Posts Tagged ‘Luxury Ski’
Courchevel 1850 – The Insiders’ Guide
Courchevel 1850 has long been thought of as the best ski resort in the world. Immaculate pistes, superbly inter-linked skiing on the vast 3 Valleys ski area amidst beautiful scenery are just some of its features. Add to this an astounding range of bars, restaurants, chic boutiques and night-spots and it’s no wonder that Courchevel is so highly rated. It’s reputation for being the creme de la creme of the French Alps means that year on year celebrities, Royals and members of the glitterati gather there to enjoy the most glamorous and luxurious ski resort in the world.
Courchevel 1850 is the highest of the Courchevel resorts, which altogether encompass 63 ski-lifts and 117 downhill skiing runs. Perfect snow is guaranteed as the resort’s 562 snow canons maintain perfect ski conditions whatever the winter weather brings.
One of the first things to think about when booking a luxury ski holiday is accommodation. The cold conditions and long days of physical exertion make finding the right place to stay absolutely essential. Courchevel chalets, especially those at 1850, range from the comfortable and welcoming to the spectacular and sumptuous. Courchevel luxury chalets have long been the gold standard and catered chalets where a chef is provided for the duration of your stay, along with a chalet host and baby-sitter if you require one are the norm at the resort. Specialist travel companies such as ski in luxury and Oxford ski offer a range of chalets to suit a variety of budgets.
It is essential to book early as the best Courchevel chalets are booked months in advance. Decide what matters to you most about your accommodation. Is it proximity to the slopes, the services provided by the chalet, such as hot tubs and cinema rooms, or is it facilities for children and being in the centre of town, near the shops and nightlife?
Once your accommodation is booked, talk to your travel company about arranging activities before your arrival. Companies such as Scott Dunn and Venture Ski have specialist teams that visit the resort every year and monitor closely every aspect of resort from the best restaurants and bars, to activities for children and new shops. They can liase with you and arrange days out, book restaurants and through their network of local contacts make sure that your trip is unique.
Courchevel regulars trust their travel contacts to provide them with the most up to date information and tips for their stay. Whether it’s which restaurant is the new must try, or who the best children’s ski instructor is. Holidays are too short to eat at the wrong place or stay in an unsuitable chalet. Plan ahead and contact the specialists to make sure your stay is as relaxing and stress free as possible.
Verbier – A Mecca for the Alpine Enthusiast
Verbier is a world-renowned ski resort located in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Just 1.5 hr drive from Geneva it attracts both the city slickers getting away for the weekend and international visitors arriving at Geneva airport. The resort is lively and fashionable, with an eclectic mix of inhabitants and visitors from the very wealthy, attracted by the high-class Verbier luxury ski chalets, to the powder hound coming to explore the extensive off-piste opportunities that Verbier has to offer. Verbier is part of the 4 Vallees ski domain which covers 410km of ski pistes and serviced by 89 lifts which link the resorts of Verbier, La Tzoumaz and Bruson, as well as Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon.
But Verbier is not just for the ski and snowboard enthusiast. The resort has developed a wealth of activities for both the winter and summer months. In winter it is possible to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, speed flying, sledge dog rides, ski touring and snowshoe walking. The list of activities and events available in Verbier during the summer is developing to become just as impressive: fantastic thermalling for the expert flyer and paragliding pilot training courses for those new to the sport, exhilarating downhill mountain biking and more scenic mountain bike trails assisted by the lift system, hiking, glacial walking, attending the two week Verbier music festival and the international horse show jumping competition are just the beginning! How about trying canyoning or swing across a valley suspended on a pendulum or zip line!
The infamous resort of Verbier has expanded to include a huge range of apartments, chalets and hotels, but it has become best known for its catered chalet and apartment holidays. Good value Verbier catered chalet or Verbier apartment packages including cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course evening meal with wine start at around 499 (750chf) per person, and there are some great last minute chalet deals currently available. For those looking for a special touch of luxury, Verbier’s luxury ski chalets have everything that you could ask for. The highest level of service, Michelin starred chefs, the most luxurious alpine interiors, indoor pools and spas, Verbier’s range of luxury ski chalets and apartments offer it all. Starting at 9,350 (14,000chf) per week for a luxury catered chalet the possibilities are infinite.
Stay in the accommodation of your choice and explore all that Verbier has to offer with ActiveFusion.
Best Aspen Luxury Hotels And Residences
Aspen is an abundantly gifted ski resort with endless walking trails, breathtaking mountains, and fly-fishing waters along with a plethora of cultural activities. The chic ski resort features several luxury hotels, private vacation residences, and world-class condominiums for a luxurious, customized and comfortable stay. Here is a compilation of some of the most sought after Aspen luxury condos and hotels.
Innsbruck Aspen is a state of the art and newly revamped luxury condo residence, which is conveniently located near major ski slopes and a bustling downtown area. The avant-garde property boasts of well-appointed guest residences in the backdrop of the celebrated Aspen Mountains. For lavish Aspen luxury condos, Innsbruck has few matches.
There are several other luxury ski resorts like Hotel Jerome, one of the highest rated boutique properties in the Rocky Mountain West. Its enduring class, elegance and a range of amenities, coupled with great service make it a premier destination in Aspen. For a great Aspen private residence club option, St. Regis wins for its spacious and lavishly styled guest villas that offer personalized service.
The Hyatt is another great Aspen private residence club pick. Apart from the trademark Hyatt hospitality, it features luxurious furnished and well-equipped condominiums along with a range of amenities and impeccable service. Viceroy Snowmass is a gorgeous Aspen luxury condos property as well, with its swanky 173 ski hotel residences designed in grand vintage style, combined with innumerable resort activities and wellness programs.
Aspen has an assortment of private residence clubs, luxury hotels, and ski resorts depending on what vacationers are looking for.