Ski holidays are not just about whizzingdown the slopes. A true winter sports experience surely must be about indulging yourself in the wonderful surroundings of a luxury chalet nestled in the snow. After a long day out on the ski pistes, you need some comfort and style to sooth those aches and pains, satisfy the huge loss ofcaloriesand simply relaxsomewhere that could be a setting for a James Bond movie. Here we take a look at some of the very best chalets in the Alps, places where you might very well forget about the skiing altogether and just stay indoors all day long.
Chalet White Pearl, Zermatt
Newly opened in Zermatts only ski-in ski-out district of Winkelmatten, Chalet White Pearl,from Zermatt Ski Chalets portfolio, is nestled in the Beverly Hills part of the town, with itsglitzy restaurants, bars and shops. Indulge in the chalets indoor swimming pool the only standalone luxury chalet in Zermatt to have one, and soothe away the days aches and strains inits Hammam, Sauna, massage room and outdoor hot-tub. Then while away the evening in itscinema room, games area and bar.
The Lodge in Verbier
The Lodge in Verbier is a lavish log chalet built for Sir Richard Branson, decked out withreclaimed timber, natural fabrics, and tonnes of space. Sir Richards master bedroom has acentral fireplace and a magnificent open-plan bathroom, complete with rubber ducks. Anenormous basement party room has a daybed big enough for ten. The main lift is a two-minutechauffeured drive away and you can ski back to the door. If you dont fancy skiing then you canskate on the private ice rink, or swim in the pool.
Chalet Le Chardon,Val dIsere
Chalet Le Chardon is one of the most desirable ski chalets in Val dIsere. Set in discreetprivate grounds with ski in and ski out access to the beautiful Espace Killy terrain. Its scale ismagnificent, with ten individually designed en-suite bedrooms. After a hard days skiing, unwindin one of the two outdoor private hot tubs, or stretch out in the 18ft swimming pool. Thisseason the chalet also has a new wellness area with two private treatment rooms, relaxationarea, sauna and gym.
Artemis, St Anton
The quirky hexagonal design of Chalet Artemis in St Anton makes it one of the best examplesof contemporary chalets in the Alps, and a world away from Heidi and The Sound of Music.Spread out over four floors with unique shaped rooms and six very individual bedrooms, there isalso a private treatment room and a home cinema with retro velvet seats. But the highlights arethe spa facilities with an 8 meter jet stream pool, sauna and ice cold waterfall shower for afterworking up a sweat in the steam room.
Des Dru, Chamonix
A chalet of this magnitude, with exquisite designer style and such an array of facilities is rarelyfound in the Mont Blanc region. Des Drus features uniquely designed bathrooms, spa withindoor pool, and a large sitting room with freestanding fireplace, no expense has been spared.Des Drus enjoys an exclusive and private location between the villages of Argentire and centralChamonix and has 360 degrees view of the Mont Blanc massif, Le Brevent, the Aguille Vert andLes Drus, so you feel they are literally on your doorstep.
Rves de Montagne, near Samons (we had to add this extra one as its brand new!)
Rves de Montagne (mountain dreams) will welcome its first guests in December 2012 after acareful restoration period that lasted over two years. British couple Karen and Andy Wilson fellin love with this ancient Savoyard farmhouse that dates back to 1746 and through sympatheticand stylish renovation they have created a truly special retreat. The chalet sleeps up to 14guests and caters for individuals and couples as well as families with its two family suites withseparate bedrooms and family bathroom. The chalet also has an enormous hot tub just off the82m living area.
