Heidi Blog
Top 5 ski resort filming locations, inspired by Emily in Paris
Make like Emily Cooper in the new fourth season of Emily in Paris and head to the slopes this winter to find your own dashing Italian millionaire. Skiing skills not required, apparently!
In the sixth episode of the hit Netflix show’s fourth season, American fashionista Emily (played by Lily Collins) takes to the Alps as she tries skiing for the first time. The scenes were filmed in the ultra-glam French ski resort of Megève, paying a chic homage to Audrey Hepburn’s appearance in the 1963 film Charade, also filmed in Megève.
Whether you’re a complete beginner like Emily or Bridget Jones, dashingly quick like James Bond, or somewhere in between, Heidi has a film-inspired ski holiday to suit your ability and budget. Our Heidi ski holiday specialists have picked their top five European resorts in Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland that have all starred as snowy backdrops in Hollywood classics. Here's where you need to head to book them for this winter:
Best for beginners, à la Emily & Bridget:
1. Megève, France - Emily in Paris, Season 4 (2024)
With its boutique-lined cobbled streets, luxury spas and horse-drawn carriages, Megève is the perfect romantic wintery backdrop for Emily to meet her potential new love interest, Marcello. Filming locations include the village square, the Mont d’Arbois ski area, and the Idéal 1850 restaurant at Four Seasons Megève Collection with its panoramic view of Mont Blanc.
Why Megève? If you’re a beginner like Emily, once you’ve had a few lessons to get you prepped, there are plenty of mellow green and blue runs to gently descend down into the Evasion ski area. The vibe is super relaxed here and the après scene is oh-so-chic, from fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants to enjoying the oldest jazz club outside of Paris, Club de Jazz Les Cinq Rues.
When to go: December. Whilst Megève doesn’t share the high altitude of some of its alpine neighbours, thankfully there’s usually plenty of snow cover to keep the pistes topped up. If the snow gods haven't played ball, fret not - the snow cannons keep the slopes blanketed from mid-December to mid-April. At Christmas time the village transforms into a fairytale-worthy festive wonderland, complete with a giant twinkling tree in the square.
Where to stay:
- Boujee blow out: Four Seasons Hotel Megeve. If your tastes are as luxe as Emily’s, this five-star haven which features in the show has your name on it.
- Budget: You can still soak up the Four Seasons vibe by having a meal at its Idéal 1850 restaurant and stay at the more affordable Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Mont d'Arbois.
2. Lech-Zürs, Austria - Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
When beginner skier Bridget takes to the slopes in the Austrian resort of Lech-Zürs with boyfriend Mark Darcy, her never-ending string of bad luck sees her snow plough through a slalom race. Smooth.
Why Lech-Zürs? One of Austria’s premier resorts and part of its largest ski region, Lech-Zürs is situated in the heart of the super-connected Arlberg, offering access to an extensive 300km playground of slopes. Lech caters for everyone, from beginners carving their first turns to full-on powder fiends. If you fancy a break from skiing, there are numerous other activities on offer, from ice skating and tobogganing to spas and horse-drawn carriage rides.
When to go: January. Thanks to its unique situation and microclimate, Lech-Zürs is famed for its snow quality; its main season runs from mid-December through to the end of March. January, February and March usually offer the best conditions. Price wise, you’ll find better deals outside the Christmas-New Year and February half term periods.
Where to stay: Hotel Bianca
Best for advanced and off-piste skiers, à la Bond:
Of course James Bond is a ridiculously good skier. How else would MI5’s top agent be able to pull off the obligatory death-defying wild chase with aerial stunts through deep off-piste powder whilst being shot at?
Here’s our pick of where to live out your own 007 moment on the slopes. In the words of Pierce Brosnan in The World is Not Enough, “See you back at the lodge.”
3. Sölden, Austria - Spectre (2015)
Bond’s latest jaunt up a snowy mountain was delivered by Daniel Craig in Spectre, with scenes shot in the Austrian ski and party hotspot of Sölden. The daring snowy chase scene is commemorated at 007 Elements, a cinematic installation inside the summit of the Gaislachkogel mountain which re-opens for the winter season on 14th November 2024. Located right next door is ice-Q, a spectacular glass restaurant 3,048 metres above sea level, which doubled up in Spectre as the futuristic Hoffler Clinic and will be open to diners this season from 14 November 2024 until 27 April 2025.
Why Sölden? Advanced skiers will love this high-altitude, snow-sure wonderland. With three peaks over 3000m and two glaciers, Sölden brings the powder in epic proportions. Embrace your inner 007 as you carve down long reds and blues from the top of Rettenbach right down into the resort. Or test your nerves on steely black verticals at Hochsölden. Freestyle fans can head to the BASE park or nip down the road to Area 47, the legendary aerial and adventure park.
When to go: April. Thanks to its high altitude, Sölden is known for its season-long snow, which makes it a great bet for spring skiing. Plus, the Electric Mountain Music Festival will take place from 31 March - 4 April 2025.
Where to stay: Die Berge Lifestyle-Hotel
4. St Moritz, Switzerland - The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Arguably the most retro-tastic of all Bond ski scenes sees Roger Moore whizzing through glorious St Mortiz off-piste powder in his yellow onesie, wielding off Soviet villains with a ski pole gun before base-jumping off the mountain and releasing his Union Jack parachute. All to the soundtrack of a 70’s-funk version of the 007 theme tune. Iconic.
Why St Moritz? The birthplace of Alpine winter tourism (since 1864) and twice-host of the Winter Olympics has an appropriate reputation as a top resort for advanced skiers. The Diavolezza Glacier offers a challenging ski route, with a vertical drop of over 1,000m. St. Moritz is also an off-piste skiing paradise, including the Corvatsch area, offering steep chutes and powder-filled bowls. Unlike 007, always remember to hire a local guide or instructor when venturing off-piste to ensure safety.
When to go: March. The best time to ski in St Moritz depends on your preferences for snow, weather and crowds. March is a good option for milder, sunnier weather without sacrificing on snow - plus, you’ll avoid the February half term and Easter crowds.
Where to stay: Berghotel Randolins
Best for intermediate skiers, à la Eggsy:
5. Courmayeur, Italy - Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
The modern alpine grandeur of the Aosta Valley’s Skyway Monte Bianco cable car was the perfect setting for a key action-adventure sequence in the second Kingsman film. In real life, you can ride it as it rises from Courmayeur, ascending into the heavens and giving you the chance to view Mont Blanc at eye level - a truly unforgettable experience. Although we can't promise a cowboy-esque, ski suit-clad Pedro Pascal will make an appearance (sob).
Why Courmayeur? When you think of a Mont Blanc ski holiday, the renowned French ski resort of Chamonix is likely to spring to mind. But, take just a 20-minute drive through the tunnel to the other side of the mountain, and you’ll discover Courmayeur – a chic ski resort in the heart of Italy’s Aosta Valley. With its glistening snow-capped peaks and air of sophistication, this true hidden gem boasts perfectly groomed intermediate red pistes flowing through lush pine forests. You can also swap skis for snowshoes to explore frozen waterfalls with jaw-dropping views from the foot of Mont Blanc, or bliss out at Pre Saint Didier Thermal Spa.
When to go: February or March. Courmayeur skiing runs from mid-December to mid-April, so take your pick. The south-facing slopes are magic in February, with sunny bluebird days getting in on the action. If you prefer a little more warmth, opt for the beginning of March.
Where to stay: TH Courmayeur
You’ll find our holidays more flexible than your average ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from thousands of options, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a flexible ski holiday, call us on 0117 457 6000, email us at [email protected], or simply start a search.
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