6 of the best chic chalets & ski lodges

In Courchevel 1850, part of the largest linked ski area in the world, the contemporary yet cozy Six Senses Residences are the perfect flexible alternative to the usual week-long chalet rentals – and a refreshing foil to all the bling-y excesses of Courchevel’s palace hotels. The 53 light-filled, two-to-three balconied apartments can be booked for a minimum of just three nights (with discounted rates for bookings of over 10 days), which allows you privileged access to a serious range of services that can rival that of any five-star hotel. From the 24-hour concierge who can secure you a table at exclusive restaurants like La Soucoupe, to the membership to the incredible on-site spa and pool and the children’s clubs with a night nanny on tap, every want is catered for, leaving you to just relax and enjoy the slopes. Book through Scott Dunn

High on the hill above the chocolate-box prettiness of Zermatt is Chalet Zermatt Peak, a private five-room chalet just steps from town. Not that there’s any real reason to go outside – piste excluded – what with the Michelin-star chef, spa, daily massages and majestic Matterhorn views. There is, however, a 24-hour chauffeur, just in case you do get the urge.

The gated six-room Chalet Brames has undergone a recent super-luxe refurbishment and emerged as Meribel’s chicest retreat. Gorgeous views of Mont Vallon and chauffeured rides to and from the ski lifts aside, there’s a fitness area, ice bath, hammam, massage room and wellness menu on offer, plus Snowga – a ski-yoga hybrid designed to help your on-piste technique.

It only takes a couple of parallel turns before you’re outside of ski-in-ski-out boutique hotel Copperhill Mountain Lodge, perched at the summit of Mount Förberget, and carving up the piste. Inside, chic Nordic decor gets cozy with roaring fires and copper everywhere, while the tipi-style spa soothes sore muscles after an energetic day on the slopes.

Important things like a concierge who warms your ski boots, the best après in town and a mountainside champagne and caviar bar are what makes five-star The Little Nell the hippest spot in Aspen. The six shiny new suites with chic minimalist interiors are the most in-demand rooms to book, while the delectable Element 47 restaurant and hush-hush rare-wines cellar are top notch.

You might think a boot-room elevator that delivers you straight onto the piste would be the most outrageous extravagance at Chalet N, but you’d be very wrong. It’s the Michelin-starred chefs, luxury chauffeur service, cinema, fondue room, wine cellar, ice bar, outdoor whirlpool, Bulgari bathroom products, whole-floor spa, ridiculously cinematic views and staff of 35 – yes, 35 – that really give it the extra edge.