Beneath its thick white blanket, the mountain reveals itself as more beautiful, comforting, and welcoming than ever. A look at the hotels, private chalets, and mountain restaurants that perpetuate the magic of winter in the Alps.
THE ROOFS…
THE EXPERIMENTAL CHALET IN VAL D'ISÈRE
For its second mountain retreat after Verbier in Switzerland, the Experimental Group chose to renovate a building made of slate, concrete, and wood in the center of Val d'Isère, at the foot of the slopes, commissioning Dorothée Meilichzon to transform it into a 4-star resort. Wooden logs, branches, and plasterwork striated like snow on a slope at the end of the day... The interior designer drew inspiration from rustic Savoyard architecture, the spirit of the forest, and ski culture to design the 113 rooms with views of the Vanoise massif, the two restaurants, and the Experimental Cocktail Club, the sixth of its kind, an exclusive concept of the group, here with a 1970s look.
EXPERIMENTALCHALETVALDISERE.COM
THE MOLITOR IN MEGÈVE
Chalet of 330 square meters on 3 levels, with 5 bedrooms and their bathrooms, a fitness area, a sauna, a Nordic bath on the terrace, a
Five-star service and a direct view of the village of Megève and its iconic bell tower: this new gem in the Maisons & Hôtels Sibuet collection ticks all the boxes for cool, cozy comfort, perfect for a family getaway (up to 11 people). While retaining the traditional family chalet feel, the wooden façade and green shutters create a more contemporary interior, particularly in the spacious living room with its warm tones and plush fabrics, Bubble armchair, green ceramic fireplace, and frescoes by the artist Franck Lebraly that adorn the walls and beams.
CHALETSDESFERMES.COM
THE EAGLES IN CHAMONIX
An iconic four-star hotel at the entrance to the city, the former Refuge des Aiglons has just undergone a stunning renovation under the direction of designer Saar Zafrir. This winter, it presents its new look with rooms in soft tones offering direct views of Mont Blanc or the Brévent, an Italian-inspired restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a terrace. The hotel has partnered with Skimium, whose shop delivers outdoor equipment to rooms; Millet for technical clothing; Deep Nature for spa treatments; and BAM Karaoke Box for three private rooms available for booking in the evenings. A smart move!
AIGLONS.COM
SWITZERLAND
GRACE LA MARGNA IN SAINT-MORITZ
The British firm Divercity Architects and French interior designer Carole Topin took on the challenge of completely renovating the iconic luxury hotel in Saint-Moritz, nestled between the lake and the forest and originally opened in 1906. They brought a touch of modernity without betraying its Art Nouveau DNA. They selected the finest materials (stone, marble, etc.), opted for Pierre Frey carpets, and Molteni&C furniture to refresh the 74 rooms and suites, the cocktail bar, and the two restaurants, including Beefbar, of this new Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
GRACEHOTELS.COM
ITALY
COMO ALPINA DOLOMITES IN VAL GARDENA
In soft opening for a year, this COMO – the Singaporean group's only mountain resort – is now fully operational this winter. It has just completed its spa, where all holistic wellness treatments draw upon the benefits of nature. The 22-meter indoor pool and the outdoor pool offer exceptional panoramic views. A central element of architect Gerhard Tauber's design, a striking circular structure made of quartzite, glass, and carved wood evokes the slopes and contours of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, this 60-room snow palace, primarily suites, also boasts three restaurants and a lounge designed by Paola Navone, perfect for watching the snow fall.
COMOHOTELS.COM
THE TABLES…
LOULOU IN COURCHEVEL
After Paris, Ramatuelle and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Loulou comes
illuminating Courchevel with its joyful conviviality. Located in the Les Palace
Neiges, part of the Barrière group, welcomes everyone in its large dining room
in wood paneling decorated by interior designer Corinne Sachot, or on the
terrace overlooking the Bellecôte ski slope, for lovers of fine cuisine
Ultra-generous Franco-Italian cuisine. The menu features Savoyard specialties, but
also the wood-fired barbecue and Loulou's famous signature dishes, the
truffle pizza and pasta al pomodoro.
LOULOU-COURCHEVEL.COM
HIGH-DEFINITION KITCHEN IN MEGÈVE
Attention, special event: Marc Veyrat, the multi-Michelin-starred chef with the signature black hat, is back in his native Haute-Savoie. Three times a week, year-round, he offers just 18 guests a unique, intimate, and deeply moving gastronomic experience. At each service, he is personally present to delight diners with creations enhanced by wild herbs, from lobster tartlet with meadowsweet foam and pine cone, smoked for real. Accommodation is available on-site.
MARCVEYRAT.FR
