Winter is when rich travelers head downhill

Oetztal Valley in the Austrian Alps is among top high-end winter destinations that draw upmarket travelers. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Winter is the time when the wealthy like to hit the slopes.

Overseas ski-trip bookings through Chinese luxury-travel operator HHtravel have increased 40 percent year-on-year, the company reports.

"It shows high-end tourism is shifting toward adventure," chief operating officer Guo Ming says.

Upmarket travelers increasingly seek seasonal scenery and outdoor fun, Guo says.

The agency's winter trips cost between 70,000 yuan and 100,000 yuan ($10,560 to $15,087).

Many clients are senior executives and private business owners, who take their families along.

Switzerland, Canada and Japan top the list of destinations.

Zermatt

The Swiss town boasts the Alps' highest trails. Travelers can hop aboard the Glacial Express to reach the settlement and hike among the Alps to enjoy the stunning snowy views and fresh air.

Zermatt's ski resort claims to be one of the world's 10 largest. Its longest course runs 21 kilometers. It also offers private coaching for various skiing levels. The courses are also near one of the country's largest hot springs, Leukerbad.

St. Moritz

This Swiss luxury resort is nestled in a mountain valley and offers magnificent views beneath blue skies. It's said alpine skiing was invented here in 1864. It has 350 km of slopes, including 3 km available in autumn. It's also near the Bad Ragaz hot spring. St. Moritz has hosted two Winter Olympics.