Bramble Ski’s ultimate Christmas gift guide 2021
There are certain elements of a stay at a Bramble Ski chalet that make it so special. The little touches, the local and seasonal produce used by our chefs, our personal shopping services, our incredible Bramble Ski Pros facilitating exciting, memorable experiences and even the luxurious scent of our in-chalet toiletries. Whether you are staying in one of our luxury ski chalets this season or not, we have compiled this gift guide so that you can give your loved ones that extra special Bramble-esque feeling.
For the foodies
Who doesn’t love the gift of food and drink. We all relish the comforting taste of a steaming hot home-cooked Christmas dinner, but here is some further inspiration for gifts bound to tantalise the taste buds of the foodies in your life.
For those with a sweet tooth, La Galerie du Chocolat in Verbier can’t be missed. Playing host to the creations of some of Switzerland’s most highly acclaimed Maîtres Chocolatiers, this store is more like an art gallery to impress even the most discerning connoisseurs. After all, Swiss chocolate can’t be beaten and this is the best of the best. Also on offer are a wide selection of teas from the prestigious house of Dammann Frères. Browse the range of specialty Christmas blends, which use seasonal flavours such as orange, cardamom, caramel and cacao making for a warming festive gift.
If you’re in Lech or St Anton this Christmas, drop in at Plangger Delikatessen. A delicious range of gourmet specialties are on offer, but our ideal gift would be one of their carefully compiled gourmet boxes, full to the brim with local specialties. We’d personally love to try the white truffle tagliatelle from the ‘Enjoyment Box Italy’ and the walnut salami from the ‘S’ Christkindl’ box. Our mouths are watering!
Do you have someone in mind who puts your wine knowledge to shame? Look no further than Le verre à pied Val d’Isère. Turn to the experts here to advise you on the perfect bottle to impress your favourite wannabe sommelier (and cross your fingers they crack the bottle open on Christmas day so that you can try some too!)
For the mountain lover
In all of our resorts it doesn’t take very long to stumble upon ski shops vying for your attention. Here are our picks that stand out from the crowd, with the goods to delight the mountain obsessive in your life.
A local favourite ski store here in Verbier is Mountain Air. The staff really know their stuff, and can advise you on choosing the perfect gear for yourself or as a gift. We use them for our in-chalet personal shopping service, so we trust that they will be able to assist you in picking out exactly what you need. They have a host of well-loved brands available including Salomon, Hestra and Sorel, as well as a lovely range of lifestyle items and accessories. Stroltz Lech is of a similar caliber, and is our go-to Lech option for all of your ski gear and mountain lifestyle needs.
Pampering presents
For someone who treats self-care like a sport, why not gift them scents that will transport them straight to a Bramble Ski chalet bubble bath. We offer LA:Bruket toiletries in all of our properties, chosen for their quality, organic Swedish heritage and luxurious scents. We love their giant scented candles, face essentials kit or pillow mists for gifts to pamper and delight.
A spa day is always bound to go down well. Méribel has a range of excellent spas perfect for easing weary ski muscles. Helios Spa in the four star Hotel L’Helios is a beautiful place to unwind, with an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Treat that special someone to a soothing massage or beauty treatment from one of the experienced therapists, who use luxurious Parisian Carita products.
If your loved one has a specific scent that is just ‘them’, you’ll be sure to find it at Pfefferkorn’s Perfumery in Lech. Alongside their wide selection of high-end fragrances and makeup, make use of the highly competent, friendly advisors in store who will be happy to assist you with your choices.
Melbourne-founded brand Aesop now has a store at the Almhof Spa in Lech. Their incredible formulations are now loved worldwide, and the beautiful packaging of their skin care, hair care and home fragrance products always make for gorgeous gifts. The trained staff will happily recommend products that will be an instant win with your favourite skin-care fanatic.
Fashion and Jewellery
For four generations, the experts at Michaud have been helping people select extra special gifts for their loved ones. Originally based in Neuchâtel – the ‘capital of watchmaking’, the Michaud family have now brought their passion for beautiful timepieces and handpicked jewellery to Verbier. With a range of respected brands such as Rolex, Breitling and Tag Heuer on the shelves, and stunning pieces from Messika, Morgane Bello, Dodo and Michaud’s own lines – everything has been carefully curated by the experts and you are sure to find something very special.
Looking for a gift that is useful yet fashionable? Head to The North Face store St Anton. Since 1966 the brand has been synonymous with quality clothing for athletes and adventurers, more recently becoming a respected name in streetwear too. Without compromising on quality, their iconic silhouettes and branding make for trendy and practical gifts that will endure the test of time (and the harsh weather).
For the most fashion conscious, Sagmeister Lech is a one-stop shop for international designer brands for both men and women. Across their four Lech boutiques you’ll find designer pieces by the likes of Chloé, Prada, Gucci, Miu Miu and Valentino, and their well-versed employees will gladly help you make your pick. They also offer services such as free exchanges, home delivery, custom-made products and private shopping.
Nile store Zermatt is a fashion brand with a big focus on sustainability, which is reflected in the quality of their items using only natural or recycled materials and sustainable production methods. With time-tested cuts and liveable designs, they offer some great handmade pieces that are sure to become wardrobe staples to outlast the trends.
For the one who prefers experiences
Give the gift of something beyond skiing. Evolution 2 in Val d’isere offers an incredible array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as husky sleigh rides, ice diving and even a wilderness camp. Here, they can enjoy a delicious fondue meal around the fire in a Mongolian yurt, followed by an exhilarating night time sledge ride down. To take it a step further, gift them a stay at the Wild Nest in Tignes, an incredible chance to sleep under the stars in a transparent igloo, with optional activities like ice floating and even a conversation with a real Arctic explorer.
Take to the skies over St Anton with a paragliding flight. Viewing the snow-capped Alpine peaks from above provides a whole new perspective on the resort. Alternatively, in Zermatt you can book a heli-tour of the iconic Matterhorn, which would make for a breathtaking and truly memorable day trip.
Another great option in Zermatt is the destination gift card. This holds monetary value to be exchanged for a wide range of different experiences in and around the resort, including guided hikes, culinary activities and international ski passes.
To capture all of the special memories, why not try a holiday photography session. These are available in many holiday hot spots, and if you do your research you can find some really great options offering beautifully un-staged, natural shots. In Verbier, Alpimage will discreetly snap away throughout your day, and you’ll walk away with a set of candid images of precious moments spent together. Possibly the best gift of all.
22nd December 2021
Food Mountain life Resort Information
