What’s New In Skiing This Season
THE NEXT-LEVEL CHALET:
Lord Of Snow, France
Leading chalet specialists Haute Montagne are all set to launch Lord of Snow, a ski-in ski-out super chalet in Courchevel 1850, just off the famed Bellecote Piste. Four years in the making and adding to the brand’s portfolio of ‘superyachts in the snow’, this latest chalet comes just in time for the start of ski season. Spanning six floors, the chalet has been constructed from natural, traditional materials such as European larch cadding, oak parquet flooring and lauze slate roofing to create a refined, chocolate-box aesthetic. Accommodating up to 14 guests in seven bedrooms, Lord of Snow blends antique furniture – some sourced from museums, dating to the 18th century – alongside bespoke creations, including a custom dining table by L'Atelier des Freres. After a day on the slopes, guests can unwind in the private in-chalet spa, complete with an indoor swimming pool, hammam, sauna and state-of-the-art gym. There’s also a private cinema and games room.
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THE ULTRA-LUXURY WELLNESS RETREAT:
Eleven Deplar Farm, Iceland
It’s no secret that Iceland’s Deplar Farm is one of the most luxurious winter destinations in the world. And now, it’s unveiled its 2025 Live Well Retreat. The exclusive wellness experience returns in January and will see guests take part in authentic Icelandic wellness treatments, all against the striking, remote scenery that surrounds the property. The all-encompassing six-day wellness retreat (26th-31st January) is themed each year – the 2025 itinerary is ‘Coming into the Light’ and reflects Iceland’s transition into extended daylight hours. Supported by a personal wellness guide, guests will experience a ritualistic Viking sauna and cold plunge in the North Atlantic Ocean and a sound bath, along with a variety of cutting-edge amenities in the 10,000sq ft spa. Guests can also opt for a biathlon ski excursion to a lakefront outpost for a silent lunch and choose from pioneering Tata Harper treatments designed specifically for the local climate, accompanied by kinetic face mapping and sound practices. Food experiences include everything from authentic cacao ceremonies to sea-to-table dinners.
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THE SECOND SITE:
Experimental Chalet Val d'Isère, France
January sees the launch of Experimental Chalet Val d'Isère – and it’s available to book now. Following the success of the Experimental Chalet Verbier, Experimental Group’s second French Alps hotel will have 113 rooms, a spa, cocktail bar, large brasserie and an intimate restaurant where guests can enjoy obligatory fondue and raclette by the fireplace. We love the look of the interiors. Designer Dorothée Meilichzon, who has contributed to several of the brand's on-trend projects and spent her childhood skiing in Val d'Isère, orchestrated the renovation of the 45-year-old building. Her inspiration blends the aesthetics of American ski chalets with Savoyard tradition. The lobby's stone fireplace and rustic log and branch furniture recall the atmosphere of Colorado, while the wooden sculptures decorating the restaurant walls are inspired by local butter moulds and pastry utensils, paying homage to the region's baking history.
THE EVENT:
Polaris Festival, Switzerland
In the Swiss ski town of Verbier, Polaris is a festival for house music purists. The event has established itself as one of Europe’s top music and ski festivals, consistently bringing a host of the world’s most in-demand names to play to a connected, intimate crowd in a beautiful natural setting. The ninth edition will land in Verbier for two weekends (22nd-23rd November and 29th-30th November). The first night will be hosted in collaboration with the famed Montreux Jazz Festival and will host The Blaze and Maceo Plex for its memorable opening night. Among the 2024 selection of DJs and acts, expect Âme Vs Henrik Schwarz performing live simultaneously, Folamour, rising talents like Marina Trench, Logic1000, DJ Holographic and Fiona Kraft as well as a lineup of legends including Derrick Carter, Carl Craig, Moodymann, Larry Heard Richie Hawtin and Laurent Garnier.
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THE FAMILY PAD:
Ultima Promenade Gstaad, Switzerland
Ultima Promenade Gstaad is a luxurious new private chalet. Available for weekly hire, its magnificent interiors include two expansive living rooms, each featuring a full wrap-around terrace and an open fire. The ideal base to enjoy hiking in the autumn and skiing in the winter, the chalet features everything needed for a week away – with a cinema, playroom, private disco and bar ready to cater for anything from family getaways to NYE. Guests can soothe aching limbs in the sauna, hammam, whirlpool and massage room or reinvigorate in the snow shower or cool pool. The property also features a fitness gym and lap pool, while the Ultima team will be on hand to arrange bespoke detoxes, personal training and signature treatments. The Ultima Experience includes a fully staffed chalet including house manager, chefs, private ski butlers, daily meals, access to private spa and spa therapist, and a dedicated driver to explore the destination.
Visit ULTIMACOLLECTION.COM
THE SEASON PASS:
Vialattea, Italy
Vialattea is among Europe’s largest ski resorts, comprising eight locations in the Piedmont region: Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, Claviere, Pragelato, Oulx and Montgenèvre. Vialattea’s upcoming season is set to be its longest to date, running from 6th December to 13th April. As well as offering this extended 129-day season, the destination is introducing a combined Vialattea and Bardonecchia season pass, granting access to both regions’ slopes to further elevate the mountain experience. Additionally, those who purchase a six-day Vialattea ski pass will receive a complimentary one-day extension to Bardonecchia. There’s more: also new this season is an extended 8,900 metres of snowmaking lines for snow-sure skiing throughout the season.
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THE ESCAPE:
Forestis, Italy
In South Tyrol, on the southern slope of the Plose mountain, Forestis is a luxury mountain retreat that juxtaposes bold, contemporary architecture against striking Dolomite scenery. The retreat features 62 luxury suites, all with panoramic views of the Dolomites, and offers an extensive range of year-round wellness packages and curated experiences, including ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes. Famed for its innovative ‘Forest Cuisine’, head chef Roland Lamprecht only uses seasonal, locally sourced and foraged ingredients – and this season sees a new seven-course menu created every single day. All this is served in a restaurant with a tiered layout, which offers every diner a front-row view of the mountain vistas. After a day of skiing or snowshoeing, be sure to check into the Forestis Spa. Decorated in natural materials and relaxing tones – much like the rest of the property – the concept is based on native trees: mountain pine, spruce, larch and Swiss pine. There’s also an indoor/outdoor pool filled with waters from the Plose mountain, naturally filtered by Dolomite rock formations for that true sense of place.
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THE AWARD WINNER:
Severin’s, Austria
Severin’s is one of the smartest hotels in Lech. Just outside the main resort, the boutique hotel has nine elegant suites, all with open fires and balconies, plus a four-bedroom private residence for extra special family getaways. Just a short walk from two recently opened ski lifts, there’s a destination restaurant, an impressive spa and a state-of-the-art cinema. This month it has reason to celebrate – in recognition of Severin’s outstanding reputation in Austria, the property was recently awarded two Michelin Keys by the Michelin Guide, reinforcing the hotel’s exceptional reputation. Preparations are underway for reopening for the winter season, with first guests expected on 12th December. This season, visitors can enjoy a range of seasonal activities, both on and off the slopes. Lech is the only destination in Austria to enjoy heliskiing, and snow-seekers can expect great downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as snowshoe hiking through ancient forests.
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THE UPGRADE:
Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Switzerland
St Moritz icon Badrutt's Palace Hotel has long had a reputation for impeccable service and indulgence. January 2025 sees the launch of the hotel's first major renovation in 100 years. The Serlas Wing expansion will include 25 contemporary luxury guestrooms and suites, as well as an underground pedestrian tunnel system providing guests with an exclusive passage to the town square and Chesa Veglia, the oldest farmhouse in St Moritz, which is home to four of the hotel’s restaurants. The six-storey Serlas Wing will seamlessly blend into the pre-established local architecture, featuring oakwood, natural stone flooring and wool-fabric wall panelling, all working together to create a colour palette that complements the surrounding Swiss Alps and nearby Lake St Moritz. The interiors will feature furniture by B&B Italia and fabrics by Loro Piana, putting the finishing touches on a sophisticated stay.
Visit BADRUTTSPALACE.COM
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