The Most Exclusive Mountains Lodges in Europe

The Most Exclusive Alpine Lodges in Europe

Lauren Hill

Senior Contributor

The Most Exclusive Alpine Lodges in Europe

Lauren Hill

Senior Contributor

Whether you’re heading to Switzerland, France or Austria, seek out the Alps’ most luxurious lodges this winter, from Europe’s most coveted exclusive-use chalets to the most prestigious mountain resorts in the region.

The Alpina Gstaad

This five-star lodge comes with the traditional Alpine façade required for properties in this idyllic part of Switzerland. But it’s what’s behind this classic timber exterior that really sets Alpina Gstaad apart. Inside you’ll find contemporary, but still representative of the lodge’s setting, interiors with an array of modern art and top-of-the-range amenities including a private cinema, Six Senses Spa, which comes with a ‘healing grotto’ and a diverse culinary offering. Dine at Sommet to taste the global cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Martin Göschel, try the Japanese plates of chefs Takumi Murase and Tsutomu Kugota at Megu, and have a classic Alpine dining experience at Swiss Stübli. Head to Alpina Lounge & Bar after coming in from the slopes, and reserve a wine-tasting session in the Wine Cellar. An array of outdoor experiences can be arranged through the concierge.

The Alpina, Gstaad

Ultima Crans-Montana

The recently launched Ultima Crans-Montana consists of two exclusive-use chalets offering direct access to the slopes from their position in Plans-Mayens, Switzerland. Ultima’s USP is that, while their chalets provide complete privacy, each one comes with service that would rival a five-star hotel. This means you’ll have a 24/7 butler, as well as a private chef and driver, and the concierge is on-hand to tailor every aspect of your stay. You can arrive in style by arranging helicopter transfers and sign up for the Ultima Ski School. Each of the two chalets combines the classic Alpine look with ultra-lux contemporary design. Choose between the six and ten-bedroom properties; each one comes with ample living and dining space including nooks such as a library, bar and yoga studio.

Ultima Crans - Montana

Ultima Megève

This impressive chalet in Megève is another of the Ultima Collection’s newest additions. Here in the Alps of southeast France, a stay comes with breath-taking views of the Alps’ highest mountain, Mont Blanc, and easy access to the slopes and trails surrounding the mountain village. The chalet itself accommodates up to 18 people, with a wine cellar, fitness area, swimming pool and spa featuring Baccarat crystal chandelier with Jacuzzi, hammam and treatment rooms. Helicopter transfers connect to Geneva and, just like its sister property in Crans-Montana, the concierge is able to tailor your stay with the help of a private chef and driver. The chefs here will plan menus to suit you, using ingredients sourced from the region.

Ultima Megève

Credit: Igor Laski

The Chedi Andermatt

With its Ursern Valley setting, Andermatt provides access to Swiss landscape that’s ideal for outdoor pursuits in each season. The Chedi Andermatt is the most coveted lodge here. Breath-taking in design, the hotel combines a contemporary version of Alpine chic with Asian inspiration and tall windows that make the most of the mountain views. As well as housing 123 sumptuously cosy rooms and suites, the hotel comes with a collection of restaurants—including one with a Michelin star—offering European and Asian cuisine, a wine library, living room with bar and courtyard, with the sprawling health club and spa then encompassing indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, Tibetan relaxation lounge and yoga and pilates studios. Wellness, outdoor exploration and gastronomy are the focus here.

The Chedi Andermatt

Chalet Zermatt Peak

The views from this lodge are hard to beat. Chalet Zermatt Peak looks out over Zermatt and the Matterhorn from its vantage point above the mountain village’s restaurants, bars and boutiques. Just like the other lodges in this list, this six-floor chalet combines a Swiss Alpine aesthetic with luxurious modern design. But here it’s the floor-to-ceiling glass that makes the biggest impression, drawing in the panoramic views from each side. The chalet, which is meant for exclusive-use, comes with everything you could need to unwind, dine and entertain. There's a lounge with open fire and spacious balcony, a library and living area decorated with artwork, five plush suites and a spa with Finnish and Swedish saunas, a hammam, Jacuzzi and TechnoGym. A private chef and concierge are on hand.

Chalet Zermatt Peak

Chalet N

Said to be the most expensive chalet in the world, this lodge in Lech, Austria, will require around €250,000 per week. For this, you’ll have 10 luxurious suites with uninterrupted views over the Arlberg Massif, two dining rooms, a fondue room, living room with bar, wine cellar and tasting room with around 350 wine labels. There's also a private cinema and impressive spa with Bose underwater sound system in the pool and resplendent features such as a Swarovski shower. A team of 35 staff, including butler and chauffeur, ensures you have everything you need and transfers to St Christoph and St Anton are made seamless by the chalet’s own Porsche Cayenne and Range Rovers.

Chalet N

Published: 25 Dec 2019

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Editorial written by

Lauren Hill

Senior Contributor

Lauren travelled through Asia, Oceania and the Americas for a number of years after graduating, with time spent living in Cuba, Colombia, Australia and Costa Rica and almost five years in Singapore and Japan. She completed a postgraduate in journalism while living in Asia and has worked as an editor and travel journalist ever since. Now based in London, Lauren contributes to travel and lifestyle publications including Forbes, Conde Nast Traveller and Architectural Digest. Travel highlights include exploring the northern islands of Madagascar and sailing around Indonesia’s remote archipelago, Raja Ampat.