The Festive Season in the Mountains

As summer draws to a close, it’s getting really busy here at Elegant Address Ski! We’re working extremely hard in the office, finding our clients the perfect properties for their dream winter break. It’s always a busy time of year, but this year the ski season really has gone crazy, and properties are booking faster than ever!

We do still have some availability for Christmas and New Year, but these amazing chalets are booking so quickly; if you haven’t booked your festive break yet, contact us today for the best selection of luxury properties! Let us find you THE Address,

and help you can celebrate in style...

The stars in the snow: Elegant Address Ski Michelin restaurant guide

Whether you’re a foodie who wants a gravity defying burger or a cultural enthusiast looking to try the most authentic local dish; there are plenty of inspiring restaurants across the French and Swiss ski resorts for all tastes and cravings. All of which stay humbly in the shadow of the exciting number of Michelin Star restaurants.

Here is our top selection of Michelin dining in the Alps.

France

Courchevel

For something unforgettably upscale try the edible art of chef Pierre Gagnier at Les Airelles (two stars). Surprising and sumptuous best describe this establishment, accented with jewel-toned silk curtains, Hermès tableware, and Saint Louis chandeliers.

At the table comes a parade of delights such as malabar-peppered goose liver soup with green lentil gnocchi, carob-rubbed red mullet oven baked on bread, and Indian Jelly (crystallised quince syrup and coconut milk lassi). Be prepared to spend anywhere from €200 to €600 per person.

Megeve

The audacity of chef Emmanuel Renaut sets Flocons de Sel (two stars) apart. He doesn't shy away from unconventional combinations like bitter and tart, making for some unexpected palette-pleasers. Signature dishes include fine pike stuffing with lake crawfish, roasted pigeon perfumed with juniper, and suckling lamb with black radish and prune purée.

Flocons de Sel also organises cooking classes for €60 featuring delicious but accessible themes like sauces and gravies, vegetable starters, and macaroons and other sweets. Fixed price menus range from €39 to €139.

Switzerland

Gstaad

The most unique dining experience can be had at Centre Champery in Champéry, where Chef Denis Martin has embraced the molecular cuisine movement. Dishes like abstract risotto (orange flavoured risotto with fried black pasta and parmesan flavoured bouillabaisse cube), beef tartar with egg at -196°C, and black tempura of whiting with rose yogurt and vanilla-infused parsnips will pique the curiosity of any true foodie. Fixed price menus range from 85 CHF to 175 CHF and tapas are priced at €16 for a four-piece portion.

Verbier

For a true inter-Alpine experience, try La Table d'Adrien at Verbier, where Chef Marco Bassi offers original dishes influenced by his Italian origins. Don't expect any pasta or pizza, though. On the menu, you'll find delectable creations like scallop and truffle carpaccio, clam and cockle soup, or roast venison with tricolour polenta. Fixed-price menus range from 160 to 210 CHF and offer an exceptional variety of tastes thanks to elaborate dishes with up to four accompaniments.

Source: InTheSnow

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