Property & Living

You may fancy yourself tearing down the slopes, sig-zagging through pine trees, but these luxurious ski lodges will make you want to spend most of your time indoors.

1. The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland

The Lodge is Sir Richard Branson’s nine-bedroom mecca mountain retreat, located high in the Swiss Alps in the world-famous resort of Verbier. It’s luxurious, it’s modern and it’s one of the most talked-about nature retreats in the world.

Despite the sizeable property, The Lodge is intimate and exclusive, and one of only seven outstanding destinations worldwide under the Virgin Limited Edition collection. Here at the heart of the mountains, guests can luxuriate in scenic surroundings while enjoying various activities such as skiing, snowboarding, paragliding and sledding.

But if you’d rather chill out indoors, The Lodge was made to cater for that need too. The checklist includes an indoor heated pool, an indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym, a cozy shared lounge and even a party area. If peace is what you seek, then immerse yourself in the serenity of the spa.

As exquisite as The Lodge is, the underlying mission is to make their guests feel at home. A lot of attention has been paid to creating a resting space that is truly rejuvenating. The bedrooms and suites are all decked with a huge, heavenly bed complete with soft throws, modern furnishings, and unique artwork. It is further complemented with rustic wood panelling and exposed beams to enhance the chalet vibes.

2. The Glasshouse, Niseko, Japan

The Glasshouse is an architectural marvel set in the Japanese ski resort of Niseko. It showcases a perfect marriage between modern industrial and traditional minimalist designs. The two-level five-bedroom abode features a gorgeous upper level with dramatic glass walls that look out from all sides to a glorious natural scene and serene views of Mount Yotei.

The Glasshouse is nestled in the area’s largest village Hirafu, where numerous bars and restaurants can be found. Despite this proximity, guests may be more compelled to spend most of their time in this open-concept home. The living area has been stylishly decked with full sofas and a dramatic fireplace literally hanging from the ceiling, making it one of the most tastefully designed ski lodges.

The kitchen is a dream come true for home chefs. The breakfast counter and bar stools add to the chalet’s sophisticated charm and cozy feel, while the latest appliances for the finest cooking are well laid out for ease of cooking. While the main area is situated on the top floor, all the bedrooms are located on the lower level.

There are four bathrooms altogether: an ensuite adjoining the master bedroom, two shared bathrooms downstairs, and one upstairs, adjoining the hot tub. The chalet’s four bathrooms come with snowball-shaped basins and bathtubs which are right by glass walls that take bathers up close to the beautiful snow outside in winter.

3. Baita 1697, Turin, Italy

It’s hard to believe that one of the most luxurious ski lodges, Baita 1697 owned by renowned interior designer Lucie McCullough, was once a derelict 17th-century farmstead. Located near the popular resort of Sestriere, it was featured in the world’s leading and respected interior design magazine, Architectural Digest.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has sung praises of this beautiful home, saying that this was his best ski chalet experience. McCullough worked with architect Daniele Ronchail to restore this rustic property into a groundbreaking masterpiece. According to Forbes, Ronchail is no stranger to Alpine homes, having grown up in a home that has been in his family for three centuries. He has vast experience in renovating these type of homes around the region.

The entrance on the ground floor leads to a cosy open living area. Sofas adorned with silk velvet and astrakhan cushions against a wood-burning open fire and exposed stone walls with its subtle lighting make the room a comfortable hideout. No home is complete without a cosy dining area. Sheepskin-adorned perspex chairs are arranged around a handmade fold-out wooden table.

The roof terrace is an unexpected delight at the top of the chalet. The sweeping mountain views can be enjoyed from the eight-person, timber outdoor hot tub sitting on the terrace. A perfect space for big groups, Baita 1697 can fit up to 18 guests in its six luscious bedrooms. The kids will get a hoot out of its dormitory-style room that has been fitted with six single beds, nestled under the eaves.

4. Stein Eriksen Lodge, Utah, United States of America

The Stein Eriksen Lodge might not be a private chalet like those mentioned in this feature, but it has everything that a luxury home has to offer. The Scandinavian masterpiece is nestled mid-mountain at Utah’s Deer Valley ski resort and has a magnificent alpine setting. It is named after the Norwegian Olympic gold medal skier Stein Eriksen, who died in 2015 in Park City. The individual units are owned by private investors and let to guests through a management corporation.

Expect to be fully pampered here. One might be surrounded by the chills of winter but not within the vicinity of Stein Eriksen: the heated sidewalks and walkways will keep you toasty, while the ski valet service will take care of all your needs on the slopes. Warm up by the blazing fireplace and inviting ambience of the Troll Hallen Lounge.

Everything here screams traditional ski lodge right from the wood-ceiling beams to the rock fireplaces, rustic furniture and interior but with the added benefit of full luxury. Some of the rooms come with private decks with hot tubs fitted on it. For guests who want to feel more at home, its Luxury and Grand suites come with gourmet kitchens, spacious living rooms with fireplaces and of course private decks with hot tubs.

These larger accommodations include master bedrooms with fireplaces and private baths. If you’re imagining a mixture of earthy tones and material like plush leather couches, then you’re right on the ball.Stein Eriksen has received much recognition over the years, which includes being a recipient of Forbes’ Travel Guide Five-Star Award and one of 58 of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

This article is an excerpt from UNRESERVED’s December 2019 issue from the article STUNNING SKI STAYS.

Related: Soon, You’ll be Able to Rent Furniture from Ikea