Fun Houzz: 12 Breathtaking Alpine Retreats for the Perfect Getaway
Strap on your (imaginary) skis and momentarily escape from it all with these gorgeous, snow-capped chalets and mountain lodges
Late winter is a wonderful time for a skiing holiday in Europe. Cosy evenings by the fire in an elegant rustic chalet, hot mulled wine, crisp, fresh air, pillowy blankets of snow covering the picture-perfect landscape outside… and, of course, the actual skiing.
We may not all be able to dash away to the mountains for a week whenever the fancy strikes us, but these beautiful Alpine (or Alpine-inspired) retreats will at the very least make that fantasy seem a little bit more accessible. Enjoy with a steaming mug of mulled wine and pretend the rain lashing against your window is actually a flurry of soft snowflakes transforming the outside world into a snow-covered wonderland.
We may not all be able to dash away to the mountains for a week whenever the fancy strikes us, but these beautiful Alpine (or Alpine-inspired) retreats will at the very least make that fantasy seem a little bit more accessible. Enjoy with a steaming mug of mulled wine and pretend the rain lashing against your window is actually a flurry of soft snowflakes transforming the outside world into a snow-covered wonderland.
Minimalist design for maximum views
This Swiss retreat redefines the meaning of the humble ski chalet, and instead favours minimalist interior touches to maximise the views over the sun-drenched Alpine landscape.
Explore how to frame a picture perfect view
This Swiss retreat redefines the meaning of the humble ski chalet, and instead favours minimalist interior touches to maximise the views over the sun-drenched Alpine landscape.
Explore how to frame a picture perfect view
A space to slow down and reflect
While the skiing, the camaraderie, and the cosy evenings gathered together in front of the fire are all wonderful aspects of mountainside retreats, those quiet moments all alone amid a spectacular and silent mountain range are what ultimately allow us to let our minds truly take a break from our everyday stress.
While the skiing, the camaraderie, and the cosy evenings gathered together in front of the fire are all wonderful aspects of mountainside retreats, those quiet moments all alone amid a spectacular and silent mountain range are what ultimately allow us to let our minds truly take a break from our everyday stress.
Dinner and drinks with a view
Sometimes, the best part of a skiing holiday is coming back to the lodge after a long day on the mountain, showering, wrapping yourself in blankets, sipping a hot (perhaps alcoholic) drink and simply basking in the view of the sublime surroundings. If your view overlooks a charming array of chalets and houses, even better.
Sometimes, the best part of a skiing holiday is coming back to the lodge after a long day on the mountain, showering, wrapping yourself in blankets, sipping a hot (perhaps alcoholic) drink and simply basking in the view of the sublime surroundings. If your view overlooks a charming array of chalets and houses, even better.
A striking display of colour
The clear, crisp air in the mountains creates stunning cloud displays during dusk and dawn. The soft, pure white snow reflects the beautiful colours of the sky even more. This grand ski lodge overlooking a sloping valley is bathed in the diffused purple light of the changing hours. Just imagine coming back to this scene after spending a day on the slopes.
The clear, crisp air in the mountains creates stunning cloud displays during dusk and dawn. The soft, pure white snow reflects the beautiful colours of the sky even more. This grand ski lodge overlooking a sloping valley is bathed in the diffused purple light of the changing hours. Just imagine coming back to this scene after spending a day on the slopes.
The cosiest view of all
One of the nicest things about a ski holiday is waking up in a cosy, wood-framed bed, wrapped in warm white sheets, and looking outside to see the entire world covered in snow. Knowing it’s frosty out somehow makes a bed seem even cosier in comparison.
One of the nicest things about a ski holiday is waking up in a cosy, wood-framed bed, wrapped in warm white sheets, and looking outside to see the entire world covered in snow. Knowing it’s frosty out somehow makes a bed seem even cosier in comparison.
A real winter wonderland
Proper snow (not sad city sludge) somehow manages to bring out the delighted child in all of us. A rustic chalet covered in pillowy snow, bright and fluffy and immaculately smooth, is a magical sight indeed.
Proper snow (not sad city sludge) somehow manages to bring out the delighted child in all of us. A rustic chalet covered in pillowy snow, bright and fluffy and immaculately smooth, is a magical sight indeed.
An indulgent mountainside luxury
Skiing holidays are not all about physical exercise. Pampering and relaxing are of the utmost priority! So just imagine how wonderful it would be to slide into a hot tub with a magnificent mountainside view at the end of a long, challenging day on the slopes.
Skiing holidays are not all about physical exercise. Pampering and relaxing are of the utmost priority! So just imagine how wonderful it would be to slide into a hot tub with a magnificent mountainside view at the end of a long, challenging day on the slopes.
Back to the roots
This chalet in the French Alps shows what it’s really all about: pared-back, rustic style, maximum cosiness, and direct, unrestricted access to nature.
This chalet in the French Alps shows what it’s really all about: pared-back, rustic style, maximum cosiness, and direct, unrestricted access to nature.
Hidden in the woods
Although we tend to imagine Alpine retreats as perched majestically upon a snow-covered mountaintop, a bright and modern chalet nestled among snow-covered trees further down has just as strong an appeal.
Although we tend to imagine Alpine retreats as perched majestically upon a snow-covered mountaintop, a bright and modern chalet nestled among snow-covered trees further down has just as strong an appeal.
A modern take on rustic charm
Ski chalets are known and loved for their rustic, traditional charm, but a modern touch can create incredible results, as this American residence shows. The combination of natural materials, such as wood and stone, combined with floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern design create a radiant retreat.
Learn how to use wood for a pared-back modern rustic look
Ski chalets are known and loved for their rustic, traditional charm, but a modern touch can create incredible results, as this American residence shows. The combination of natural materials, such as wood and stone, combined with floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern design create a radiant retreat.
Learn how to use wood for a pared-back modern rustic look
A haven in the snow
This Swiss cottage stands alone in a wintry landscape, with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains surrounding it. It’s the perfect place for a well-deserved midday rest along your ski route.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of the mountains? What would your perfect Alpine retreat look like? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
This Swiss cottage stands alone in a wintry landscape, with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains surrounding it. It’s the perfect place for a well-deserved midday rest along your ski route.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of the mountains? What would your perfect Alpine retreat look like? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
The Alps are renowned for their beautiful, star-lit night skies. This lone Swiss chalet, perched on a sweeping mountainside, shines just as brightly without dampening the stunning nocturnal views.