How the rich are spending big to chase the snow for their luxury ski vacations

Courchevel town, French alps,

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• Wealthy skiers are spending big to chase snow by booking last-minute trips.
• Luxury travel planners say their clients will lose thousands on deposits if the snow isn't good.
• Some ski seasons are getting shorter, and the snow less desirable, as temperatures warm.

Scott, a diehard skier from New York, visited Aspen with his family for a few days in December only to find such "horrible" snow conditions and so much...