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Whether it's for serious skiing or serious apres-ski partying, these beautiful ski chalets in Europe are the ultimate in winter getaways. From the serene beauty of the Austrian Alps to the cobbled streets of Val D’Isere, they are some of the best in the world, right now.
Sensoria, Italy
With over 181km of ski slopes and 60km of winter hiking trails, this family-owned retreat in the Italian Dolomites is tucked into the foot of the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high plateau in Europe. The Sensoria Dolomites, an adults-only hotel, embraces guests with South Tyrolean hospitality and six-course menus, the perfect way to round off a full day of skiing. Interiors are cosy but minimalist, almost Japanese in design, with slatted wooden panels incorporating the spa and swimming pool area and bedrooms designed to be serene and relaxing. Every room at Sensoria is focused on the trees, the snow-capped mountains and the sense of the outdoors, but there is an overwhelming sense of being cocooned here with warm hospitality, delicious food and an incredible spa. With a cable car directly opposite, the hotel has access to the largest ski area in the Dolomites and can also arrange ski tours through the Seiser Alm or the famous Sella Ronda. There are also superb trails to explore with snowshoes and eleven different toboggan runs. The spa at Sensoria has a spruce bathing house, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, relaxation rooms and a yoga studio. The new winter excursions at Sensoria include trips to the Christmas market in St Ulrich, and guests can also experience a trip through the Alpe di Siusi on a horse-drawn carriage.
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Villa Etaner, Austria
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Sitting on a high plateau in the Leogang Mountains in Austria, Villa Etaner is the latest addition to the Priesteregg Hotel, privately owned and run by Renate and Huwi Oberlader. The private Villa, which sleeps ten guests, sits in an extraordinary location overlooking snow-capped mountains which can be seen from the sun deck with two private hot tubs and an infinity pool, or from one of the huge windows which are the central design feature of the Villa. Decorated using an elegant palette of natural materials, stone, leather and wood, much of which has been handmade for Etaner, the Spa area has double Dornbracht showers, and there is an adjoining cottage which can be used for private treatments or for extra guests. Breakfast is served every morning at the Villa; think homemade jams, freshly baked bread, local cheeses and hams, even the butter tastes as if it has been made that morning. Priesteregg is one of the most sustainably efficient hotels in Europe, and Renate and Huwi, the energetic and passionate owners, have ensured that this chic ski chalet offers guests complete luxury but with a conscious eye on every detail, from collected rainwater to the most efficient storage of heat. Guests at Villa Etaner can also eat at Huwi’s Alm, the charming rustic restaurant with a superb wine cellar, and try the Hat, a hot iron cooking device where pieces of locally sourced meat are cooked over a flame and the brim of the ‘hat’ is filled with a hearty soup. Villa Etaner also offers a helicopter pick-up service from Munich or Salzburg airport.
7 Alpine Ski Resorts in the Dolomites: Luxurious Castles, Hotels and Even, a Modern Treehouse
Chalet Rauque, France
Next on our list of the most beautiful ski chalets in Europe is one that features a glass-ceilinged atrium, an indoor climbing wall and a wellness centre complete with a hot tub, sauna, hammam and massage room. Chalet Rauque is located in the very picturesque ‘Petit Alaska’ area of Val d’Isere. With its pretty cobbled streets, excellent shopping as well as 300km of ski slopes, a snowpark and incredible apres-ski, there is plenty to do; however, leaving Chalet Rauque is almost impossible. There are seven bedroom suites, extravagantly decorated with crisp sheets and faux fur throws. The first-floor area has an enormous cathedral-like space with a vaulted ceiling and cosy fires. On the other side of the atrium is another huge living space with vast velvet-covered sofas and textured rugs. The large wooden table surrounded by perspex chairs has a selection of fringed, mismatched lampshades hanging from the chunky wooden beams. This chalet has been designed for parties and for fun. But there is more to it than just skiing: As well as an indoor climbing wall, there is also archery and a rifle shooting range. With a private butler service, breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening meals are all included and private massages are available on request.
Wiesergut, Austria
Sepp and Martina Kroll have created one of the most sensuous, relaxing and stylish ski hotels in Europe, and every single detail here is perfect. The small, carefully curated shop in the reception area sells exquisite cream cashmere jumpers, and the food is locally grown and served on the most beautiful earthenware plates; even the chic Dirndl worn by the female staff was designed exclusively for the Wiesergut.
The new Mountain Escape at Wiesergut has been open since December 2024; designed as a secret mountain escape and a completely independent space from the main hotel, the BergLoft, BergSuite and BergGym will offer guests complete privacy. The BergLoft, which has three bedrooms and a 15-metre outdoor pool as well as a private sauna, also has its own bathing cabin. The BergLoft spans the entire upper floor of the new Mountain Escape, and all three bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, one of which has a spectacular ceiling shower where spring water rains down from a height of three metres. There are open fires in both the sitting room and main bedroom, and a fully stocked pantry with a wine store and snacks. The bathrooms are stocked with Aesop products and Dyson hairdryers. The new BergSuite is a two-bedroom self-contained space with a plant-filled atrium, an Onsen spring and a fire bowl as well as a private sauna. Guests staying at either of these new additions can also dine in either the main restaurant or enjoy a long lunch in the Wieseralm mountain restaurant, where dishes include cheese dumplings and Viennese schnitzel. To explore the local area, Wiesergut can also offer Porsche e-mountain bikes, which make the hill climbing quite a lot faster.
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New Ski Experience: The R Collection
Rounding up our list of the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe is a 2-in-1 experience. R Collection Hotels have launched a new Fly the Alps package combining two nights at each of its 5-star Mont Blanc Properties, with a helicopter transfer between the hotels and a chance to see both the glacier and Mont Blanc. Guests will spend two nights at Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc and then another two nights at Montana Lodge and Spa.
