World's 10 most expensive ski resorts 2005

Industry insiders weren't surprised. "A lot of ski areas are expanding their villages and towns," says Keri Hone, the director of events and projects at the National Ski Areas Association. "Shopping, restaurants and entertainment are becoming increasingly important in catering to family vacations, and to family members who aren't into skiing. There's a renewed focus on everything from lodging to dining to entertainment."

In fact, for the coming 2005/2006 ski season, RRC Associates expects capital improvements at American resorts to exceed $529 million, with $1.6 billion projected to be spent over the next three years--mostly on real estate and on-mountain facilities and support. These new facilities will cater to the type of skier Hone described: the young family or aging baby boomer who might not want spend every second on the slopes.

"As skiers and snowboarders have aged, they are spending less vacation time on the hill, and there's a greater dependence on what do you do besides skiing," says Nolan Rosall, president of RRC Associates. "While the initial phase of renovations has focused on on-hill improvements, such as more efficient lifts and better grooming, and the second phase moved toward better child care, restaurants, ski schools and rental-shop options, the third phase, which we're seeing now, is marked by an emphasis on facilities and real estate. The focus has shifted to amenities, shopping options--more of the full-dimension experience."

Slide show   2005 Holiday Highlights From Rockefeller Center to Red Square, people all around the world celebrated the 2005 holiday season. more photos

In anticipation of the approaching ski season, Forbes.com took a look at some of the most expensive ski resorts around the world. We ignored the destination clubs (they aren't really resorts, because you have to be a member to go) and chose the hotels and resorts, perched high in the mountains or nestled by their bases, where world-class skiing and world-class service meet--sometimes defying convention in the process. The Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, for example, is right next door to the world's third-largest indoor ski resort, and offers the once-in-a-lifetime chance to ski in the middle of the desert. We listed each resort's nightly rate for its least expensive room during the high season, and in some cases indicated the price for the most luxurious suite as well.

This season, domestic ski visits are expected to fall in line with--if not exceed--last year's totals. "It's too soon to know yet, since many ski areas aren't open, but reservations for this year look solid," says Rosall. "Over the next five years, the industry's informal goal is to break 60 million visits."

So, take a gander at our list of the most expensive ski resorts, and start booking now. Whether it's Colorado, Canada or even Dubai, you're sure to find a resort for you. Just save some energy for paying the bill.

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