Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) billionaires do not just pick up a coat and wish to be lucky when winter comes. Their migrations are precise, tasteful, and discriminating against experiences that are private, prestigious, and pleasurable. Winter is not an experience that these high-net-worth travelers must endure but a designed experience. They are in snow-dusted Alpine chalets and sun-soaked private islands, and their options reinvent our notion of luxury winter travel spots.

Where do GCC billionaires then go when the temperatures fall? We shall go on a guided tour of their winter playgrounds.

St. Moritz, Switzerland: New Power Meets Old Money

St. Moritz is more of a statement than a ski resort. Over the decades, it has been associated with unobtrusive affluence, flawless service, and a social agenda that competes unobtrusively with world cities. Discretion is a cherished culture in St. Moritz, which is why GCC billionaires choose this destination due to the blend of skiing at the world level, ultra-exclusive chalets, and recognition of the value of discretion.

In this case, heli-skiing or sliding on flawlessly groomed slopes in winter days and nights spent in Michelin-starred restaurants and private parties are a few examples of how one spends their time in Switzerland. Some rent out whole chalets with their own chefs, security, and wellness. It is one of those upscale winter holiday spots where nothing looks ostentatious, and everything is perfect.

Courchevel, France: The Alpine King of Glamour

Courchevel is outspoken and should St. Moritz murmurs of affluence, Courchevel screams. Courchevel 1850 is one of the oldest resorts in the Middle East and is now renowned among high-end population because of its designer boutiques, ski-in/ski-out palaces and social life where European aristocracy are mingling with the gulf royal families.

The customization of Courchevel is what is of greatest interest to GCC travelers. The resort knows who its audience is, whether it is through halal fine-dining or Arabic staff and fully privatized, the resort knows what these people want. Divert to high-altitude spa retreats and apres-ski which seems more of a personal fashion show, and it is easy to understand why Courchevel is so high on the list of luxurious winter travel spots.

London: Winter, Without the Snow Boots

All billionaires do not desire snow. Winter in London can be a cultural revival of the GCC families without the extreme cold. An alternative form of seasonal luxury is luxury shopping on Bond Street, tours of private museums and West End shows.

Winter is another season that the long residency in Mayfair townhouses or pent house overlooks in Hyde Park. The attractiveness of London is that it is familiar, has world class healthcare, upper end schools and is a blend of business, leisure and lifestyle. It is not a ski resort but it is a winter necessity among the super-rich.

Aspen, USA: Snow, Status and Social capital

Aspen has now grown into a universal image of high-end winter resorts. GCC billionaires are always attracted to Aspen because of its combination of natural beauty and elite networking. Here, the Winter Sports converge CEOs, investors, and cultural leaders.

There are private jets that land near mountain estates with a large population hosting low profile parties, days are divided between the mountain and private wellness retreats. Aspen is an exception in the list of luxury winter ski resorts due to its relaxed vibe, where the billion-dollar deal can be negotiated with hot chocolate, rather than with champagne.

The Maldives: Winter Sun, Billionaire Edition

The Maldives is a classic destination to those who want to avoid being caught in winter. GCC billionaires choose to go to a resort in the shape of ultra-privacy islands or even rent a complete island, guaranteeing complete isolation. Winter in this case translates to turquoise waters, over water villas, and a lifestyle that is blissfully relaxed.

The difference that makes the experience better is customization. Follow underwater restaurants, family snorkeling by family-trained marine biologists and sunset spa services. It is traveling in winter without the cold – and a reminder of the fact that winter traveling luxury spots may not always have to do with snow.

Gstaad, Switzerland: Exclusive, Serene and Luxurious

Gstaad is the place where one appreciates privacy. It is not as flashy as Courchevel, or as understated as St. Moritz, which is why billionaires prefer to be seen without being conspicuous.There is strict building control and low key environment which makes it one of the best sites to have a family retreat.

Even the days in winter are more or less equal: in the morning skiing, in the afternoon fire side lunches, in the evening close companions at home. Gstaad demonstrates that invisibility is all the best thing at times.

Why are these destinations so important?

To GCC billionaires, winter travel is not trendy taking a trip but rather a way to strengthen identity. These destinations provide a sense of control, privacy and being able to have winter their way. It is snow-, or sunshine-, shores, but it is all about quality without a compromise.

More to the point, such luxury winter tourism destinations convey a more general attitude: travel as a continuation of personal values. Comfort matters. Culture matters. And most of all, there is time wisely spent.

Therefore when the rest of the world is busy taking up holiday offers, GCC billionaires are choosing places that do not just have winter, but they make winter.