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Live the luxe life. The latest chalet to join Haute Montagne comes the brand-new opening of Étoile du Nord; two impressive and contemporary adjoining chalets located in the heart of Val d’Isere.
Using contemporary design principles to reinterpret the traditional chalet, no corner of the high-spec development has been overlooked.
From the dramatic floor-to-ceiling 7-metre window façade that fronts both chalets, to open-plan kitchens featuring fumed oak cabinets and large stone islands, full-height marble slabs lining the bathroom walls, this chalet promises an unmissable stay.
Reached via a private tunnel driveway, Étoile du Nord leaves absolutely nothing to be desired. Each sleeping up to 14 guests with seven bedrooms in the East Wing and six in the West Wing, guests can indulge luxurious spa areas, private cosy cinemas and game rooms, East Wing’s indoor/outdoor swimming pools, a 24-hour concierge service and private chefs. Ooh la la.
Rates start from £102,448 per week on a fully serviced basis, inclusive of private concierge, private chef, in-chalet ski, and boot delivery. Book via hautemontagne.com
Adventure specialists Eleven, are all about creating the ultimate ski experience. After developing Eleven Life, a unique wellness program, at each of their remote lodges, Eleven is taking wellbeing to the next level this winter.
Offering 360 degree wellbeing services, Integrated Ski Wellness involves an end-to-end program such as pre-arrival training (think strength training, stretching, and how to prepare for altitude), post-travel jet lag to acclimatise, pre-ski stretching, recovery massages, and thermal therapy.
Integrated Ski Wellness is available across their lodges from Crested Butte in Colorado, to Eleven Deplar Farm in Iceland’s Troll Peninsula, to Chalet Pelerin & Chalet Hibou closer to home in the French Alps.
For more information, visit elevenexperience.com
A winter wonderland of unparalleled beauty, the Vaud Alps becomes a haven for snow enthusiasts during the winter season.
New for 2023, keen skiers can try night cross-country Skiing at Les Diablerets. The opening of a one kilometre loop, illuminated by solar energy, will allow skiers to extend their day on the slopes and embrace after darkness skiing.
Opening mid-December between 5pm and 9pm, the route has been designed with two tracks to allow both cross-country skiers and hikers to enjoy the night air and glittering stars above.
Leading experiential travel company 62ºNORD, has launched Ski the Fjords, a 6-day set itinerary taking guests on the ultimate skiing adventure in the fjords of Western Norway.
Beginning with a night at the alpine chic Storfjord Hotel, guests will then travel to the Stranda ski resort to unveil the very best routes in the area, including some which are not skied by any locals.
Next up, board the Fjord Lilly for a transfer to Hjørundfjord, a majestic fjord with some of the world’s best ski touring on either side of the fjord. On arrival to the fjord, the captain will transfer guests to the iconic Hotel Union Oye, an extraordinary hotel, dating back to 1891. Those looking to push their limits can even opt to spend the night in the mountain for a true adventurer’s experience.
Ski the Fjords rates start at NOK 80,000pp (currently approx. £6,823pp). For more information www.62.no/en
Ideal for those who prefer to robe up rather than ski, Krallerhof in Leogang, less than 2km from the Asitzbahn lift, has opened Atmosphere by Krallerhof.
The new space features an impressive spa with separate adults-only and family areas (for those who prefer a shriek-free massage).
Ideal for a day of all out relaxation, opulent facilities include spacious wellness and water zones, saunas, whirlpools, and a yoga studio. Outside, the hotel’s alpine Zen garden and water staircase complement the heated 50m infinity pool incorporated into a vast natural swimming lake.
Book via krallerhof.com/en
Run for the hills (or the slopes). Due to unexpected temperatures, Val Thorens will be open a week early with some select slopes skiable from November 18, 2023. These include the Funitel Péclet, the Cascade chairlift and all the magic carpets in the centre of the resort which will be available from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
For this pre-opening week only – up to Saturday November 25, 2023 – skiers and snowboarders will be able to hit the slopes at a discounted rate of just €20 per day, with Val Thorens’ mountain operation staff working hard to prepare the entire ski area for full operation in time for the La Grande Première.
For the specific opening and closing dates of all resorts, please visit les3vallees.com
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Courchevel 1850 is a beacon of excellence. Known for its world class skiing, unparalleled natural beauty, and the largest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in a ski-resort, it has rightfully earned the reputation of being one of the best ski destinations worldwide.
Meanwhile, the meticulously designed interiors of Six Senses Residences Courchevel seamlessly blend contemporary aesthetics with mountain influence; the 53 apartments epitomise life at the top.
Unique to the destination, the apartments are very spacious with fully equipped kitchens and both indoor and outdoor family dining areas.
Book via sixsenses.com
Live life on the edge and try ice diving in Les Mosses this year.
A thoroughly exhilarating experience, forget the usual bungee jump or canyoning booking. Thanks to this unique activity, adventurers can go exploring beneath the surface of frozen Lake Lioson – known as “the pearl of the alpine lakes” – in Switzerland.
Accompanied by expert guides, divers will be transported to an icy underwater world full of kaleidoscopic blues, ice bubbles of all shapes and all sorts of fish swimming by. Available to all those with a diver’s licence (and a very brave temperament).
Choose nearby accommodation and stay at the quaint Relais Alpin from £156 per night on a B&B basis, book via relaisalpin.ch/en/.
On the main pedestrian street of Megève in the French Alps, Cœur de Megève has been given a second lease of life by famed interior designer, Sybille de Margerie.
Reimagining the original ski chalet, Sybille de Margerie has designed a contemporary mountain lodge made of brushed walnut panelling, soft furnishings, and vibrant colours.
Its 38 rooms and suites come in different shapes and sizes; some have open-plan bathrooms, others come with terraces overlooking the village, while family rooms sit up in the attic beneath the sloping ceiling.
One of the French Alps most idyllic destinations, a stay here ensures spa and ski to your heart’s content - what could be dreamier?
Rates start from around £302 per night, book via coeurdemegeve.com
One for the gourmands. To celebrate 10 years, the L’Apogée hotel at the exclusive Jardin Alpin is launching Gennaro’s, a brand-new Italian dining concept and pop-up restaurant to replace previous Japanese restaurant, Koori.
Pay a visit and expect a warm and relaxed atmosphere while the menu is set to feature Italian classics and specialities, designed to share – a perfect opportunity to enjoy Mediterranean flavours and authentic Italian cuisine in the mountains.
Also to celebrate the anniversary, L’Apogée will launch an exclusive ‘Sunset in Style’ experience on the slopes, where guests are invited to ride up the Courchevel peaks in a groomer ride once the ski runs have closed and appreciate golden hour in the mountains with an exclusive cocktail created by Chef Lefrançois. Two words – yes please.
Seven nights at L’Apogée from £23,499 per person. To book, please visit scottdunn.com.
