Why book a luxury hotel for your winter ski vacation when you can stay in a new, over-the-top chalet instead? Because there are plenty of perks that come with opting for a home over a hotel room—and a fancy place to hang your wool hat is just the start. Groups and families, which make up the bulk of ski trips, are guaranteed privacy in a chalet, and can take advantage of common spaces to gather and socialize; think wine by the fireside, soaks in the hot tub, and dining tables with seating for ten. The services you get with luxe rentals add even more appeal, and might range from your own private concierge and personal chef to an on-call masseuse. At these five standout chalets, basically, if you can imagine it, it can be done.
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Chalet Zeno, San Cassiano, Italy
Image Credit: Photo: By Alex Filz Part of the family-run Hotel Rosa Alpina, one of the most high-end properties in the Italian Alps, the stylish three-bedroom Chalet Zeno has spectacular panoramas of historic San Cassiano village and the stunning Dolomite mountain range. It was recently redesigned to feature a private entrance and a more contemporary aesthetic, with touches like soft grey custom-made furniture, wood finishes crafted from trees reclaimed in the nearby forests, and a sprawling living room with high ceilings and a fireplace. Skiers can unwind at the end of the day in the chalet’s outdoor garden, complete with a Finnish sauna and Jacuzzi. Guests can also avail themselves of the hotel’s many amenities, which include a lavish spa with a pool, a movie theater and the three Michelin-starred St. Hubertus led by Chef Norbert Niederkofler—who can even prepare one of his legendary tasting menus for you in the chalet. Prices from $8,000 a night inclusive of breakfast.
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Homestead Cabin Residence, Saratoga, Wyoming
Image Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Homestead Cabin Residence The owners of the swanky The Lodge & Spa Brush Creek Ranch used to live in the Homestead, a two-story log cabin spanning more than 4,000 square-feet, but recently added it to the property’s accommodations lineup. The three-bedroom property features impressive vaulted ceilings, a wood-burning stone fireplace, an outdoor hot tub, several cozy reading nooks and large windows framing panoramas of the vast landscape. Most of the winter activities happen at Green Mountain, a 600-acre secluded mountain retreat that’s home to miles of incredible downhill and cross-country skiing trails, as well as area for snowboarding. A stay includes customized meals, premium alcohol, all activities, transfers and equipment rental. Prices from $1,000 per person per night, all inclusive.
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Chalet Artemis, St. Anton, Austria
Image Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Chalet Artemis Situated in St. Anton, the most renowned ski resort in the Tyrolean Alps, the six bedroom Chalet Artemis has gotten a makeover for the 2019-2020 ski season. Its new rustic alpine décor is infused with modern touches and features locally-sourced reclaimed wooden walls, sleek Tyson London lamps and a large archetypal Paul Smith rug. Amenities to look forward to include a 24-foot-long indoor pool with a jet stream (a wonder for relieving tired muscles), a eucalyptus steam room and sauna, a massage room, a hot tub, a movie theater with velvet chairs and Michelin-star worthy meals paired with wine, courtesy of two Cordon Bleu-trained chefs. Prices from approximately $40,000 a week, inclusive of some meals and drinks, transfers to ski areas and access to a 24/7 concierge.
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Chalet les Entrennes, Bagnes, Switzerland
Image Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb Luxe From Airbnb Luxe, Chalet les Entrennes is a six-bedroom home near the prime ski areas of Verbier and Savoleyres. In typical Swiss Alps style, timber wood and stone are a design feature throughout, but the floor-to-ceiling windows with “wow” views of Mont Blanc are the real standout. Other highlights include the alfresco hot tub, mezzanine library and hammam. A rental includes 24/7 access to an Airbnb trip designer who can plan every aspect of your getaway, from securing ski lift tickets to getting reservations at coveted restaurants. From $6,613 a night.
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Chalet Hibou, Le Miroir, France
Image Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Eleven Experience Overlooking the historic farming village of Le Miroir in the French Alps, Eleven Experience’s Chalet Hibou has seven spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an outdoor hot tub, a Finnish sauna and steam room, and an off-piste outpost stocked with cheese, wine and hot drinks. Guests can hit the slopes at seven world-class ski resorts between France and Italy, including Sainte-Foy and Tignes, all of which are less than 30 minutes away. Multi-course meals, top shelf liquor and wines, lift tickets and transportation are included in every stay, and an Eleven Experience manager is always on-hand to help fulfill those last-minute requests. From $9,150 a night, all-inclusive.
