenty of modern thrills—lightning-fast WiFi, Bluetooth entertainment systems, and Nespresso machines for that requisite pre-slalom caffeine jolt.

An uber-luxe, 24-room spa retreat set right on the slopes.

For cars. The mountain peak-ringed ski town of Saas-Fee is proudly automobile-free, and you won’t miss them.

The Peak Health Spa is an immaculate den of anything you could ask for to chillax apres-ski, including an al fresco hydrotherapy pool, infrared detox wraps and even private Chi Gong classes.

You’ll admit it: you’ve had some terrible meals at ski resorts, which typically rest on their snow-capped laurels. Not so at The Capra, where the locavore brasserie is a study in Swiss deliciousness. After a mountain herb-crusted halibut, pumpkin tortellini with nut butter beurre blanc, and a plate of local cheeses with chutney, you’re ready to do what an hour ago you would have thought unthinkable: another ten runs down the slopes just beyond your door.