As festivities come to an end, our thoughts naturally turn to surviving the next few (cold) months. There’s not much a little mountain air and a pair of ski’s can’t cure – Which brings us to share our favourite snow-capped destinations this season. The difficulty is choosing which to go for!
FOR THE AVID SKI ADVENTURER:
SAILING AND SKIING IN NORWAY ONBOARD THE FIREBIRD YACHT
With breath-taking remote destinations to discover the Lyngen Alps, Norway has consistently been voted the best off-piste skiing destination in the world. Say goodbye to lift queues and crowded slopes and hello to plenty of powder, your own mountain guide and the most luxurious floating chalet to call home.
Don’t think for a moment that this sort of adventure means cold hands and wet feet… Wrap up in slippers and cashmere blankets, coffee in hand and enjoy the glorious sunrise up on deck. This snow-capped paradise is all about crystal clear waters, peace, quiet, untouched snow, and absolutely no chairlifts. The itinerary can be tailored to suit you so whether you want to take a break and whale-watch, dog sled or sit back and catch glimpses of the Aurora Borealis, then the choice is totally and utterly yours.
GO TO: scottdunn.com
SKIING ACROSS BORDERS – 7 RESORTS IN 7 DAYS WITH CHALET HIBOU
Perched on the French and Italian border, the luxury Chalet Hibou is located in the local’s best kept secret for winter sports- the Tarentaise Valley. With a private chef, a steam room, sauna, hot tub and panoramic views of the valley, step outside and there’s a winter playground waiting for you!
Heli-skiing, Nordic skiing, all kinds of skiing, snow shoeing, ice climbing, plus seven resorts all on your doorstep, when we said playground we really meant it. This is the place where luxury and adventure combine.
GO TO: elevenexperience.com
FOR THE FAMILY:
FLEXI-SKI CHALET WITH SCOTT DUNN
With chalets in Val D’Isère, Courchevel and St Anton, each with access to private nannies and explorers kids clubs, Scott Dunn have created THE way to ski with your mini’s in tow. From organising childcare, ski lessons and even spa treatments, they have it down to a tee.
The essential, flexi and full services allow you to explore when you want to explore and be pampered when you want to be pampered. If you’re after a totally different experience, try out the ‘Shared Chalet’ option in St Anton, all the benefits of a private chalet but with new friends included.
GO TO: scottdunn.com
FOR THE ADVENTUROUS NON-SKIIER:
SNOWSHOES AND SNOWFLAKES ON MER DE GLACE
Climb aboard the famous little red Montenvers train that wiggles it’s way up through the forest, between gloriously snowy peaks to this stunning alpine hotel.
If this sound like you’re kind of arrival, the Snowshoes and Snowflakes package is 100 percent for you. With guided snow shoeing, ice climbing and glacier hikes by day; aperitifs on Le Panoramique’s terrace with views over the Petit Dru and the Mer de Glace by night, this is the perfect place to settle in to after an action packed day in the mountains.
GO TO: montenvers.terminal-neige.com
FOR THE ALPINE GLAMOUR:
HIGH LUXURY AT L’APOGÉE COURCHEVEL
At the height of luxury at 1850 – the very top of the former Olympic ski jump, L’Apogée Courchevel is a 53-bedroom, ski-in/ ski-out alpine retreat. With suites designed as mini-chalets and the addition of a five-bedroom chalet spread over five floors each with spectacular mountain views, a private spa, butler and chef- this is just the beginning.
The hotel includes another spa, restaurant, two bars and all sorts of experiences – one being a day’s skiing complete with a private chef and picnic in the mountains. L’Apogée Courchevel provides luxury at it’s greatest and not just for adults. With kids club ambassadors your children will have as much fun on the slopes as off them. Think: dog-sled rides, chocolate making and outdoor flora exploration.
GO TO: oetkercollection.com
THE CENTURY-OLD WINTER PALACE SUVRETTA HOUSE, ST. MORITZ
As if emerging from a fairy tale, St. Moritz has romantic beauty, great skiing and one of Switzerland’s most iconic hotels – Suvretta House. Originally designed to provide a tranquil and exclusive retreat set away from the buzz of St. Moritz, the ski-in/ ski-out hotel remains firmly on the map as one of Europe’s finest winter retreats.
With a private ski lift providing exceptionally easy access to the Engadine Valley’s 217 miles of piste, 136 miles of Cross-country ski trials and 93 miles of winter walking paths, there is no excuse not to come back to a large glass of something at one of the stunning bars in Suvretta House. With a restaurant to suit your every desire, including two off-site mountain restaurants, you will be well equipped to sit back, relax and enjoy your trip in one of the most decadent mountain resorts in Europe.
GO TO: suvrettahouse.ch
– JPS
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Inspiration/ImageCredits: suvrettahouse.ch, oetkercollection.com, montenvers.terminal-neige.com, scottdunn.com, elevenexperience.com
Featured Image: montenvers.terminal-neige.com
