‘Ice Work! World’s biggest igloo built in Zermatt

The last snowy brick of World’s biggest igloo has been laid in a beautiful location looking out to the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland. The record breaking attempt took place at the Swiss Alps resort of Iglu-Dorf in front of Matterhorn, situated in Zermatt at an altitude of 2,727m.

The maginficent icy home broke the world record with an impressive 11m high ceiling and 13m wide. It took a total of 1,700 snow bricks, 11 days and a team of five to complete the construction. The giant igloo was built to celebrate the resorts 20^th anniversary.

The previous record holder of the largest igloo was built in February 2011 in Grand Falls, Canada, with a diameter of 9.2m and a ceiling height of 5.3m.

Tempted to enjoy the snow, slopes and sun for yourself in Zermatt? To view our luxury chalets to rent (made of more sturdy materials!) visit our Zermatt luxury chalets portfolio. We also have an amazing selection of special offers with fantastic offers on both Chalet Haus Uylsse and Chalet Binna in Zermatt. 

Can't find what you are looking for or aren't sure where is the best resort for what you want? Contact our award-winning, luxury ski specialists today on 01244 629963 or alternatively send us a message at ski@elegant-address.com - We would be delighted to talk through our exclusive properties!

The Snow Has Arrived!

The scenes in the Alps right now are incredibly exciting, we can't stop looking through the internet and live webcams! Unfortunately throughout December the snowfall was running late with unusually green scenery for that time of year, making ski enthusiasts a little nervous. 

The snow may have been later than expected but its definitely made up for it now!! With up to a metre of snowfall each night this week, the mountains have been truly transformed and brought back to life into a into a Winter Wonderland!

Here are some snapshots of the slopes this week and the weather forecasts across the alps to get you excited for your trip or finally tempt you to get your skis packed and head over to the snow!

Val d'Isere looking beautiful this week

Sunshine and snowy pistes on a lift ride in Les Gets

View from a balcony in Val Thorens

Zermatt looking as perfect as ever, wish we were there!

Courchevel 30cm dump in one night

Meribel getting 50cm of snow overnight!

European Ski Weather This Week 

French Alps

Swiss Alps

Austrian Alps

Wanting to head over to the alps to enjoy the amazing, fresh powdery snow and sunshine with your friends or family? Our award winning team of dedicated ski chalet specialists would be delighted to help you discover your perfect luxury chalet. 

To start your search or for more information call (UK) 01244 629963 or send us a message today!

Last minute Christmas & New Year Offers!

It's not too late to spent the festive season in fabulous style and make the most of time with family and friends.  Below, we have a selection of truly incredible, exclusive offers on some of our favourite chalets to tempt you to enjoy a last minute luxury trip the snow filled Alps...It is Christmas after all! Chalet Chamois, Courchevel - NOW  €45,000 for Christmas Grande Corniche, Les Gets - 20% off Christmas week, and full area lift passes for everyone! Haus Ulysse, Zermatt - 20% off Christmas, and half price lift passes!   Le Loup Blanc, Courchevel - 20% off Christmas week Chalet Marmotte, Courchevel - NOW €25,000 for Christmas Chalet Solyneou, Val d'Isere - 20% off Christmas week, and full area lift passes for everyone!

Chalet Abode, St Martin de Belleville - NOW £16,995 for New Year

Chalet Cragganmore, Chamonix - 20% off New Year

Chalet Katchina, Megeve - AMAZING DEALS contact us for more information

***View all of our spectacular special offers here***

Visiting The Lodge, Verbier - Day 1

A very early start in a dark and rainy UK, but with excitement building we head to the airport to meet our fantastic hosts for the weekend, Alice and Katherine from Virgin Limited Edition. The snow-capped mountains of Verbier are beckoning - our base for the weekend? Richard Branson's fabulous chalet, The Lodge.

Bolstered by breakfast and caffeine we start our journey to the Alps, flying to Geneva followed swiftly by catching the train to Le Châble. By all accounts the views over the scenic Lake Geneva are beautiful, but after our early start the mist had yet to lift, adding to the suspense as you saw the outlines of mountains through the low lying cloud. 

Once we reached Le Châble we were met by the two luxury Mercedes Viano's that are at guests disposal 24 hours a day for trips within Verbier. This was also our first introduction to two of the lovely staff who would be looking after us during our stay, and what a warm welcome we received! 

We eagerly arrived at our final destination full of anticipation to see this incredible chalet we had heard and read so much about. We were met by the fantastic Ashley, The Lodge Manager, who welcomed us into the breathtaking property and gave us a fabulous tour of our home for the next two days. 

'Home' is the perfect word to describe the feeling when staying at The Lodge, albeit a very luxurious home! Instantly you feel relaxed, greeted by a smiling, welcoming team and the warmth of an open fire whose chimney rises through the center of the chalet, keeping it wonderfully cosy throughout. 

The decor is comforting yet incredibly high spec. The recent soft refurbishment throughout the property has been exquisitely chosen to compliment the feel of the chalet, with Ashley playing an integral role in selecting beautiful artwork and interior concept.

Main living area

Bar area

There are 4 floors in total, all serviced by a lift, with the two incredible master bedrooms situated on the top floor and a further 7 bedrooms and a children's bunk room on the 2nd and 3rd floor. 

One of the two master bedrooms

Second of the master bedrooms

Children's bunk room

The views were truly stunning, and as always with the Virgin Limited Edition there was the inclusion of the famous skiing rubber duck! 

Another fantastic and unique idea is that the 'do not disturb sign' is a cuddly toy! If you don't want to be disturbed simply pop it outside your door and the staff will 'let sleeping dogs lie'! For any children staying at the chalet they are given their very own to take home with them which offers a lovely personal touch.

Having had the grand tour of the chalet we soon realised this magnificent chalet offered guests everything they would want to make their stay luxurious. With an indoor pool, sauna, gym, treatment room, indoor and outdoor hot tub, 'playroom' with bar, pool table, giant comfy sofas and a huge TV there is as much fun to be had off the slopes as there is whilst on the mountain!

Here are some interior shots from our tour

The Party Room

Our bedroom

The view into our bathroom!

Indoor spa area

We enjoyed a delicious light lunch of pasta, pesto and charred cherry tomatoes whilst getting to know the other guests, before being encouraged to take full advantage of all of the luxury facilities and activities on offer with the opportunity to have a relaxing massage by The Lodge’s fabulous masseuse.

Me and Abi exploring Verbier

With a wonderful evening ahead we dressed ready for canapés at 7:30pm, which were followed by an incredible three course meal. Before every meal Hugh, the head chef, explains each dish, describing what you are about to eat and where it comes from. Having recently been a runner up in the International Sustainable Restaurant of the Year Awards 2015 you can be assured that you are eating as much local produce as possible!
The wines are also perfectly paired with the meals, with their notes, flavours and brief history explained to give you the full dining experience.
Should you wish to have any other wine or beverage you need only ask, and there is a complimentary and well stocked bar. 

Rare pan fried duck breast with pear velouté, and a ball of deep fried shredded confit duck 

Pan fried monk fish loin with butternut squash puree and roasted butternut squash, wilted spinach and caramelised cauliflower

Apple soufflé with cinnamon ice cream and butterscotch sauce - heaven!

The quality and standard of the food as well as the service was outstanding. After such a fantastic, indulgent evening we already knew our salopettes would be that much snugger by the end of the stay! 

After a long yet very enjoyable day we retired to bed in preparation for a day on the pistes with a beautiful sunset to wish us a beautiful welcome to Verbier and a perfect finish to our fantastic first day.

The World’s Best Ski Chalets 2015

With a wealth of luxury resorts, incredible pistes, après ski and beautiful surroundings; It’s no surprise that majority of the world’s best ski chalets are in the European Alps. This week, The Worlds Best Chalets have been announced in each country as well as ‘best newcomer’. We are hugely proud to say that we have all of the award winning chalets in our prestigious portfolios as we dedicate ourselves to only offering our clients the very best luxury accommodation in the Alps.

World’s Best New Chalet 2015

Chalet Sirocco, Verbier

An impeccable Chalet just 7 minutes’ drive from the centre of Verbier, an ample sized Villa with 585sqm of space to relax and unwind in. This is a new property opening only in the autumn 2014, with an ultimate alpine residence; you will be in awe of this exceptional Chalet with its own Entertainment Floor.

• Sleeps 8 guests
• Close drive to centre
• Entertainment Floor
• Ski Room

View the World's Best Chalet Newcomer 2015 here: http://goo.gl/X5v35Q 

Austria’s Best Chalet 2015

Chalet Uberhaus, Lech

Nestling in the exclusive enclave of Oberlech with breath-taking views of the surrounding peaks, this ski-in and ski-out chalet is one of Lech’s most prestigious luxury properties. The height of alpine chic, the chalet combines traditional materials with contemporary design and sumptuous soft furnishings to create a very elegant and sophisticated mountain retreat.

• Sleeps 10+4
• One of the most prestigious properties
• Ski In/ Ski Out
• Breath-taking views

View Austria’s Best Chalet 2015 here: http://goo.gl/jA95CI

France’s Best Chalet 2015

Chalet Grand Corniche, Les Gets

  

Grande Corniche is a fabulous recently built luxury chalet offering the utmost in style and technology. Located in the beautiful resort of Les Gets in the vast "Portes de Soleil" ski area, you are a mere hour’s drive from Geneva airport. The chalet is just a short drive away from the ski lifts and charming resort centre in your chauffeur driven 4x4.

• 7 Bedrooms
• Outdoor Jacuzzi
• Fully Catered
• Dedicated Service
• Champagne & Canapes Daily

View France's Best Chalet 2015 here: http://goo.gl/jDrj2a 

Switzerland’s Best Chalet 2015

 Chalet Zermatt Peak, Zermatt

Situated in one of the world’s most desirable and iconic locations, Chalet Zermatt Peak is the Alps new premier chalet with panoramic views over Zermatt and to the iconic Matterhorn. Comprising of 5 double bedrooms all with their own private en-suite bathrooms this beautiful chalet can accommodate up to 13 guests.

• 5 double/twin bedrooms en suite
•  Sauna, steam rooms, gym and outdoor Jacuzzi
• HD Cinema area, games consoles, Apple TV
• Internal lift
• Fully staffed with a team of 5 hospitality professionals

View Switzerland’s Best Chalet 2015 here: http://goo.gl/2P3hdU

Only a small selection of our luxury chalets appear on our website, we also have an exclusive, private portfolio to offer our clients. To book your perfect break in the mountains, call our dedicated European ski specialists today and receive a tailor-made ski holiday experience: +44 (0)1244 629963