Ski Legendary Slopes With Olympic Champions

Ever fantasized about what it's like to be an Olympic skier? The globe-trotting lifestyle, the big-name sponsors, the après-ski scene with actual celebrities? It's a pretty compelling daydream. Well, here's your chance to step into that world, at least for a long weekend or two. U.S. Ski & Snowboard just launched The Crest Club, a luxury travel program that's essentially a backstage pass to the World Cup circuit. And I'm not talking about watching from the sidelines with a thermos of cocoa. This is five-star accommodations, private ski time with legendary Olympians, and front-row access to the sport's most thrilling races at three of the planet's most storied ski destinations.

Three Destinations, One Olympic Season

The inaugural 2025-26 season kicks off with a trio of experiences spread across the FIS World Cup circuit. First up is St. Moritz, Switzerland, from December 11 to 14, 2025. That's this week, in case you're wondering. Then it's on to Deer Valley Resort in Utah from January 15 to 18, 2026, and finally Kitzbühel, Austria, from January 22 to 26, 2026, according to U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Here's what makes the timing particularly interesting: every single one of these events is a 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games qualifier, according to the organization. You're not just watching racing; you're watching athletes compete for their Olympic dreams in real time.

What You Actually Get

So what does a package like this include? Pretty much everything you'd hope for and then some. We're talking skiing with legends, private luxury après-ski opportunities, five-star accommodations, custom U.S. Ski & Snowboard apparel, and exclusive first-track resort ski experiences, according to U.S. Ski & Snowboard. That "skiing with legends" part isn't just marketing speak. The program offers unique access to the team and the mountains, putting recreational skiers on the slopes alongside Olympic athletes. It's the kind of access that U.S. Ski & Snowboard has traditionally reserved for major donors and VIPs during World Championships and Olympic Winter Games, according to the organization. Now they're opening it up to anyone willing to pay for the privilege. And while there's no public pricing available (you'll need to email [email protected] for details), it's safe to assume this isn't a budget-friendly ski trip.

The Star Power

Let's talk about who you might see competing. At St. Moritz, the women's speed teams will tackle the Engiadina track for two downhills and a super-G. Think stars like Lindsey Vonn, Lara Gut-Behrami, Sofia Goggia, and Lauren Macuga, according to U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Over in Kitzbühel, you'll watch the world's best male speed skiers fly down the track at 90 mph. We're talking Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Marco Odermatt, and Aleksander Kilde. Plus a day of technical mastery in the slalom with River Radamus, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, and Henrik Kristoffersen, according to the organization. And at Deer Valley? That's where the moguls and aerials athletes take center stage at the venue that hosted competition during the 2002 Olympics and will again in 2034. There's also a celebration event for athletes who've qualified for the 2026 Olympics before they head to Italy, according to U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

Why This Matters for Winter Sports Tourism

"The Crest Club has been a long time in the making and we are thrilled to bring it to life with a trusted partner, especially during such an exciting season," said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, according to the organization. "VIP experiences are becoming increasingly important in sports. Skiing and snowboarding are the ultimate luxury lifestyle sports, combining world-class performance with unmatched exclusivity." She's not wrong. The experiential travel market has exploded in recent years, and high-net-worth travelers increasingly want more than just a nice hotel and good food. They want stories, access, and experiences they can't buy anywhere else. U.S. Ski & Snowboard partnered with Horizon Sports & Experiences to make this happen, according to the organization. Chris Weil, co-CEO and founder of Horizon, put it this way: "Consumer interest in premium sports and entertainment experiences has never been greater, and we believe this program maximizes their return on their investment with unprecedented access to the slopes and the Team," according to U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

More Than Just Watching

Here's what separates this from just buying really good race tickets: it's the immersion factor. You're not just a spectator; you're embedded with the team. U.S. Ski & Snowboard consists of 10 teams and over 240 elite athletes, according to the organization, and The Crest Club gives you proximity to that world in a way that's never been available to the general public. The organization has long run donor-focused, high-end hospitality programs around World Championships and Olympic Winter Games, but The Crest Club extends that insider-only experience to additional destinations, according to U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

Is It Worth It?

That's the million-dollar question. Or, more likely, the several-thousand-dollar question, given what five-star accommodations at St. Moritz alone would cost. For die-hard ski racing fans who've always dreamed of getting closer to the sport's elite level, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You're getting access that literally puts you on the mountain with Olympians. For casual skiers or those who just want a luxurious winter vacation? Maybe it's overkill. But if you've ever watched downhill racing on TV and thought, "I want to be there," The Crest Club is as close as you're likely to get without actually joining the team. And honestly, there's something appealing about the idea of experiencing world-class racing at destinations like St. Moritz and Kitzbühel, where ski history runs as deep as the snowpack. These aren't just pretty resorts; they're legendary venues that have shaped the sport. Whether the price tag justifies the experience depends entirely on how much that level of access means to you. But for the right traveler, this could be absolutely unforgettable.