The top ten features of a luxury ski chalet

The top ten features of a luxury ski chalet

What makes a luxury ski chalet exceptional? Which attributes elevate a chalet from memorable to simply unforgettable? Here at Bramble Ski, we’re extremely proud of our hand-picked portfolio containing the biggest collection of exclusively-operated luxury chalets in the Alps and we think that we’ve developed a pretty keen eye for the extraordinary. Here’s our list of what we think raises the bar in a luxury ski chalet with examples of some of our favourites from our Bramble Ski and Haute Montagne portfolios.

1. Jaw-dropping views

When your luxury ski chalet is situated in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes, it only makes sense that the view is maximised. The wonderful 25m salt-water pool and relaxation area in Verbier’s Chalet Sagarmata are enclosed by floor to ceiling windows that open out onto a balcony showcasing a view of staggering beauty. The jagged-edged spines of mountains leading to neighbouring France and Italy, including the Mont Blanc Massif, make for a mesmerising spa experience.

2. An open fireplace

Probably the most obvious feature when deciding on the ultimate ski chalet holiday is a warming fireplace that draws your group together after a superb day of skiing.  Zermatt’s Chalet Elbrus takes this concept to the next level with a majestic central fireplace enclosed in glass and set on a stunning slab of rock that can be enjoyed from all sides of the large open plan living and dining room. Lose yourself in the comfort of a luxury sofa and enjoy a sublime dining experience while the flames turn to embers and ensure an atmosphere of total winter indulgence.

3. An outdoor hot tub

Many ski lovers will put an outdoor hot tub at the very top of their chalet requirements. It’s no wonder, soaking aching muscles in the bubbling warmth of a cedar-wood tub, as the steam mingles with the fresh mountain air, against a backdrop of surreal alpine beauty is the height of relaxation and fun. Le Ti, in Verbier, completely nails this experience, I think you’ll agree.

4. A wine cave

An underground cave for storage of wine and other winter stocks is very much a part of the traditional Alpine chalet. The name of one of Lech’s finest properties, Chalet 1597, is derived from the year in which it was originally built and its dramatic stone wine cellar, complete with time-worn wooden panels and antique furnishings, oozes ancient character, transporting guests to a different world and making it a delightful place in which to descend for a tipple.

Escape the hustle and bustle of modern day life and descend to the Chalet 1597 wine cave for an after-dinner digestif.

5. An indoor pool

Having a private indoor or outdoor pool in your luxury ski chalet is a great bonus to a ski holiday. A few lengths a day will help loosen stiff muscles and is great for overall toning. Of course, children love water so a pool can provide hours of healthy in-chalet entertainment for young ones. Verbier’s Chalet Sirocco has a sumptuous private pool with a fabulous waterfall feature and is surrounded by lounge chairs that invite book-reading and relaxation.

6. A games room

For the kids or for the kid in you, there’s nothing like a games room to lose yourself in for an hour or two or when the weather closes in. In Méribel, Alpaca’s enchanting play space includes a vintage pinball machine and a pool table.

For a more grown up experience, we love the old-world ambience of Truffe Blanche’s games room complete with imperial furnishings and a regal pool table. This Verbier chalet knows exactly how to entertain, with a private nightclub, DJ facilities, and a karaoke machine.

Adult entertainment at its finest in Chalet Truffe Blanche in Verbier.

7. A gym

An in-chalet gym means you can allow yourself all the indulgences of a ski holiday, including the triple-chocolate mousse. One of Verbier’s most stunning chalets, Mon Izba, spares no details with its superb gym facilities which look out over the swimming pool. State of the art machines ensure that an all-over body workout is possible, while the chalet’s built-in audio system ensures incredible sound quality for your music.

All the equipment you need in Mon Izba’s gym to stay on top physical form while indulging on your ski holiday.

8. A cinema room

When your belly has been filled with wonderful food and wine, retreating into a plush cinema room for some down-time and easy entertainment can be the ultimate treat. The newly completed Chalet Griffin in St. Anton offers stylish comfort in a burgundy leather button-tufted lounge suite complete with gorgeous ottomans. Add a large screen and some gentle lighting and this is refined relaxation at its best.

Relax in front of a movie in the plush cinema room of Chalet Griffin in St. Anton.

9. A bath with a view

Slipping a tired body into a soothing tub of warm water is one of the joys of an active skiing holiday. It doesn’t get better than when this muscle-soothing soak includes a breathtaking view. Throw in some gentle snow fall, and you may well think you’ve died and gone to heaven! Mon Izba’s master bathroom provides the ultimate bathing experience with a luxury marble tub and views extending across the resort of Verbier and the mountains that make it one of the most exciting ski destinations in the world.

Soak it all up!

10. A climbing wall

Less commonly found, this fantastic in-chalet feature provides hours of vertically-challenging fun for adults and children alike. In Méribel, the gorgeous Alpaca residence features a wall with a huge range of grips meaning different levels of ability are catered for. A good mat completes the arrangement. Perfect for snowy days.

Between our two brands, Bramble Ski and Haute Montagne, we exclusively operate a portfolio of over 70 luxury apartments and chalets in Switzerland, Austria and France. Please contact the sales team on [email protected] or telephone on +41 22 534 9774 if you are looking to book your ski holiday for the 2017/18 winter season.

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26^th August 2017