Words: Clara Strunck
Whether you’re jetting off to Gstaad for a weekend jaunt or putting down roots in Revelstoke for the season, these are the best alpine retreats to bed down in.
Chalet Roche Art'Bois, Megève
Perched on the famously salubrious Mont d’Arbois plateau in Megève, Chalet Roche Art’Bois is a mere 100 metres from the gondola — nip out for a few runs or a snowy hike, before returning to the tranquil oasis and your own private spa.
Vila Planinka, Slovenia
Slovenia might be a left-field choice, but Vila Planinka, surrounded by the forests of Zgornje Jezersko, is a real hidden treasure. Modern and cosy, it’s the ideal base for a week of cross-country forays (and spa time in the Finnish tub).
North Star Chalet, Val d’Isère’s Etoile du Nord
The floor-to-ceiling windows of the North Star chalet in Val d’Isère’s Etoile du Nord development make the most of the breathtaking mountain views — though with a pool, hammam and cinema at your disposal, we’d forgive you if you hardly ventured outside…
Chalet Precioso, Courchevel
Chalet Precioso in Courchevel is, as its name suggests, really rather special. It boasts one of the best terraces you’ll find in the Tarentaise Valley and it sleeps an impressive 14 guests, thanks to the supremely welldesigned bunk beds.
Chalet Ador, Selva di Val Gardena
It’s certainly easy to fall in love with Chalet Ador in Selva di Val Gardena: with three massive bedrooms, a spa and an outdoor pool (don’t worry, it’s well heated) this is one of the Dolomites’ best-kept secrets.
Le Coucou, Méribel
Masterminded by designer Pierre Yovanovitch, the private chalets attached to Hôtel Le Coucou in Méribel are accessed by an underground (read: snowproof) passage to the hotel. Zip along every night to Le Beefbar restaurant, which is always reliably packed with the valley’s most chi-chi crowd.
Ultima, Gstaad
The plush residences run by the Ultima in the centre of Gstaad offer all the benefits of a hotel stay (including housekeeping and a concierge) packaged up in a modern, private chalet, which comes with its own chef.
Chalet Hibou, Le Miroir
The distinctly relaxed vibe at Chalet Hibou in Le Miroir will make you feel as if you’re staying with a friend — albeit one with excellent taste. Make sure you check out the Alpage right outside, which can host guests for particularly special candlelit dinners.
Severin’s Alpine Retreat, Lech
Everyone wants to book Severin’s Alpine Retreat in Lech for its divine Tyrolean cuisine, slick spa and hefty dose of Alpine charm. Go for the standalone residence that sleeps eight, with its own hot tub, cinema and grand piano.
Chalet Les Etrennes, Verbier
Tucked away on the south west-facing Savoleyres side of Verbier, Chalet Les Etrennes has six well-proportioned bedrooms and is traditional in the best of ways (roaring fires, antler chandeliers) that’s complemented by contemporary luxuries (marble-clad bathrooms and its own steam room).
Five Peaks Chalet, Revelstoke
Crouching in the shadow of the mountains, Five Peaks Chalet at the base of Revelstoke’s famed skiing resort is just minutes from the gondola and sits amid five, forested acres, promising total tranquillity and vast pistes.
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