Night Tobogganing - Not for the Faint-Hearted!

If the thrill of the slopes isn’t enough for you, St Anton has something a little different to offer you: night tobogganing. The toboggan run starts from the top of the Nassereinbahn and weaves down past the Rodel Alm restaurant, finishing up in the Nasserein area of town. For just a few euros you can buy a ticket up the Nassereinbahn in the evening twice a week, and take your life in your hands by throwing yourself down a narrow, ice-covered, rutted track, on a traditional wooden toboggan with steel rails… The track is lit by street lights along most of the way, but between the pine trees glimpses of the town appear, as well as the steep expanse of the world cup piste to your right.  

At just over half way down the Rodel Alm restaurant is a fantastic place to stop. Live music, enormous plates of traditional Austrian cuisine (think lots of meat, bread, potatoes and cheese), steins of local beer or shots of schnapps and Jagermeister are the order of the day, enjoyed while watching the twinkling lights of the town below. Styled as a traditional Austrian chalet, it is finished in wood and decorated with the paraphernalia of skiing’s early days as well as a selection of stuffed mountain animals. Definitely not to be missed. Once you feel suitably relaxed, make your way down the last long straight to the bottom and see if you feel up to another go!

Spring Fun at Zermatt Unplugged Festival

If Snowbombing isn’t your kind of festival, I would highly recommend Zermatt Unplugged as something a little different. As the name would suggest, this is an acoustic festival where big names such as Anastacia, Billy Idol, Lionel Richie and James Blunt have all featured.

All the resort’s venues have live acts throughout the day, and at the centre of the resort a huge big-top style tent houses the main stages. While the acts on the centre stage require tickets, the rest of the festival is free, allowing people to pick and choose where they go and discover new acts from all over the world.

Sit in your favourite mountain bar in the spring sunshine, enjoying the magnificent views of my favourite mountain (the Matterhorn) and a glass of gluhwein, listening to some fantastic acoustic sets from up and coming artists from all over the world…a perfect afternoon. 

The Hidden Gems of the Arlberg

The Arlberg ski area in Austria is the cradle of Alpine skiing, and is well known for its spectacular off-piste, exciting network of runs and huge variety of apres ski bars. Big names such as St Anton and Lech are well known, but the lesser-known areas of Schrocken and Warth were linked just last year. One of my favourite areas in the Arlberg, I would highly recommend a visit!

Accessible from Lech, these small resorts boast the highest average snowfall of anywhere in the Alps, almost forming their own micro-climate in which snow not only falls heavily, but also sticks around far later into the season than some of the lower slopes in the area.

The link lift itself is a bubble across an almost flat expanse of snow, dotted with animal tracks and the evidence of the odd brave ski-tourer taking their chances over an area laced with streams beneath the snow. After a truly beautiful ride, you are treated with a small, quiet ski area, where snow stays untracked for longer and the bars and restaurants are truly Austrian affairs. What could be more perfect?

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...the Best Chalets for Your Perfect Christmas

Do you dream of an unforgettable Christmas, spent in a snowy wonderland, enjoying gourmet catering and sipping champagne in front of a roaring log fire? What better place to spend the festive season than in the Alps, and we have selected some of the best chalets to spend your Christmas in.

Chalet Nyumba, Verbier

With a name that means ‘home’ in Swahili, this chalet is very aptly named. Perched high above the village, it commands magnificent views of the village and surrounding mountains. Unusually styled with a mixture of alpine detailing and African artwork, this beautiful chalet sleeps 12 + 4, so you can enjoy Christmas with the whole family. Soak up the atmosphere in the outdoor hot tub while the children play in the teepee in the dedicated play room, or relax in the pool while your chef prepares a fabulous feast for dinner. The perfect place for a family

Christmas!
  

Grand Corniche, Les Gets

Spectacular views of Mont Blanc dominate the open plan living and dining area of this wonderful chalet in the village of Les Gets. Just a short chauffeured drive from the ski lifts, this chalet combines privacy with convenience and at just one hour from Geneva, this chalet makes a perfect place for a family getaway this festive season. The outdoor Jacuzzi enjoys beautiful views, or you can relax in the glass sauna or to the sound of the grand piano in the living room. The vaulted cellar features a full size snooker table, which can be converted into a dining table, giving you a selection of dining options for a                                             mouth-watering Christmas dinner; what could be more perfect?

Chalet Makini, Verbier

A spectacularly opulent property, this stunning chalet combines modern, chic furniture with inspiring artwork, wood and stone features and opulent furs. Its ski in/ski out location in Verbier maximises your time on the slopes, and gives splendid views from its extensive balconies and terraces. With an indoor pool, hammam and massage room, Makini epitomises luxury. Enjoy one another’s company in one of the two living areas, or sample fabulous wines from the extensive wine cellars; a truly sophisticated Christmas.

Chalet Montana, Val d’Isere

How would you like to float in an indoor pool while watching the twinkling lights of the resort below you? Look no further than Chalet Montana! This ski in/ski out chalet has fantastic views over the iconic and exclusive resort of Val d’Isere, with a large terrace for soaking up the sun in the mountain air. Warm wood detailing makes this stunning chalet a comfortable haven to enjoy the festive season with friends or family. A fabulously designed bunk room will make an exciting place for the children over the festive season, and has plenty of space for play, while you enjoy the sauna or relax in front of the open               fire, or enjoy the fantastic views from the living room.

Chalet Dalmore, Chamonix

This sleek and modern chalet in Chamonix makes a wonderful alternative Christmas location, if alpine style isn’t your thing. With panoramic windows and a suspended feature fireplace, the living room of this stunning chalet demonstrates the modern and sophisticated style throughout. Enjoy the breath-taking views of the Mont Blanc from the roof terrace, or soak in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. The whisky snug is the perfect place for a quiet moment, or enjoy the Christmas classics in the cinema room; this stunning contemporary chalet makes for a stunning and unusual festive retreat.

All of these stunning chalets are currently available for Christmas – contact us today for further details on these or any of our other fabulous properties. Let us find you the perfect Christmas address!

ski@elegant-address.com                     +44 1244 629963

Top 5 celebrity ski hotspots

5. Meribel – France

In the heart of one of the largest ski areas in the world, Meribel hosts an array of famous guests. With only a couple of luxury hotels celebrities chose this location to enjoy the privacy of their own luxury ski chalet. As a more low key resort to its neighbour Courchevel, this is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to spend quality time with loved ones or friends away from the crowds.

In 2008, Emma Watson purchased a luxury chalet for £1million which contributed towards the increased demand for properties in Meribel, seeing prices soar to £3-4 million. Other celebrities spotted in the beautiful traditional resort are the royals Prince William and Kate as well as pop stars Natalie Imbruglia and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Prince William and wife Kate speeding down the slopes

View our luxury properties in Meribel: http://www.elegant-ski.com/ski-resorts/ski-resort.asp?LocationID=21

4. Verbier – Switzerland

Located in the canton of Valais, this beautiful resort is recognised as one of the premiere ‘off-piste- resorts in the world. Nearly 100 lifts access more than 400km of runs, the slopes are snowsure and the scenery spectacular, and from the top of the ski area – Mont Fort, at 3330m – the views reach as far as the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. The varied terrain attracts visitors and celebrities who are regular skiers who are looking for a challenge.

There are many luxury ski chalets providing cosy, traditional log cabin style atmosphere as well as an array of boutique shops and exceptional nightlife. Celebrities fans include Sir Richard Branson, Prince Harry and Fearne Cotton.

Sir Richard Branson happily skiing in Verbier

View our luxury properties in Verbier: http://www.elegant-ski.com/ski-resorts/ski-resort-switzerland.asp?LocationID=53

 3. Zermatt - Switzerland

Home to the iconic mountain range with most peaks reaching over 4000m; Zermatt is one of the best ski resorts in the world. It’s incredible scenery, atmosphere and slopes attracted an elite ski scene fit for the rich and famous. Settled under the magnificent Matterhorn, Zermatt is a picturesque alpine village filled with gourmet restaurants, stunning chalets and world class skiing.

Celebrities spotted in this fabulous Swiss resort include film stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, legendary drummer and singer Phil Collins and both Abba ladies have homes here.

Pitt-Jolie family 'chilling out' on the piste

View our luxury properties in Zermatt: http://www.elegant-ski.com/ski-resorts/ski-resort-switzerland.asp?LocationID=54

2.  Courchevel – France

Lively, modern and with 600km of pistes, Courchevel is filled with rich ski terrain and celebrity admirers. The chic resort of 1850 is home to six star hotels, Michelin star restaurants and luxury shopping. In peak season the Russians rich list fill the resort sipping Dom Perignon donned in fur lines ski wear.

This elegant ski village has charmed A-list celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, David and Victoria Beckham and Pippa Middleton.

Heartbreaker Leo DiCaprio enjoying the apres ski

View our luxury properties in Courchevel: http://www.elegant-ski.com/ski-resorts/ski-resort-switzerland.asp?LocationID=54

1.       St Moritz - Switzerland

It’s no surprise St Moritz is a celebrity and rich list hotspot with its annual Polo World Cup on their frozen lake. This prestigious event started 30 years ago and draws more than 12,000 visitors and a host of top celebrities.

Due to its fabulous location, St Moritz enjoys 300 days of sunshine each year and during peak times, the resorts very own airport brings in more than 40 private jets a day so the rich and famous can enjoy the Swiss slopes or a ‘designer’ getaway to enjoy the fine amenities of the resort.

With designer shops, exclusive sporting events and superb spas, St Moritz is always at the top of the exclusivity lists. You’ll find the biggest names in fashion here including, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Roberto Cavalli and Versace.

The long list of celebrity visitors includes:

- Claudia Schiffer
- George Cloony
- Charlie Chaplin
- Alfred Hitchcock
- John Travolta
- Robert De Niro
- Elizabeth Hurley
- Naomi Campbell

Supermodel Naomi Campbell bringing style to the slopes

Chamonix: 5 of the Best Restaurants

The vibrant resort of Chamonix-Mont Blanc offers many delights both on and off the mountain; not least of these is its huge range of fantastic restaurants! From local cuisine to beautifully crafted sushi, whatever your tastes you will be able to find the perfect restaurant. We’ve listed some of our favourites here.

In the resort

Le Bistrot

This chic, metropolitan restaurant on the Avenue de l’Aiguille du Midi, is a refreshing change from the typical Alpine-style restaurants in many ski resorts. Recently earning its first Michelin star, this elegant restaurant serves beautifully crafted and delicately perfumed food with clean flavours and the best ingredients, along with a particularly interesting wine list.

 

Albert Premier

This stunning gem on the road out of town towards Switzerland is one of the world’s best ski resort restaurants. With two Michelin stars, Albert Premier sets the gastronomic benchmark for the region. With classic recipes interpreted with finesse and a wine cellar with over 19,000 bottles, visiting this world-class restaurant is a must for those wanting to enjoy the finest food the Alps has to offer.

Cap Horn

An unusual find in the mountains; Cap Horn is a nautically themed chalet specialising in seafood. On one side there is a sushi restaurant, and on the other a seafood restaurant, while downstairs a decadent wine bar completes the picture. Based on the Rue des Moulins in downtown Chamonix, this gem serves tasty, light food in a relaxed atmosphere.

On the mountain

Bergerie, Brévent

Chamonix’s haute cuisine option on the mountain, Bergerie, has a splendid setting and is accessible both from the piste and telecabine. The chef services a regional menu cooked over a wood fire, which is visible from the dining room, so you can watch how your food is cooked, or soak up the sun and enjoy a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc mountain range from the south facing terrace.

Plan Joran

This lovely mid-mountain restaurant is located at the top of the Plan Joran chair lift, and is perfect for an extravagant lunch stop. Using fresh ingredients from the local markets, the chef Franco produces classic Savoyarde dishes, as well as casseroles and a la carte options. Choose from relaxing on a terrace with fantastic views or the more traditional dining room decorated in an authentic local style.

Call the Elegant Address Ski team today and let us find your dream address in Chamonix

+44 (0) 1244 62 99 63 ski@elegant-address.com

A Spotlight on Megeve

Whether you are looking for exhilarating skiing in a fabulous resort, or a laid-back luxurious break surrounded by the beautiful mountains, Megeve could be the perfect place. This stunning village is a true Alpine gem; just 45 minutes from Geneva, it is an historic village that leapt to fame when the Rothschild family invested in it, and it became the prime destination for the French aristocracy. Today, it remains one of the most famous and exclusive ski resorts in the world.

The centre of the town is dominated by a huge Christmas tree decorated with Swarovski crystals, which is present all year round, and the streets are lined with boutiques and champagne bars. The ski area, Domaine Évasion Montblanc, comprises 445km of slopes of all difficulties, heliskiing and glacier skiing, as well as a number of cross-country skiing trails, meaning there is plenty to explore for all abilities.

Off the mountain, Megeve features some of the more unusual winter sports, such as snow golf (with orange balls, so they can be found!), the Megeve Polo Masters tournament played on snow, dog-sledding and the unusual Nordic sport of Skijoring. Not for the faint-hearted, this sport involves skiers being pulled by a rider-less horse; certainly a spectacle, if not an activity many would sign up for!

This fabulous mountain escape has something for everyone, and is not to be missed! Call the Elegant Address Ski team today and let us find the Luxury Address for you!

+44 (0) 1244 62 99 63 ski@elegant-address.com