Throughout 2025, noctourism emerged as one of the year’s most captivating travel trends, with adventurers seeking out moonlit excursions such as nighttime safaris and stargazing around the globe. As demand for after-dark activities continues to grow, more destinations now offer the unique opportunity to ski beneath the stars. From Asia to Europe, these luxurious properties invite guests to embrace the magic of the mountains after dusk.
Rent a Mountain & Ski Under the Stars at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
The all-suite, 5-star Carlton Hotel St. Moritz offers an exclusive skiing experience on the Corvatsch, a scenic piste situated in St. Moritz, one of the world’s most renowned ski destinations. For an unforgettable Alpine evening, guests can reserve the Rent a Mountain experience, where an illuminated slope, complete with a private gondola, is entirely theirs for the night. The journey begins with a private shuttle from the hotel, winding its way along a torch-lit path to the station. Guests may opt for a stylish aperitif by the lift or a private dinner on the mountaintop. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers, a ski instructor is available upon request, and the hotel’s dedicated Outdoor Butler accompanies guests throughout the adventure, serving as a host, guide, and photographer to ensure lasting memories are made.
After an evening on the slopes, guests can unwind at the Carlton Bar and Bel Etage, savoring a crafted cocktail and a light bite while snow falls gently over the mountains. Guests may even reserve the cozy Fondue Gondola, a relaxing post-ski treat. Guests may even explore more nighttime activity options, including torchlit walks and traditional sledging.
Skiing Under the Stars in Leogang, Austria
Night skiing at the Schanteilift, just five minutes from Forsthofgut Nature Hotel in Leogang, Austria, offers an exciting after-dark experience for winter sports enthusiasts. Taking place three nights per week during the winter season, travelers can enjoy skiing under the stars on the 1,600-foot floodlit piste. The Schanteilift’s new Funcross course, stretching 1,300 feet, is also available and features waves, banked curves, and small jumps, providing thrills for skiers of all skill levels.
After an evening on the slopes, guests can relax back at Forsthofgut Nature Hotel’s waldSPA, a 61,000-square-foot wellness center. Visitors can enjoy a late-night soak in the Japanese-inspired onsen bath or swim in the heated lake pool under the stars. Guests can also dine at silva, the hotel’s new fine dining restaurant, where Chef Michael Helfrich creates innovative tasting menus showcasing regional ingredients, with dishes like prime Pinzgau beef cuts with pickled blueberries and bone-marrow dumplings. The restaurant’s forest-inspired design and focus on local, creative cuisine offer a sophisticated culinary experience that complements the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps.
Ski Japan’s White Season After Dark at Niseko Village
Night skiing at Niseko Village in Hokkaido, Japan, brings a new dimension to the White Season, offering skiers the chance to carve through powder beneath a canopy of lights. From 4:30 to 8:00 PM, the mountain’s illuminated trails open across the Banzai Chair and Village Express lifts, allowing access to long, scenic runs that wind through snow-laden forest and open terrain. Niseko Village forms part of the greater Niseko United area, giving guests entry to more than 2,000 acres of interconnected slopes, with consistent snowfall ensuring pristine conditions throughout the evening. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy smooth, groomed descents on the lower mountain, while advanced riders seek out steeper terrain higher up Mount Niseko Annupuri.
After time on the slopes, guests can return to Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, located at the foot of the mountain with direct ski-in/ski-out access to the night trails. Evenings continue at Spa Chasi La Sothys, where natural onsen waters drawn from deep within the earth offer relaxation after hours on the snow.
