Best In Travel Magazine Issue 27 // March 2015

THE WORLD’S BEST

SKI RESORTS

SKI STYLE: CHALET CHIC What’s hot for the 2014-2015 ski season

SNOWTALK Ski expert, Rob Freeman, on why there’s no business like snow business

THE MOST EXCLUSIVE SKI HOTELS REVEALED

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ISSUE March 2015

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Introducing Best In Travel’s skiing special WHAT’S HOT The latest news and views SKIING GLOSSARY Ski lingo explained STYLISH SKI GEAR The hottest pieces to hit the slopes in SNOW TALK: ROB FREEMAN The Austrian skiing authority talks about his life on the slopes

WORLD’S BEST

AMERICAS

EUROPE

VAL THORENS World’s best ski resort

CERRO CATEDRAL Argentina’s best ski resort

ELS LLACS Andorra’s best ski chalet

STEIN ERIKSEN LODGE World’s best ski hotel THE VALE NISEKO World’s best ski chalet BIGHORN LODGE World’s best ski chalet INTERCONTINENTAL

DAVOS World’s Best New Ski Hotel CHALET QUEZAC World’s best new ski chalet BERGBAHN KITZBÜHEL World’s Best Ski Resort Company 2014 CRYSTAL SKI World’s best ski tour operator LEO TRIPPI World’s best ski travel agent

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LLAO LLAO HOTEL & RESORT Argentina’s best ski hotel DEER VALLEY RESORT United States’ best ski resort CASA NOVA United States’ best ski chalet

VALLNORD Andorra’s best ski resort SPORT HOTEL HERMITAGE & SPA Andorra’s best ski hotel PALOMÉ HOTEL Andorra’s best ski boutique A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL Austria’s best ski hotel AURELIO LECH Austria’s best ski boutique hotel CHALET 1597 Austria’s best ski chalet KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA Austria’s Best Ski Resort BANSKO Bulgaria’s best ski resort Kempinski Hotel GRAND ARENA BANSKO Bulgaria’s best ski hotel

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CONTENTS

ALPIN HOTEL Bulgaria’s best ski boutique hotel VILLA GELLA Bulgaria’s best ski chalet

COUNTRY HOME PITZNER Germany’s best ski chalet VAL GARDENA Italy’s best ski resort

LAAX Switzerland’s best ski resort THE OMNIA Switzerland’s best ski boutique hotel

RUKA Finland’s best ski resort

CRISTALLO HOTEL Italy’s best ski hotel

BELLA COOLA Switzerland’s best ski chalet

RANTASIPI RUKAHOVI HOTEL Finland’s best ski hotel

SAN LORENZO MOUNTAIN LODGE Italy’s best ski chalet

ASIA & AUSTRALISIA

HOTEL ISO-SYÖTE Finland’s best ski boutique hotel

QUALITY SPA & RESORT NOREFJELL Norway’s best ski hotel

RUKAN SALONKI Finland’s best ski chalet ALTAPURA France’s best ski hotel LE CHALET ZANNIER France’s best ski boutique hotel CHALET MARCO POLO France’s best ski chalet GARMISCHPARTENKIRCHEN Germany’s best ski resort

SKARSNUTEN HOTEL Norway’s best ski boutique hotel HAVSDALSGRENDA Norway’s best ski chalet KRANJSKA GORA Slovenia’s best ski hotel YONGPYONG South Korea’s best ski resort ARAMÓN CERLER Spain’s best ski resort

DAS KRANZBACH Germany’s best ski hotel

ARE Sweden’s best ski resort

HOTEL STAUDACHERHOF Germany’s best ski boutique hotel

COPPERHILL MOUNTAIN LODGE Sweden’s best ski hotel

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PERISHER Australia’s best ski resort QT FALLS CREEK Australia’s best ski boutique NISEKO UNITED Japan’s best ski boutique hotel SEKKA KAN Japan’s best ski chalet TREBLE CONE New Zealand’s best ski resort CROWNE PLAZA QUEENSTOWN New Zealand’s best ski hotel EICHARDT’S PRIVATE HOTEL New Zealand’s best ski boutique hotel AZUR LUXURY LODGE New Zealand’s best ski chalet 3

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Let it snow

LET IT SNOW In this issue Best in Travel reveals the best ski resorts, hotels and chalets in the world as voted by World Ski Awards (www.worldskiawards.com), which was hosted last November in the great winter sports centre of Kitzb端hel, home of the legendary Hahnenkamm Race. www.worldskiawards.com

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WHAT’S HOT ON THE SLOPES

Our guide to the latest news and views

cabin against a backdrop of snow snow-capped mountains. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the bittersweet song - which holds the record for being the highest selling single never to reach number one in the British charts - the pretty resort is offering ‘In the footsteps of Wham!’ package deals at 1980s prices! Events include 80s themed parties a torch-lit walk around locations used in the iconic video. For the full lowdown visit www.saas-fee.ch

GET APPY

Get the most out of your skiing trip with the Ski School app’s clear and concise professional ski lessons. No internet connection is needed meaning you’ll be able to watch the high quality videos at your own pace, wherever you like. Track your own progress using the split screen analysis and, erm, compare yourself to the instructor! There are lessons from beginner through to advanced - little wonder then that The Sunday Times has hailed 6

the Ski School App as ‘“the must have ski app.” www.skischoolapp.com

WANDERING AFTER WHAM

It’s 30 years since Wham released Last Christmas - the global hit that has become as much a fixture of the festive season as mince pies and mulled wine. The video for the Christmas classic was shot in the Swiss village of Saas-Fee and features George Michael and friends cavorting in a romantic

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS

Want to improve your skiing skills in a friendly, fun, all female environment? Head to Val Thorens in the French Alps - the highest resort in Europe at BESTINTRAVELMAGAZINE.COM

What’s hot on the slopes

can be found in Sweden. Situated in Jukkasjärvi - a small village outside Kiruna that’s home to approximately 1,100 inhabitants and 1,000 dogs - Swedish Lapland’s legendary Icehotel was conceived and built 25 years ago. Every spring the Icehotel melts back into the neighbouring Torn River and every autumn a brand new one is built.

The current construction features 18 Northern Lights rooms, 16 art suites and two luxury suites.

Sounds good? To make a booking visit www.icehotel.com

JAMES BOND TO BE FILMED IN THE AUSTRIAN TIROL

2,300m - which has a new ski school for girls, by girls. Set up by friends Chloe Ferri and Julia Lejoille who have 25 years of tuition between them, Girlschool specialises in teaching women and children to ski safely for according to a recent report by the Warren Smith Academy - 70 per cent of women admit to feeling nervous about learning near men. Girlschool offers customised ski and snowboard lessons from €40 per hour. For more information visit www.girlschool.fr

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SLEEPING ON SNOW

Looking for a cool - in every sense of the word - place to sleep?

It’s time to check into an ice hotel. Chill seekers are spoilt for choice: ice hotels (essentially a gigantic igloo that is converted into accommodation) can be found in a number of countries including Switzerland (Davos, Engelbert, Gstaad, Zermatt and Les Cerniers), Slovenia (Krankska Gora), Finland (Levi, Yllas, Saariselka) and France (La Plagne). However the original and arguably the best - Ice Hotel

The most famous secret agent in the world, 007, will start filming the 24th Bond film, Spectre (to be released in Autumn 2015) in the Austrian Tirol. Daniel Craig, will play Bond for the fourth time, embarking on his alpine adventures with stars including Ralph Fiennes, Christoph Waltz, Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux in the ski resorts of Sölden, in the Ӧtztal and Obertilliach, in the East Tirol region. Spectre should help put ‘the heart of the Alps’ firmly on the tourist map: the last Bond film, Skyfall, was watched by over 130 million in cinemas around the world. For more information on the Tirol region log on to www.visittirol.co.uk 7

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SKIING AT SERRE CHEVALIER VALLÉE SKI RESORT

Looking to work off the winter weight gain? Seek out Serre Chevalier Vallée ski resort in the French Alps which has a jampacked calendar of events to get you into the swing of 2015. For more information visit www.serre-chevalier.com

BEST BOOK

Planning on hitting the slopes this season? Pick up a copy of Where to Ski and Snowboard 2015 (£18.99). The skiers bible is is the only annually updated guide to ski resorts and includes over 1,100 resorts spanning Europe to North America. With over 550 colour graphics and 150 panoramic mountain maps, this practical guide makes for an accessible and engaging read don’t go skiing without it! wheretoskiandsnowboard.com

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What’s hot on the slopes

LEARN TO SKI

Hands up if - in the wake of the Sochi Winter Olympics - you’ve decided to give skiing a go?

Check out the Ski Go Board programme which aims to spread six hours’ tuition over as many weeks to get newbies up to speed before they take to the skies. The programme is on offer at over 30 indoor centres or outdoor slopes across the country. Run

by Snowsport England and supported by the Tirol Tourist Board, as destination partner, prices are all inclusive and cover everything you need to take part. www.goskigoboard.org.uk

WORTHY WEBSITES

www.fis-ski.com Website of the International Ski Federation with news and views on every discipline from ski jumping to Nordic combined www.snow-forecast.com Does what it says on the label.

Check out the conditions before you catch the plane www.goneboarding.com Join the forum for boarding across the world, featuring events, reviews and pictures as well as general snowboarding chat www.ski.co.uk Invaluable directory that will point you in the right direction for skiing holidays and equipment hire plus put you in touch with the ski and snowboarding communities

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A GLOSSARY OF SKI TERMS Want to sound like a pro even if you don’t ski like one? Here’s the low-down on the ski slang to sprinkle into your slope-side conversations

APRÉS SKI

EDGE

In the literal sense, aprés ski means ‘after ski’ and refers to the social activities that take place after a day on the slopes. Some skiers prefer to relax around the fire or in a spa while for other it could means dinner and drinks before dancing until dawn…!

The metal strip found at the bottom corners of skis

BASE

GREEN RUN

Refers to the average depth of snow on a mountain

Piste coloured green on the map. The easiest type of run

BOMBING

HIGH SEASON

Skiing downhill at a reckless speed

Typically from February to early March.

Expect lift tickets and hotels to be more expensive during this period

CORDUROY Freshly groomed machine-packed snow with a ribbed texture that resembles corduroy

DOWNHILL SKIING Gravity-induced skiing down a mountain!

DUMP Astonishing levels of fresh snowfall

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FALL LINE The natural line of descent between two points on a slope

INGHAM Namely Walter Ingham - long credited as the man who took Britain skiing!

JIB To ski rails, boxes and other features around the mountain

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A glossary of ski terms

KICK TURN

TRAVERSE

An easier option for beginners turning on steep slopes

Skiing in a zig-zag fashion as opposed to straight down across the fall line

LIFTIE

WHITE OUT

The chairlift operator

Poor visibility due to a combination of fog and snow

MILK RUN The first run of the day

YARD SALE

Cross-country skiing

A fall that leaves skis and poles and apparel strewn across across the piste, thus resembling a yard sale!

OFF PISTE

ZIPPER LINE

An area that isn’t part of the ski trail

The fastest route down a mogul (mounds of snow that have been formed as a result of hundreds of skiers riding over the same slope)

NORDIC SKIING

PISTE French word for trail

RIPPER An accomplished skier

SKI LIFTS Means of getting to the top of the slopes from which you then ski down

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SNOW WAY!

Look red hot despite the freezing temperatures with Faction’s funky threads

FOR HIM Darwin Jacket (£419.99)

Worn by athletes such as Freeride World Tour rider, Ian Borgeson, the 20,000mm/20,000br Toray Dermizax fabric will keep you dry whether you’re hiking or catching a heli lift to the top of your line.

Large chest pockets hold your skins, flask or whatever gear you require while 100% sealed seems, Lycra wrist gaiters, powder skirt and pant docking system keep out wind and deep pow. Trust the Darwin on your most epic adventures.

Galileo Midlayer (£169.99)

A favourite among the Faction family, who eat, sleep, work and ski in their Galileo jackets. A technical mid-layer as important to any ensemble as say, Galileo was to science. With 700-fill goose down, lightweight ripstop fabric and an asymmetrical front zipper, wear the Galileo on its own or underneath your shell for extra insulation that’s comfortable and not bulky.

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Edison pant (£339.99)

With over 100 days on the hill each year, whether you’re hiking or relaxing on the chair, your pants shouldn’t slow you down.

Enjoy all the technical features of the Edison pant, including venting, Stunner Stretch technology for movement, 3L Toray Dermizax 20,000mm/20,000br fabric, 100% sealed seems, Recco reflectors and detachable bib with pockets and suspenders. Buckle your harness, strap on your beacon and drop into that line with confidence.

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Snow way!

Candide 3.0, lightweight Freeride ski (£569)

The Candide 3.0 is the ultimate weapon in any ski quiver. A lightweight freeride twin with Hybrid core, the Candide 3.0 features a 112mm waist, 1mm of camber, large tip rocker and medium tail rocker. Charge all over the mountain from the piste to the pow, from big lines to tight couloirs: this ski won’t let you down.

Agent 90, lightweight touring model (£509.99)

In the morning you hike to untracked lines, but come afternoon you’re cruising groomers. The Agent 100 lets you play in both worlds. A lightweight carbon and paulownia core makes touring a breeze, while camber underfoot, rocker in the tip and 102mm waist make skiing down a pleasure ride. Only 1480g per ski @179cm.

FOR HER Tinsley (£299) The Best in Travel team love the Tinsley, a street-style inspired technical jacket. With a focus on fit and design in classic colours, the Tinsley is a technical ski jacket stylish enough to wear in the smartest bars or on city visits. With Toray Delfy 2L 10,000mm/10,000br fabric, venting, multiple pockets, a helmet-compatible hood, longer fit, fleece lining to avoid face-chafing and a powder skirt, take the Tinsley from the streets to the backcountry, up ragged peaks and conquer big lines.

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Lenox (£199.99) Finally, a pant that fits well, looks great and protects your assets in harsh mountain environments. The attractive standard fit of the Lenox pant features a handful of pockets and leather accents while 10,000mm/10,000br 2L Toray Delfy fabric, 100% sealed seams, leg gaiters and inner-leg venting to keep you toasty in snow storms or cool in at après.

Boyd Midlayer (£169.99)

Layering shouldn’t be uncomfortable or stiff. Instead it should be toasty warm and allow you to move easily.

The sleek and stylish Boyd combines 700-fill goose down, asymmetrical zip, lightweight ripstop fabric with a feminine fit and colour pallet.

Wear it on its own around town or underneath the Tinsley for non-bulky insulation on cold days.

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Snow way!

FOUR SKI ESSENTIALS Ski gloves Supertonic (£509.99) You’re a hard-charging chick who wants a ski that will keep up with you. The Supertonic is 107mm underfoot with rocker and 1mm of camber underfoot.

The camberline and STP technology provide great edge control on piste and superior float in the soft snow. Take this ski from big lines to untracked powder with confidence.

Heroine (£419.99)

Go everywhere on the Heroine. Take it up to the top of the mountain in the morning, dabble in the park at lunch, and cruise the lower pistes in the afternoon. With a 92mm waist, rockered tip and tail and camber underfoot, the Heroine takes you anywhere you want to go with ease. STP technology helps you carve on piste while the rocker will keep it playful in the bumps, trees and powder.

Hands need covering up in the cold, which is where a gapped pair of gloves comes in.

Ski gloves are generally made from natural leather or synthetic materials. Whichever pair you plump for, don’t skimp on price.

For cheap, read cold and wet.

Ski helmet Rewind a few seasons and it was only hard core off piste skiers who wore helmets. Now in the aftermath of Michael Schumacher’s skiing accident - the F1 star suffered a serious head injury which left him paralysed and unable to walk or talk properly - they are worn much more widely.

And rightly so: a ski helmet will help protect you from concussion and brain damage in the event of an accident.

Ski suit Want to stay warm on the slopes? You need a ski suit. Made from wind and water resistant or water proof fabrics, ski suits should be worn over the rest of your clothes when skiing. Ski suits typically come in bright colours so that lifeguards can easily locate you on the slopes.

Ski boots Ski boots come in several categories: beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Regardless of whether you’re an amateur or a pro, choose an expert fitter. An expert will take at least a couple of hours to correctly match foot to boot.

All equipment available from www.factionskis.com

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SNOWTALK

Rob Freeman - the UK’s leading authority on skiing in Austria and author of the Snowfinder guidebook on Austria - talks life on the slopes Why do you love to ski?

Skiing is addictive and once hooked, you’re in a relationship with it that is never likely to end. It combines the thrill of speed with the satisfaction of technique, and all carried out in the most mindblowingly beautiful setting that it’s possible to imagine.

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Snowtalk

There’s always something more to discover, an improvement in style and ability, an element of fear, a new run to enjoy - against a mountain backdrop of pure splendour. No other sport or recreation can rival this unique and heady combination of excitement and sublime locations.

Richie, The Killers, Bob Dylan and Katy Perry. Blunt didn’t have time to ski - which was a shame because the runs at high level were in great shape, under blue skies. Ischgl has crossborder skiing with Samnaun in Switzerland, and a lofty top station at 2,872-metres - which means a long season stretching into May.

Where did you last ski?

Do you know which ski destinations you will be heading to in 2015?

In the Tirolean resort of Ischgl, Austria. It was the seasonopening weekend, when the resort always stages a huge concert to mark the beginning of the winter. This time the star was James Blunt, who entertained a crowd of nearly 20,000 outdoors in the centre of the village. James is a skier himself - he raced successfully when he was in the Army - so was fully in tune with the crowd. Others who have starred at Ischgl include Elton John, Sting, Tina Turner, Lionel

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I have a few lined up - starting with Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, beautifully situated in the gorgeous Dolomites. The town is surrounded by some great skiing - and a further reason to head there is the fabulous choice of mountain restaurants serving the best of Italian cuisine. They’re so good, most with sunny terraces, that it’s hard to drag yourself back on to the slopes after lunch. Plus Cortina is so fashionable that

many visitors spend more time promenading on the chic streets than they do skiing - so that means the slopes are uncrowded and lift queues non-existent.

Next, it’s off to British Columbia on the West Coast of Canada, to visit two of my favourite North American resorts, Whistler and Sun Peaks. Whistler is to my mind one of North America’s best ski destinations, combining a huge range of runs - including glacier skiing - with a proper village base area with some decent apres-ski. The village is purpose-built but still has lots of character - with some of the best bars and restaurants (such as the Bearfoot Bistro, Araxis and Rimrock Cafe) you’ll find at any ski resort. Sun Peaks is a great family-orientated resort with an ever-expanding ski area that is now one of Canada’s largest - and one of the sunniest to be found, as the name implies.

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Also on my list are the smaller though lovely resorts in the Montafon area, in Austria’s westernmost province of Vorarlberg, including Schruns, Gargellen and Gaschurn.

Of all the ski destinations you’ve experienced, which was your favourite and why?

Ischgl never disappoints, but the resort I’ve spent most time exploring and have come to love is St Anton am Arlberg, also in Tirol. It links with Stuben, St Christoph, Zurs and Lech (which itself is now connected with Warth-Shrocken) to form one of the most exciting and extensive ski areas in the world.

The first ski school was founded 18

in the Arlberg by the legendary Hannes Schneider, and St Anton is a resort that lives, sleeps and breathes skiing. On any winter morning there is a palpable air of excitement and expectancy in the air as skiers and boarders make their way to the lifts.

The resort attracts the best skiers from all over the world, drawn by the huge amount of fabulous off-piste, as well as an array of challenging piste skiing. It also has some of the most challenging apres-ski. The Krazy Kangaruh has been a major name for decades, and the Mooserwirt has carved out an infamous reputation for piste-side apres - but one of my favourites is Underground on the Piste, where

the atmosphere is a little more mellow with some excellent live music including jazz.

Which ski destination do you wish to travel to, but haven’t yet been?

There are still quite a few on the list - I haven’t yet skied the Himalayas, or Australia. South America has some good skiing and I know the Chile resorts quite well - but Bariloche and Las Lenas in Argentina have yet to be ticked off. And I haven’t yet got to Ski Apache, on the slopes of Sierra Blanca in New Mexico, owned and operated since 1963 by the Mescalero Apache tribe. It’s also the only ski resort in New Mexico with a gondola lift.

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Snowtalk

How do you plan your ski trip?

I ski and work with with many of the major ski tour operators, particularly Inghams, Crystal and Erna Low. I also use (and write or work with) websites such as Snow Carbon, welove2ski and Secret Earth. Where to Ski and Snowboard, published annually and constantly updated by its authors Chris Gill and Dave Watts, is an invaluable aid in planning ski trips and magazines such as The Skier and Snowboarder has some great destination and ski equipment and innovation articles. I’ve also written my own guidebook, Snowfinder Austria.

How often do you go skiing?

I’m lucky enough to get away on about 10 ski trips a year or more - sometimes lasting just a few days, or much longer if they are long haul, such as to North America or Japan. They are usually work related in one way or another: I’m either working for the resort I’m visiting, going there as a ski journalist to write about it, or guiding a group. Yes, it’s nice work!

Who do you ski with?

I find myself skiing a lot with people who have been strangers at the beginning of the trip, but soon become friends. That’s one of the great things about skiing - it’s a very sociable sport MARCH 2015 // ISSUE 27

and you often strike up lasting friendships with people you meet on the slopes. There’s a good crossover between work and leisure here. But it’s wonderful to get away for a real holiday on the slopes sometimes just with family and close friends. Skiing with your family is one of life’s great pleasures. My son is an instructor in Whistler and we try to get out there as a family

as often as we can. And I’ve had the good fortune to follow in the ski tracks of some of the world’s best skiers, including Olympic hero Franz Klammer and powder guru Josef Mallaun, as well as Britain’s highest achieving ski racer Konrad Bartelski. I’ve learned a huge amount about skiing from them - but chiefly, to savour every moment I spend in the mountains.

Rob Freeman is a qualified ski instructor and was for many years a senior journalist on the Daily Mail. He still writes frequently for The Mail’s travel website.

Now he travels more frequently than ever from his Buckinghamshire home to the ski slopes. His main dilemma is juggling his love for skiing with that for football – their seasons so inconveniently clash. Rob is the UK’s leading authority on skiing in Austria and has written the Snowfinder guidebook on Austrian resorts.

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www.valthorens.com

WORLD’S BEST SKI RESORT:

VAL THORENS Val Thorens is a state of mind, an attitude and an altitude. It’s a resort that combines the best of skiing with the best of atmospheres.

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World’s Best Ski Resort: Val Thorens

Relaxed, lively and perfect for foodies, it’s a friendly, sociable place where you can progress exactly the way you want to, at your own pace, while enjoying a huge range of experiences.

The ultimate goal: to really feel alive!

Open from the 22 November 2014 to the 10 May 2015, Val Thorens, situated in the Belleville Valley in the Savoie region, is the highest resort in Europe and the highest point in the 3 Vallées ski area; the largest ski area in the world with over 600 kilometres of runs.

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WORLD’S BEST SKI HOTEL: STEIN ERIKSEN LODGE www.steinlodge.com

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World’s Best Ski Hotel: Stein Eriksen Lodge

Stein Eriksen Lodge is Utah’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Hotel. This year Stein Eriksen Lodge won ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel’ and ‘United States’ Best Ski Hotel’ at the World Ski Awards - aka the Oscars of the ski travel Industry with more than one million votes.

The lodge is located mid-mountain at Deer Valley Resort, minutes from historic Main Street and approximately 45 minutes from Salt Lake Airport. For three decades Stein Eriksen Lodge’s staff has been known for their impeccable attention to detail and legendary service making it a sanctuary to the most discerning travellers.

The name Stein Eriksen has been synonymous with style and elegance in the world of skiing for half a century since his gold medal victory at the 1952 Oslo Olympic Winter Games. With Olympic gold in giant slalom and a silver medal in slalom, Stein went on to win three gold medals at the World Championships in Are, Sweden in 1954, making him the first alpine skier in the world to win triple gold at a World Championship.

The lodge’s 180 units consist of 68 suites and 112 guest rooms.

Each room is unique in style, architecture and arrangement. The spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge is also the only Forbes Five-Star Spa in the state of Utah, making it a lavish destination for even the most seasoned spa goer.

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JAPAN’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL:

THE VALE NISEKO

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Japan’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel: The Vale Niseko

Combining luxurious accommodation with an exceptional level of customer service, The Vale Niseko is Hirafu’s most desirable ski-in, ski-out address.

Nestled at the base of Grand Hirafu’s Family Run, the 49 spacious apartments and resort rooms are elegantly appointed with every modern convenience, including fully outfitted kitchens to help truly create a home away from home.

The Vale Niseko also boasts a world-class natural hot spring and outdoor swimming pool, ideal for easing powder-weary muscles after a day in the world’s best snow.

Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the inviting Vale Bar & Grill, and organising lessons and equipment is as easy as walking through the lobby to The Vale Snowsports. Once you are fitted out, it is a matter of metres before you are on the chairlift and on your way to a day of snow-filled fun.

In addition to skiing the award winning slopes of Grand Hirafu, Niseko visitors can also enjoy snowmobiling, ziplining and reindeer sledding, not to mention heliskiing, horse riding and winter rafting. Summer transforms the region into a verdant alpine haven, which abounds in opportunities for hiking, cycling, white water rafting and fruit picking.

www.thevaleniseko.com

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WORLD’S BEST SKI CHALET: BIGHORN, REVELSTOKE Bighorn was voted World’s Best Ski Chalet for the second time at the World Ski Awards 2014. Offering 15,000 sqft of sumptuous accommodation, Bighorn has re-written the definition of luxury. With a private helipad, guests can fly directly into the world-renowned heliski terrain that surrounds Revelstoke. Here one can ski untouched powder all day long: high alpine powder bowls, glaciers and epic forests.

The chalet is nestled at the foot of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, so guests also have lift and cat skiing right on the doorstep. The majestic timber-framed home offers a host of amenities including indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, gym, sauna, games room, cocktail bar and movie theatre.

Bighorn delivers five star service to match with a team of seven staff to take care of guests’ every need, including an award-winning chef to prepare meals. Sleeping up to 16 guests in eight deluxe bedroom suites, Bighorn offers a privacy, exclusivity and adventure. www.bighornrevelstoke.com

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World’s Best Ski Chalet: Bighorn, Revelstoke

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WORLD’S BEST NEW SKI HOTEL

INTERCONTINENTAL DAVOS www.intercontinental.com/davos

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World’s Best New Ski Hotel InterContinental Davos

The mesmerising InterContinental Davos was inspired by the shape of a pinecone from the nearby forestry. The shimmering, rounded golden façade was designed by the Munich firm Oikios, and is set in the spectacular Graubünden Alps, 1,600 metres above sea level.

The 216 well-appointed and spacious rooms boast mountain

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and valley views. A modern, warm alpine feel is reflected in the interiors, underlined by high tech amenities creating an atmosphere of quiet elegance, privacy and comfort. Aside from a full facility conference area, the hotel offers trendsetting dining and lounge experiences in 3 restaurants and 2 bars, led by STUDIO GRIGIO on the 10th floor.

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WORLD’S BEST NEW SKI CHALET: CHALET QUEZAC www.chaletquezac.com

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World’s Best New Ski Chalet: Chalet Quezac

Chalet Quezac is a stunning property situated in Tignes Brevieres, with a fabulous hill top location providing complete seclusion with incredible views of the mountains and lake.

Owner Guerlain Chicherit has designed Chalet Quezac with passion and imagination. From the unique pieces of sculpture and painting, including a necklace made from his crashed and burnt out rally car now hanging round the neck of a giant red penguin, this chalet delights at every turn.

Each bedroom with 3D TV, is

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individually designed with its own unique feature painting and striking en-suite bathroom.

Meanwhile the main heated terrace lends itself to entertainment with its extensive soft furnishings, sound system, changeable mood lighting and internally lit bar. Factor in the large jacuzzi that overlooks the mountains, with inbuilt TV and speakers, and the bubble lift in the garden that’s ideal for cigars and a glass of port at the end of the evening and you’ve got spoiling on a considerable scale.

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WORLD’S BEST SKI RESORT COMPANY 2014

BERGBAHN KITZBÜHEL

www.bergbahn-kitzbuehel.at

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World’s Best Ski Resort Company 2014 Bergbahn Kitzbühel

The Kitzbühel ski resort is world renowned for its state of the art, accessible ski lifts, personalized service and exciting opportunities for all skier levels from novices to experts. Bergbahn Kitzbühel ensures the smooth running of lifts and operations throughout the resort, and its drive to create the best lift system in the world resulted it in being voted “World’s Best Ski Resort Company 2014” at World Ski Awards 2014.

The biggest cable car company in Austria and a pioneer of winter sport since 1929, Bergbahn has invested more than €200 million over the past decade, including €20 million in preparation for the new season.

New extras include creation of the Elephant’s Loop Ski Safari: the 3S Project links the most popular ski areas of Kitzbühel and makes it easier to meet friends and shred powder on both mountains in the same day. The peak to peak gondola offers access to expansive skiable terrain and 6,000 meters of vertical.

Freestylers can master their tricks in expertly designed and maintained terrain parks. Highlights include the new QPark in the south of the ski resort, and the terrain park on Kitzbühel Horn Mountain, which strives to offer different levels of heartpounding excitement with perfect setup to skiers and riders.

Powder hounds will find a most varied backcountry terrain with easy powder runs and awesome big mountain riding. Hidden tree runs and cool cliff drops are all over Kitzbühel Horn Mountain and you can always find a stash of fresh snow.

Twice a week, you can see the mountains in an entirely new light with night skiing on Gaisberg Mountain on fully lit terrain. Watch the sun set over the beautiful mountains while getting in a few more runs.

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www.crystalski.co.uk

WORLD’S BEST SKI TOUR OPERATOR:

CRYSTAL SKI

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World’s Best Ski Tour Operator: Crystal Ski

Crystal Ski Holidays is the UK’s leading ski holiday tour operator with more than 30 years experience of providing ski holidays in Europe, North America, Japan and Russia.

“We thank everybody who voted for us and are delighted to have received this award”, says Crystal Ski managing director, Tamsin Todd. “This winter we are launching an industry-leading technology programme that will transform holiday experiences and give our customers a service they can’t find anywhere else.

Personalised service direct from the slopes to your mobile means you can worry less and focus on enjoying and getting the most out of your ski holiday.”

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www.leotrippi.com

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World’s Best Ski Travel Agent: Leo Trippi

Leading European agency for luxury travel, Leo Trippi, specialises in luxury winter holidays, particularly catered ski chalets in St Moritz, Gstaad, Verbier, Zermatt, Courchevel,Val d’Isère, Chamonix, Megève, Kitzbuhel, Lech, St Anton, Dolomites as well as many other top, sought after ski resorts such as Revelstoke (Canada) and Niseko (Japan).

Leo Trippi offers clients a breathtaking portfolio of the most fabulous luxury ski chalets for rent in a number of carefully selected destinations.

In-depth knowledge of product is one of the cornerstones of the Leo Trippi service and as such, staff live and work in or nearby the destinations for which they take responsibility. The company spends a significant amount of time in the different resorts/destinations, visiting properties, learning the smallest details of each property, resort and destination and becoming locals ... all so as to ensure that their clients next holiday experience will be perfectly tailored to their needs!

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www.catedralaltapatagonia.com

Argentina’s Best Ski Resort:

CERRO CATEDRAL

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Argentina’s Best Ski Resort: Cerro Catedral

Located in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Catedral Hill is characterised by offering the best landscapes of Patagonia down its slopes that reach 2,100m above sea level, and by having the most developed foothill with enough room for 7,000 guests and all the services to assist more than 600,000 visitors that come here every Winter Season with excellence.

Out of its 1,200 hectares, half of them contain forests, large mountain-valleys and stunning slopes for the practice of free ride off-piste, whereas the remaining 600 hectares have half a hundred runs and trails to be fully enjoyed, which sum up 120km of a tour, assisted by 36 ski lifts with a capacity to carry 35,000 passengers per hour.

Catedral Hill features 60 runs and trails that offer a wide range of alternatives so that both adults and kids, can experience a day full of emotions and entertainment.

For the Freestyle fans, the mountain has an unbeatable Terrain Park, an area especially designed to practise tricks and adapted jumps, for beginner, intermediate and advanced followers.

Finally, Catedral Hill invites you to leave the runs, take off your skies, and sit in the sun at one of their 19 refuges scattered around the mountain that offer a great variety of services to recover your energy or to relax in front of a stunning view.

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ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI HOTEL: LLAO LLAO HOTEL & RESORT Located within Nahuel Huapi National Park, Llao Llao is framed by lakes, woods and the Andean peaks. It is considered an architectural masterpiece for its setting, design and the harmonic integration with the natural surroundings.

Every space at Llao Llao is both beautiful and functional, creating the most unique blend of the highest standards, elegance and Patagonian majesty.

Among the property’s exclusive services, guests can enjoy a cozy Lobby Bar and Winter Garden with two huge fireplaces, two restaurants: Los Cesares Restaurant, with a formal style offering a sophisticated cuisine, and Patagonia Coffee Shop, a casual restaurant serving simple dishes.

Elsewhere there’s a sumptuous spa plus an 18 hole golf course that’s framed by lakes and centennial trees. The hotel also offers a great variety of indoor and outdoor programmed activities, different kinds of excursions and two heated swimming pools.

For ski lovers, the hotel provides free transfers to an exclusive Lodge at the bottom of Mt. Catedral.

All these features combine to help make the Llao Llao experience an unforgettable one.

www.llaollao.com

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Argentina's Best Ski Hotel: Llao Llao Hotel & Resort

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UNITED STATES’ BEST SKI RESORT: DEER VALLEY RESORT

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United States’ Best Ski Resort: Deer Valley Resort

Located in the historic mining town of Park City, Utah, Deer Valley Resort was awarded United States’ Best Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the second year running. Also consistently ranked #1 in the individual categories of Access, Guest Service, On-mountain Food, Lodging and Grooming by the readers of SKI Magazine, Deer Valley delivers an unmatched experience for your winter vacation.

Deer Valley features luxurious amenities such as uniformed ski valets, complimentary ski storage and mountain tours, groomed-to-perfection slopes, limited lift ticket sales along with gourmet dining in three elegant day lodges. With award-winning lodging, convenient access via interstate highways, an onsite, state-licensed childcare facility, and the bounty of 300 annual inches of powder snow backed up by state-of-the-art snowmaking, Deer Valley offers guests a complete vacation experience.

From comfortable practicality to the little indulgences that turn a “trip” into a memorable ski vacation experience, Deer Valley has you covered. www.deervalley.com

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UNITED STATES’ BEST SKI CHALET:

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United States’ Best Ski Chalet: Casa Nova, Deer Valley

Casa Nova is the premier Award Winning luxury vacation home in the exclusive ski resort of Deer Valley-Park City, Utah.

Named the Ultimate Villa Vacation by Robb Report, Casa Nova is THE premier villa rental in Utah. This luxury villa offers ski-in ski-out access to the Award Winning Deer Valley Resort and is just minutes from Historic Downtown Park City. With 13,000 square feet, this home boasts sleeping arrangements for up to 25 adults and children, four bars, 13 flat screen televisions, state of the art fitness, massage, sauna and steam rooms, two hot tubs, and a THX-certified screening room for 15 guests and more.

In addition to these amazing amenities, the two key differentiators that distinguish Casa Nova from all other rental homes, are firstly, the spare-no-expense attention to detail and thought that went into designing every inch with the guest in mind and, secondly, the influence and participation of Jenni Haines, CHO – Chief Happiness Officer and General Manager. Jenni’s interaction with guests, before, during and after their Casa Nova Experience, creates a level of personal attention and a feeling of warmth that surpasses the normal vacation rental image. By providing customised individual and immediate service, she and her team are able to anticipate guest’s expressed and unexpressed wishes. In essence, Jenni can customise an experience to exceed even your wildest expectations, which guests treasure and return for year after year. www.skicasanova.com

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ANDORRA’S BEST SKI CHALET:

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www.apartamentselsllacs.com

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Andorra’s Best Ski Chalet: Els Llacs

Just 2km from the slopes of Soldeu and Grau Roig, Apartaments Els Llacs are decorated in alpine style with parquet flooring, electric blinds and a terrace with views of the mountains. The kitchen is fully equipped, the bathroom includes a whirlpool tub and bed linen is also provided.

Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet connection as well as access to the gymnasium and the spa is included in the price. Other facilities include a car park, play area for children, ski store, nursery, babysitting and cleaning service.

Opposite the apartments lies La Llar de l’Artesà-Borda Popaire restaurant, specialising in typical Andorran cuisine and meats cooked on a wood fire.

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ANDORRA’S BEST SKI RESORT:

VALLNORD

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Andorra’s Best Ski Resort: Vallnord

At the start of the new winter season, the Vallnord mountain and snow domain, located in the Principality of Andorra, will celebrate its tenth anniversary, the result of the merger between the Ordino-Arcalís and Pal-Arinsal resorts. Vallnord is now synonymous with innovation and constant modernisation of facilities, and is famed as a friendly, welcoming resort that always provides the best services for lovers of the snow.

The Vallnord domain, located in the parishes of Ordino and La Massana brings together three ski resorts: Arcalís, Arinsal and Pal. Arcalís is the most mountainous sector and has the best snow quality. This sector is devoted to the more athletic winter sports disciplines, such as speed ride, snowboard cross and off-piste skiing, one of the most popular activities here due to the quality of the free-ride area in Arcalís.

The Arinsal sector is ideal for young visitors, both for the atmosphere on the slopes, with live DJs and parties during the day, and the services available in the village of Arinsal itself: restaurants, pubs and hotels, ensuring maximum comfort. Arinsal also has the slope with the largest vertical drop in Andorra, a descent of over 1,000m and also includes a zone devoted to freestyle.

Last but by no means least, the Pal sector, with its gentle mountain slopes and woods, is the ideal option for enjoying the snow with the family. www.vallnord.com/en

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Andorra’s Best Ski Hotel:

SPORT HOTEL HERMITAGE & SPA

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Andorra’s Best Ski Hotel: Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa

The first five star hotel in Andorra & the Pyrenees member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Pure luxury at the foot of the slopes of Grandvalira.

Whether you come alone, as a couple, with friends or family, everything possible is done to make you feel at home.

Just entering the lobby, the massive ceilings and wooden beams combine to create a friendly and homely atmosphere. All this and not forgetting the distinguished and refined design touches, unusual in a mountain hotel. The 120 spacious suites possess a charm and elegance that will give guests a feeling of peace while surrounded by nature. Each of these rooms has a private terrace and is equipped with the latest technology. Details such as the Hydro massage baths and the bathroom lotions by Aqua di Parma will give those staying a magical experience.

The hotel also connects with the Sport Wellness Mountain Spa, a centre for well-being and relaxing with spectacular dimensions. 5000sqm on five floors offering water circuits, sauna, steam baths, Jacuzzis and innovative treatments that reflect the purity of the high mountains.

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ANDORRA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL:

Palomé Hotel

A few miles from Andorra la Vella, the capital city, hotel Palomé is a oneof-a-kind destination whose charm is all about contrasts. Its designer silhouette stands out against a backdrop of peaceful, authentic nature. The wood and stone façade give way to an interior of cement, leather and iron. Its minimalist modern lines are underscored by thoughtful lighting that cultivates elegance and harmony throughout the establishment.

Far from the noise and stress of the city, this charming hotel in La Massana, Andorra, has 30 rooms and five suites 52

with highly contemporary decor and furniture. But this does not detract from its 4-star comfort, nor from the space or the sublimely restful views of the countryside. Each room includes a double bed, air conditioning, digital satellite TV, telephone, Internet, minibar, safe, shower and/or bathtub or whirlpool tub, magnifying mirror, and hairdryer.

Each room is also equipped with a ski storage locker - after all, the distinctive Palomé Hotel is located near the ski resorts of Vallnord, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís, making it an ideal spot for winter holidays.

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Andorra’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel: Palomé Hotel

www.palomehotel.com

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A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL

- PANORAMIC LOCATION IN THE MIDST OF THE MOUNTAIN

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A-ROSA Kitzbühel - Panoramic location in the midst of the mountain

In December 2005, a new golf and wellness resort opened at one of the most glamorous Tyrolean holiday locations: The A-ROSA Kitzbühel is - amongst Scharmützelsee, Travemünde and Sylt the fourth resort of the A-ROSA group and the first in Austria: a stylish meeting place in the Alps for discerning visitors from all around the world. The A-ROSA Kitzbühel is often awarded with famous prizes and rewards, for instance the established World Travel Award “Austria’s Leading Lifestyle Resort” in 2014 or the prestigious World Ski Award as “Austria’s Best Ski Hotel 2014”recently as well as in 2013.

The A-ROSA – built in the style of a Tyrolean castle – thrones on the slopes of the majestic Alpine mountain scenery on the sunny side of Kitzbühel, not far from the “Wilder Kaiser” mountains.

Incorporated into Austria’s most venerable golf club, the resort offers spectacular views of the world’s most famous ski racing slope, the “Streif ”. The 115 bedrooms and 36 suites are spread out over four adjoining buildings which unite the fairytale appearance of a historical Austrian mansion with stylish modern elements. The rooms, which range in size from 28 to 120 square metres, are furnished in the traditional Tyrolean style, but feature modern fittings in cosy, warm colours. Skiing, golfing, horse riding, fitness, mountain biking and dining in the resort’s three restaurants plus a wide choice of diverse entertainment programs like a variety of activities or live-music in the evening make the A-ROSA resort the ideal place for an unforgettable wellness holiday at any time of the year.

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AUSTRIA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL: AURELIO LECH

Built in 2008, Austria’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel 2013 and 2014, offers world class leisure facilities in a unique alpine setting. The hotel and chalet Aurelio Lech is a luxury boutique hotel, directly located in the center of the village, offering ski-in / ski-out.

Each of the 19 individual rooms has access to a spacious balcony with stunning mountain views. Both of the Aurelio suites, are composed of a bed room, a dressing room, a comfortable common area and a stylish bath room. Limousine or helicopter transportation service, overnight ski- service and a personal ski butler is also provided.

Elsewhere the award winning restaurant, Aurelio’s offers fine dining with traditional and modern Austrian and international cuisine complemented by a an extensive wine list.

Meanwhile the ‘Licca Lounge’ with its comfortable cushions is the perfect place to enjoy Brandys and Armagnacs in front of the fire place.

Then detox in the Aurelio Spa which provides all the sophistication of a world-class hotel combined with the elegant ambience of a private residence: expect exclusive treatments, a modern fitness centre and a personal coach, several indoor pools including a 23m activity pool, an extensive thermal suite and a tranquil meditation centre. www.aureliolech.com

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Austria’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel: Aurelio Lech

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AUSTRIA’S BEST SKI CHALET: CHALET 1597

www.brambleski.com/lech/chalet-1597

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Austria’s Best Ski Chalet: Chalet 1597

Originally built in 1597, this unique and enchanting property has been lovingly refurbished throughout and its owners have thoughtfully retained many of the original features whilst ensuring maximum luxury. Sumptuous fabrics and furniture have been combined with antique pieces to create a very chic but charming Alpine home.

Located in the Stubenbach area of Lech you can ski-into the chalet from the Rüfikoft ski area on a market off piste route. The chalet is set out over three floors, sleeping a total of 12 guests in five spacious en-suite bedrooms. The master suites boasts its own large drawing / study room and en-suite bathroom with free-standing roll-top bath.

Guests enter the chalet via the winter wet room which is furnished with boot heaters and has a separate guest toilet. A fireplace is located in the dining room which is catered from the separate, wellequipped kitchen. The cosy living room features a Tyrolean Stube (traditional heating oven) and leads into the stylish cinema room.

Apéritifs can be enjoyed in the dramatic ambience of the chalet’s traditional stone cave and wine cellar, before dinner is served in the impressive dining room which seats up to 14 people.

The chalet also boasts a spa area and a hot stone bath- the perfect spot to soothe aching muscles after a hard day on the slopes.

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Austria’s Best Ski Resort

KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA

Situated at the foot of the Hahnenkamm and the Kitzbüheler Horn, the historic medieval town of Kitzbühel is one of the world’s great winter sports centres, as well as home of the legendary Hahnenkamm Race, the highlight of the World Cup calendar. Each January the world’s best skiers gather in this beautiful medieval town to compete on Der Streif. On one section – the notorious Mausefalle – the slope falls away at 85 degrees.

Austrian legend Franz Klammer, who won here four times, famously said: “Everyone who gets down in one piece and finishes the race is the winner.”

With 148km of pistes, Kitzbühel one of the largest ski areas in Austria, with an additional 40km of cross-country tracks. 53 cable cars and lifts allow the 170 km of prepared slopes and the grandiose Freeride opportunity to be enjoyed to the full.

This medieval centre, with its buttressed walls and painted frescoes, is rightly considered the most beautiful ski town in Europe, and set against a backdrop of the jagged teeth of the spectacular Wilder Kaiser Mountains. Kitzbühel’s exclusive boutiques and vibrant nightlife attract visitors all year round.

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Austria’s Best Ski Resort Kitzbühel, Austria

www.kitzbuehel.com

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Bulgaria’s Best Ski Resort:

BANSKO Bansko is the most attractive and popular winter sports resort in Eastern Europe.

The town in situated on the outskirts of Pirin Mountain and located 150km from Sofia, 180km from Thessaloniki and 600km from Istanbul. Bansko’s special feature is its historical old town with is charming cobblestone streets and century-old houses with high stone walls and small shuttered windows.

The highest point is at 2600m and the lowest at 1000m above sea level. There are 75km of ski runs, split in proportions for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. The snow is guaranteed by 300 snow cannons covering 90 per cent centre of the ski tracks. The ski centre offers unique 16 km ski run starting from the highest point of the mountain all the way down to the town turning Bansko in ‘Ski in- ski out’ resort.

Bansko is also a traditional organiser of high level international sport events such as the FIS Ski World Cup in alpine skiing and European Championships in biathlon. From 28 February - 1 March 1015, Bansko will host - for the fifth time - the FIS Ski World, welcoming the best female ski athletes.

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Bulgaria’s Best Ski Resort: Bansko

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BULGARIA’S BEST SKI HOTEL:

KEMPINSKI HOTEL GRAND ARENA BANSKO

www.kempinski.com/en/bansko/hotel-grand-arena

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Bulgaria’s Best Ski Hotel: Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko invites guests to experience a luxurious stay at the most modern winter resort in the Balkans and unveil the mystery behind Bansko - one of Bulgaria’s most significant cultural and historical centres. The hotel opened in October 2005 and consists of 157 rooms and suites designed in an Alpine style and a spa centre that’s one of the biggest and the best equipped in Bansko.

In addition, the hotel has five bars and three restaurants to satisfy and exceed the expectations of even the most distinguished customer. Elsewhere the Lobby Bar is the perfect place for a coffee or cocktail in front of the cosy fireplace on cold winter nights while Bella Vista Bar and Lounge and La Veranda Bar and Lounge offer the most spectacular views in town of the Pirin Mountains.

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is the only property in Bansko that offers the VIP ski pass. With the VIP ski pass, the guests don’t need to queue at the gondola station and get the advantage to be the first on the slopes. VIP passes are reserved to Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena guests and available at the hotel’s Guest Service desk. Guests of the hotel also benefit from the stateof-the-art ski room meaning that in the mornings they can slip into their warm boots and jump on the slopes.

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BULGARIA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2014: ALPIN HOTEL

Hotel Alpin is a small boutique hotel situated just a few metres from the pistes of one of the most popular winter resorts in Bulgaria.

Owing to its friendly and experienced staff, Alpin Hotel has become the destination of choice for visitors to Borovets.

At the Alpin you get tranquility within a stone’s throw of Borovets’ legendary entertainment.

The atmosphere is peaceful and cosy, letting you relax and recharge and If you want to party the nightlife is nearby. www.alpinborovets.com

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Bulgaria’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel 2014: Alpin Hotel

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Bulgaria’s Best Ski Chalet:

VILLA GELLA www.villagella.com

Villa Gella is a family-owned, luxurious retreat in the pristine wilderness of the Rhode Mountains of Bulgaria.

Perched on a hill at 1,700m above sea level, Villa Gella commands sweeping views of the surrounding mountains from every room. The large sitting/dining room, the small library and the guest rooms are spread over three floors, with a spa beneath. All six en-suite double bedrooms are decorated in a different style and boast open wood-burning fireplaces and underfloor heating.

Art work from the family collection and artefacts from the family history and the family hospitality create the unique ambiance in the villa. The food is prepared by the resident chef using only fresh local 68

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Bulgaria’s Best Ski Chalet:

ingredients. There’s an in-door swimming pool, steam bath, large jacuzzi, massage area, free weights and outdoor courts for badminton, horse shoe trowing and petanque.

Villa Gella can be accessed by car or helicopter. The property is located 220 km from Sofia, the capital of the country and 100 km from Plovdiv, the second largest town. The chalet enjoys easy access to the Pamporovo ski resort, with the first station of the lift just 14km away. The resort regularly hosts events from the European ski cup calendar and offers excellent conditions for downhill and cross country skiing, snow boarding and sleighs.

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FINLAND’S BEST SKI RESORT: RUKA www.ski.ruka.fi/eng

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Finland’s Best Ski Resort: Ruka

Located in Kuusamo Lapland area, in the beautiful NorthEastern corner of Finland just 30 minutes from Kuusamo airport and world famous Oulanka National Par, Ruka Ski Area is known for well-groomed slopes and the longest ski season in Finland. Ruka hosts FIS World Cup events in cross-country, ski jumping, freestyle and snowboarding.

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time and midwinter, to sunny spring events at the end of season in May. Ruka offers the best variety of services in just one village in Lapland.

Ruka has been the pioneer for Finnish skiing for 60 years already, building a versatile and highquality ski resort with a long-term vision. Ruka is the Finnish Alpine and Freestyle Ski Teams’ Official Training Resort. Other national teams enjoy Ruka’ excellent training facilities, which are also available for amateur skiers, too.

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Finland’s Best Ski Hotel:

RANTASIPI RUKAHOVI HOTEL www.rantasipi.fi/hotellit

The Rantasipi Rukahovi Hotel in the heart of the Ruka village, has enjoyed a reputation as one of the bestknown and most respected ski hotels in Finland for decades. The full service hotel - hailed as the best ski hotel in Finland for two consecutive years - offers comfortable accommodation right next to the slopes.

Beyond the bedrooms, the hotel has a number of restaurants open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with dancing and live music offered every Saturday night.

Venture outside of the hotel and a wealth of experiences await you in a unique natural setting: in winter there are 28 ski slopes and 500km of cross-country ski trails to explore while in summer you’ll find marked hiking routes, white-water rafting and mountain biking. After a full day of activities, relax in the pampering oasis that is Ruka Day Spa. Here guests can enjoy a range of treatments including rejuvenating massages and hydrating facials.

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Finland’s Best Ski Hotel: Rantasipi Rukahovi Hotel

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www.hotelli-isosyote.fi

FINLAND’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL:

HOTEL ISO-SYÖTE

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Finland’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel: Hotel Iso-Syöte

With an ideal location on top of the 435m fell Hotel Iso‐Syöte offers a friendly and special atmosphere where you can enjoy comfortable stays, fantastic panorama views, unforgettable experiences and adventures in a serene unspoiled natural environment. What’s more, Hotel Iso‐Syöte’s location - in the triangle of the three main airports of Lapland (Rovaniemi, Oulu and Kuusamo) - means that Iso Syöte is always within easy reach.

There are 30 double rooms mostly with a splendid view over the forest and valley below, 23 real Finnish kelo cottages made of full round pinelogs and 16 big family Fjell Top cottages on the very top of the hill. All cottages are fully equipped and clients can enjoy the warm comfort of their own private sauna and fireplace in the cottages.

A luxurious hotel-suite complete with bathroom with shower and toilet and private sauna, second bathroom with jacuzzi, living room with fireplace, and a bedroom with round shaped bed, can also be booked. The suite has extensive glass window, walls and roof meaning you can admire the midnight sun in summer and the northern-light and stars in the winter.

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www.rukansalonki.fi

Finland’s Best Ski Chalet:

RUKAN SALONKI

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Finland’s Best Ski Chalet: Rukan Salonki

Rukan Salonki Chalets offers highquality facilities for meetings, meals and accommodation in the middle of Lappish nature. The 14 robust deadwood chalets are set in the wilderness by Lake Salonkijärvi, only 2km from Ruka Holiday Resort.

Next to the chalets, you’ll find the private Kultala Wild Food Restaurant where Rukan Salonki guests can enjoy a cosy breakfast or unhurried dinner. Alternatively meals can be delivered to guests’ chalets. The surrounding Lappish wilderness offers a variety of fresh, clean ingredients from which Rukan Salonki’s chefs prepare meals made from scratch.

At Rukan Salonki, there is a focus on wellbeing in wilderness. Enjoy a real Finnish sauna experience: trained sauna therapists will educate you about different wild herbs and remedies collected from the Lappish wilderness and used traditionally in Finnish healing culture.

Unforgettable nature adventures include guided snowmobile driving, husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, snowshoe hiking or cross-country skiing. There’s also the opportunity to meet the King of the Forest: the brown bear in the Bear Centre!

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FRANCE’S BEST SKI HOTEL: ALTAPURA Why is Altapura a World Ski award winner? Firstly because of its geographical situation, in Val Thorens, highest resort in Europe, which culminates to 3230m. Secondly, by virtue of its unique status of Highest Ski Palace. Altapura opens its doors for a ‘ski-in’, ‘ski-out’ experience in exceptional scenery and rivals the glaciers. Like ‘an iceberg with an intense heart’, Altapura is in harmony with today’s environmental expectations. Solar panels, wood and stone are harmonising with elegance. Thirdly for its interior: each of the 88 rooms and suites of the 4 stars hotel Altapura are a true modern and innovating haven developed around the skiers needs. It puts technology at the service of individuals and proposes a reinterpretation of the Scandinavian style. Fourthly, thanks to its first class restaurants and 1000sqm SPA which aims to promote relaxation, revitalisation and rejuvenation of tired muscles. en.altapura.fr

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France’s Best Ski Hotel: Altapura

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France’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel:

LE CHALET ZANNIER Le Chalet Zannier is an exceptional 5-star mountain hideaway located in the authentic alpine village of Megève, France.

Established at 1,1000m altitude, overlooked by the MontBlanc, the site offers three alpine-style chalets each of which evokes style, beauty and taste.

The spa with its indoor relaxation pool, sauna, hammam and two treatment rooms is the perfect place to relax after an enjoyable day on the slopes. Alternatively relax in the lounge bar in front of the fire while enjoying a homemade pastry or perhaps a cocktail.

In the evening, the restaurant La Ferme de mon Père, run by passionate chef Julien Burlat, serves a selection of meat, fish and vegetarian à la carte dishes as well as a to-share menu, served family-style in cocottes. Elsewhere the wine bar invites guests to enjoy carefully selected wines in a cosy atmosphere.

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France’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel: Le Chalet Zannier

www.lechaletzannier.com

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France’s Best Ski Chalet:

CHALET MARCO POLO IN VAL D’ISERE

www.consensioholidays.com

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France’s Best Ski Chalet: Chalet Marco Polo in Val d’Isere

Situated in the heart of Val d’Isere, this six bedroom chalet which sleeps 12 adults and 4 children in the height of comfort and luxury is a true masterpiece of style, combining contemporary and traditional materials in a unique way. With its expansive living area, plush bar, vaulted cinema room, panoramic balcony, games room, techno gym, esteemed art collection, vast spa and wellness facility, Marco Polo really is in a league of its own.

The exceptional facilities and exceptional service available in Marco Polo combine to create what has been named ‘France’s Best Ski Chalet’ for the second year running.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Marco Polo has been awarded this title for the second year running,” commented Ceri Tinley, managing director.

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Germany’s Best Ski Resort:

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

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Germany’s Best Ski Resort: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Garmisch-Classic ski area promises alpine ski fun to suit every style – from leisurely to downright ambitious.

By interlinking the three mountains, Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze, a diverse ski area encompassing 40 kilometres of pistes and five downhill runs with artificial snow making facilities has been created.

Families and less experienced skiers feel well at home on the predominantly easy to moderate slopes. Young skiers can learn the basics at the ‘Kinderland’ next to the top station of the Hausbergbahn cable car. Challenges for skiers of all abilities can be found just below the Alpspitze Peak on fabulous slopes just above the tree line – against one of the most beautiful backdrops to be found in the northern Alps.

The long tradition of major sporting events can be felt at Kreuzeck. The inspiring atmosphere of the 2011 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in particular, lingers on. While sporty downhill enthusiasts whiz down the Kandahar downhill run and its 940 metres in altitude difference in around two minutes flat, pleasure skiers can savour the experience of making wide carving turns.

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Germany’s Best Ski Hotel:

DAS KRANZBACH

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Germany’s Best Ski Hotel: Das Kranzbach

Located at the foot of the mighty Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, Kranzbach is an extraordinary wellness retreat in the midst of untouched nature and a place where old-world charm and hospitality meet modern comfort.

Interior designer, Ilse Crawford, has created an interior that feels more like an inviting home, thanks to its open fire places in every public room. The rooms in the new added Garden Wing and the pool house are flooded with light, with plenty of wood and glass and natural materials.

Pamper yourself in the large spa that’s home to a plethora of pools, saunas and wellness treatment rooms or explore the idyllic winter countryside with snow-shoes or cross country skies direct from the hotel: the famous ski-slopes of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the smaller Kranzberg ski area are within easy reach.

What’s more, although it’s far removed from the pressures and pace of everyday life, this hideaway is accessible – only around one hour’s drive from Munich.

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www.staudacherhof.de

GERMANY’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL:

HOTEL STAUDACHERHOF

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Germany’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel: Hotel Staudacherhof

There are conquerors of mountains who get up early to scale the highest peaks, there are those who seek relaxation and sink into a cosy lounger or sofa with a good read and there are gourmets who would rather have breakfast in bed with champagne than anything else. And then, there are those who want to do all three of these – whenever they please.

The latter should seek out The Staudacherhof which compromises three different houses: The Staudacherhof (think fine living at the base of Zugspitze), Staudachers Country House (a personalised holiday in lovingly furnished flats, combined with the amenities of the hotel) and Staudachers Bauernhaus (a quaint farm house in the Werdenfels style with a history of 300 years).

Amenities include a restaurant, indoor pool, bar, lounge and children’s club while local attractions include Olympic Hill and Partnach Gorge.

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GERMANY’S BEST SKI CHALET:

COUNTRY HOME PITZNER Enjoy the view of the Zugspitze from these exclusive apartments in one of the most beautiful areas of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, at the edge of Partenkirchen in the south of Bavaria.

Experience the fantastic view of the whole mountain massif of the Wettersteingebirge with the Dreitorspitze over Alpspitze and Zugspitzmassif up to the Kramer at each season.

Leaving the stylishly decorated chalets is a challenge but should you manage to do so, choose from an array of winter and summer sports or relax in the area’s natural baths.

For a dose of local culture, head to the streets and alleys of Garmisch-Partenkirchen where you will feel the special mix of international flair and Bavarian tradition.

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Germany’s Best Ski Chalet: Country Home Pitzner

www.landhaus-pitzner.de

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Italy’s Best Ski Resort:

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Italy’s Best Ski Resort: Val Gardena

Val Gardena: winter sports paradise meets UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spectacular mountains, plenty of sunshine and typical Italian flair - this is Val Gardena.

The resort is loved by winter sports enthusiasts thanks to its fast downhill runs on the famed Saslong World Cup slope, as well as pure skiing enjoyment at Col Raiser or around the legendary Sellaronda. Both the Puez-Geisler nature reserve, part of the UNESCO Dolomite World Heritage Site, and Val Gardena’s landmark - the majestic Sassolungo - make this valley a unique experience.

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ITALY’S BEST SKI HOTEL: CRISTALLO HOTEL SPA & GOLF, CORTINA D’AMPEZZO In the Dolomites, there is a five-star hotel that has been sparkling with light for more than a century. The Cristallo: a historical residence where fascination pairs with elegance and comfort is complemented by wellness.

A cutting-edge spa and a top-class golf club transform holidays into a dream.

Guest rooms and suites are furnished with care, passion and elegant style. Refined, sophisticated and with extraordinary views, they create the perfect setting for unforgettable moments. ww.cristallo.it

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Italy’s Best Ski Hotel: Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf, Cortina D’Ampezzo

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ITALY’S BEST SKI CHALET: SAN LORENZO LODGE

www.sanlorenzomountainlodge.com

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Italy’s Best Ski Chalet: San Lorenzo Lodge

Nestled into the pristine woods of the Dolomites, San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge offers its guests a unique experience that will leave an indelible impression. Formerly an elegant hunting lodge for the local nobility, this 16th century private retreat situated at an altitude of 1,200 metres forms part of a 42-hectare oasis of woods and meadows. Its magical atmosphere and understated elegance will enchant even the most discriminating of guests.

Bedrooms radiate the very authentic, reticent calm sought after by international travellers. Featuring recycled-wood furnishings, they envelop guests in heart-warming comfort. There are three double rooms: Il Sogno (The Dream), Il Nido (The Nest), and L’Aurora (The Dawn). The fourth room, Il Rifugio (The Refuge), is furnished with bunk beds.

Adjacent to the bedrooms is a relaxation area sure to speak to all of your senses. The focal point is a whirlpool for four. The Finnish sauna, which also seats four, was created using recycled spruce wood from a 300-year-old farmstead. In addition, there is a Turkish bath with chromotherapy lamps and an experience shower: done in warm natural stone and built unobtrusively into the wall, the look is as down-to-earth as it is elegant. An ecologically friendly woodchip heating system keeps the entire building warm and cosy.

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NORWAY’S BEST SKI HOTEL: QUALITY SPA & RESORT NOREFJELL

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Norway’s Best Ski Hotel: Quality Spa & Resort Norefjell

Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, Quality Spa & Resort Norefjell is located a mere 90 minute drive from Oslo and Gardermoen.

The award winning resort which opened in Spring 2009 consists of 244 hotel rooms of which 121 are double rooms and 123 suites and 161 apartments in the village.

The resort offers ski in – ski out, a 16 metre high indoor climbing wall, ice rink, spa, restaurant and pool plus14 conference rooms.

With Norefjell’s famous ski slopes only a stone’s throw away, the whole family can enjoy the slopes, before the resort’s own ski lift brings you back to the luxurious apartments and hotel rooms. www.norefjellsparesort.no

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Norway’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel: Skarsnuten Hotel

NORWAY’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL: SKARSNUTEN HOTEL Between east and west, on the edge of a mountain shelf 1,000m above sea level, lies Skarsnuten Hotel. Majestically placed with a spectacular view over Hemsedal and the mountains, the hotel exudes modern Scandinavian design.

Exceptional food and drink is an important part of the experience: the hotel’s restaurant serves food and wine in harmony with friendliness and warmth.

The nature surrounding the hotel invites to numerous experiences, summer time and winter time. The ski centre is the hotel’s closest neighbour and guests will appreciate the fresh air and out door activities.

Bottom line? The balance between modern architecture and good old fashion hospitality makes it easy to enjoy life at Skarsnuten.

www.skarsnutenhotell.no

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www.havsdalsgrenda.no

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Norway’s Best Ski Chalet: Havsdalsgrenda

NORWAY’S BEST SKI CHALET:

HAVSDALSGRENDA Located with the national park Hardangervidda in the south and Hallingskarve’ in the north, between the mountains in Havsdalen in Geilo, lie Havsdalsgrenda apartments. High mountains and bare plains as far as the eye can see…

Through three centuries, Geilo has been the first choice for ski enthusiasts and mountaineers. In addition to staying right between the mountains, guests can also make the most of facilities including a fitness room, sauna, steam bath and swimming pool. With Ski in – Ski out for both the cross-country and downhill slopes, Geilo can offer over 200 km with daily groomed cross-country slopes, and Geilo ski centre with its 40 downhill slopes. If you want to try something new, consider a snowmobile safari or maybe dog sledging: Geilo is the place to experience it!

All of the two-eight bed apartments are been fitted to a high standard with fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens and in some cases a sauna. Every apartment benefits from direct access to the ski slopes.

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Slovenia’s Best Ski Hotel: Ramada Resort Kranjska Gora

SLOVENIA’S BEST SKI HOTEL: RAMADA RESORT KRANJSKA GORA On the outskirts of the Triglav National Park, 810 metres above sea level and very close to the intersection of three borders between Slovenia, Austria and Italy, lies picturesque Kranjska Gora - an excellent starting point for numerous sporting and adrenaline activities or just a place to share good company and relax amidst nature.

Kranjska Gora is also home to the Ramada Resort Kranjska Gora, formerly known as Hotel Larix.

Quality service, hospitable staff and an absolutely stunning location right at the bottom of the ski slopes are key to the hotel’s success.

Ski from the top of Vitranc hill and end up at the hotel’s ‘snow beach’. From there, you can literally jump into our Spa & Wellness centre (expect swimming pools, a sauna and beauty centre), where you can relax while never leaving the sight of the slopes behind. www.hitholidays.si

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South Korea's Best Ski Resort: YongPyong

SOUTH KOREA'S BEST SKI RESORT: YONGPYONG www.yongpyong.co.kr

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South Korea's Best Ski Resort: YongPyong

Nestled in the largest mountain area of the Greater Baekdu Mountain Range, YongPyong Resort is the first ski resort in Korea with modernised facilities. Yongpyong has already gained the trust and recognition of IOC for its successful hosting of a number of winter sporting events including 1999 Asian Winter Games, FIS Alpine Ski Continental Cup and the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. In 2018 the Rainbow slopes will host thePyeongchang winter Olympic Games. YongPyong’s 31 slopes can accommodate up to 20,000 people.

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Spain’s Best Ski Resort :

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Spain’s Best Ski Resort : Aramón Cerler

Perched above the traditional Pyrenean mountain village of Benasque, in the picturesque valley of the same name, Cerler is the highest ski resort in the Aragon Pyrenees.

Cerler has 79km of slopes, among them the 9km run of El Gallinero, the longest in all the Pyrenees. The resort is a powder paradise and boasts breathtaking scenery with views taking in some 60 peaks.

Equally good for families and those who want to party, Cerler is a lively resort and the Aramon team are always coming up with new ways to entertain their skiers. Be it the arrival of Father Christmas and the Three Kings on skis, a fancy dress descent for carnival, or salsa classes on the snow you’ll be guaranteed 100 per cent fun at Cerler.

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www.skistar.com

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Sweden’s Best Ski Resort: Åre

SWEDEN’S BEST SKI RESORT:

ÅRE

Åre offers the unique combination of skiing and entertainment in northern Europe’s cosiest and trendiest mountain village. Here you’ll find a cosmopolitan atmosphere with many foreign visitors.

The slopes in Åre’s three destinations - Duved, Åre Village and Björnen - vary from beginner-friendly to crazy-steep and suit all tastes. Åre also organise events and activities in and around the ski slopes in order to give guests as many enjoyable experiences as possible. Åre is a family friendly resort and as such offers a crèche and dedicated children’s menus in its restaurants. Other draws include world class shopping and a lively nightlife scene. Welcome to Scandinavia’s most cosmopolitan skiing destination.

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Sweden’s Best Ski Hotel:

COPPERHILL MOUNTAIN LODGE

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Sweden’s Best Ski Hotel: Copperhill Mountain Lodge

Copperhill Mountain Lodge is an alpine design hotel in Åre, Sweden whose amenities and facilities include 112 lodge style suites and hotel rooms created by world-renown architect Peter Bohlin, a restaurant, bar and a beautiful Sámi-inspired spa.

Guests enjoy ski-in/ski-out access to Åre’s large piste system – the largest in Scandinavia.

Snowmobile safari, nordic skiing and dogsledding are other popular activities available nearby. In the summertime guests come from near and far to enjoy hiking, fishing and mountain biking.

The hotel also operates and rents out the 700 square metre private residence THE VILLA, which can can accommodate up to 16 people. It is an exclusive timber villa with spectacular interior design. The perfect choice for families and corporate groups who want private and elegant surroundings in which to meet and socialise.

Guests can choose between a private onsite chef or catering or cooking for themselves. Helicopter transport, spa treatments, housekeeping, childcare, private ski instruction, hunting and fishing guides are also available.

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Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort: LAAX

SWITZERLAND’S BEST SKI RESORT:

LAAX

The ski resort LAAX in the Swiss canton of Graubünden offers holidaymakers everything they could possibly need for a varied and unforgettable holiday. LAAX is more than just a winter resort: with 235km of slopes, four snowparks, the world’s largest halfpipe, the Freestyle Academy, the rocks resort design hotel, culinary highlights on the mountain and in the valley, world-class sports events, concerts by renowned artists and much more besides, LAAX is a truly unique experience.

Thanks to the rich diversity on offer, LAAX is the ideal destination for freestylers, families and beginners. Taking a winter holiday in LAAX is, above all, simple and uncomplicated, with many services provided from a single source. Accommodation, the ski school, lift tickets, first-class hire equipment – everything is close at hand and can be booked easily online.

What’s more, there is always something new for guests to discover – such as the introduction this winter of the new super-pipe, the world’s largest permanently operated halfpipe. Regular investment and ongoing development ensure that LAAX is always in tune with the times, and the youthful, dynamic attitude to life can be felt throughout the whole destination. www.laax.com

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Switzerland’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel:

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Switzerland’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel: The Omnia

Here on a rock surrounded by the mountains - witnesses to an era that unfolded with primordial force millions of years ago. Giant stone sculptures, dense pine forests, meadows with alpine flowers and the majestic peaks of eternal ice, ready to captivate all the senses. At 1,600m above sea level, a small step closer to the sun, the moon, and the sky with its passing clouds that bring the white of winter and wraps everything as if in cotton and encloses the mountainous world in silence.

Here you can forget time, forget where you come from, forget where you are going. Enjoy life with all your senses. And the events of the days and nights, however big or small, are never to be forgotten.

This is the place where rooms have no numbers, where the philosophy of Being and Time knows no limits, where all things tell a story of the great wide world, where they were forged and now reinvented the days in harmony with the elements.

This is The Omnia. The name of this Mountain Lodge is emblematic of the underlying philosophy. The term ‘omnis’ stems from the Latin meaning “all, everything, whole, complete”.

The Omnia with its one-of-a-kind location, interior design, fine cuisine, comprehensive wellness programme and the people who stand behind it, strives to create an environment for complete moments of peace, in harmony with nature. THE OMNIA is the fusion of many different elements and influences, creating a single harmonious whole.

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Switzerland’s Best Ski Chalet:

BELLA COOLA

Elegant and grand, Bella Coola’s sophisticated a large hammam for general unfreezing and a atmosphere, vast reception room and beautiful spacious bar area with wide-screen TV. antique furniture add up to a super-deluxe holiday experience. A treasure trove of the rare The chalet’s open plan living area is located on the and unusual, Bella Coola is completely wired first floor and makes the perfect party space. The for sound and vision with a networked Crestron kitchen/dining area is linked by a fully equipped entertainment system, TVs in every bedroom and bar to a double height reception room with open a central DVD and music server. fireplace and TV snug.

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The top floor is dedicated to a master bedroom suite with dressing room, bathroom and private terrace. On the ground floor are a further four bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and three with direct access to the terrace.

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Switzerland’s Best Ski Chalet:

www.ckverbier.com

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AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI RESORT:

PERISHER www.perisher.com.au

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Australia's Best Ski Resort: Perisher

Perisher is Australia's most popular snow holiday destination. Located in the picturesque Kosciuszko National Park in South Eastern NSW, its vast expanse makes it the Southern Hemisphere's biggest alpine resort. With four resort areas including Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Guthega and Smiggin Holes there is terrain suitable for all ages and ability levels from first timers right up to experts.

Perisher’s seven terrain parks and two halfpipes provide an incomparable training ground for athletes and Olympians from all over the world with events attracting some of the biggest names in snow sports.

In 2014 the new AUD $4 million Freedom Chairlift opened, unlocking terrific groomed runs and off-piste terrain at Guthega.

Perisher also continues to invest heavily in snowmaking to ensure guests are provided with the best possible conditions all winter.

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Australia's Best Ski Boutique Hotel:

QT FALLS CREEK

Sitting snugly at the base of the main ski run, QT Falls Creek boasts uninterrupted views that are taken in from the 63 one, two, three and four bedroom luxury lodge apartments. With modern interiors, under floor heating, open plan living areas, a European laundry / drying cupboard and hot tubs on most apartment balconies, the quirky QT style is omnipresent in every room.

When guests aren’t tearing up the mountain, they can be fully indulged in the vibe at the hotel. With a strong focus on cutting edge design and bold entertainment, QT Falls Creek features the signature QT styling, but this time with a bespoke Alpine twist.

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signature restaurant and heart of the property. Showcasing an international mosaic of foods, guests of QT Falls Creek will be spoilt for choice with seafood, crustacean and charcuterie bars, Asian and grill stations, a wood fired pizza oven and rotisserie.

For diners keen to kick on, Stingray Lounge brings the party to Falls Creek with resident DJs playing late into the night and an extensive cocktail, and boutique wine menu. And for those wanting to relax and unwind, the hotel’s luxurious day spa, spaQ, is a destination unto itself.

QT Falls Creek is the perfect base for action on the slopes, an après ski oasis and a luxury alpine spa retreat in one.

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Australia's Best Ski Boutique Hotel: QT Falls Creek

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Japan's Best Ski Resort: Niseko United

Mt.Niseko Annupuri (1,308m) is home to four ski resorts, which are combined in a cooperative known as ‘Niseko United’. Skiers and snowboarders can purchase individual lift passes for the ski resorts or buy a Niseko All Mountain Pass, which gives them the freedom to ski the entire mountain.

Grand Hirafu, is the largest of the ski resorts in the Niseko area. The lower part of the resort offers varied terrain and dynamic courses, and from 1,000m and above, beyond the tree line, you can enjoy wide open runs free of obstacles.

Hanazono offers the best range of free ride ski and terrain parks in Niseko. Suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. There is a large dining and recreational centre at the base of the ski resort.

Niseko Village is suitable even for the most adventurous of skiers and snowboarders. There are a variety of terrain changes around the central part of the resort. Hilton Niseko Villlage, the Green Leaf Hotel, and the newly opened Kasara Townhouses are located at the base of the resort.

Meanwhile Niseko Annupuri is popular with both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders and is a great place for kids and adults alike to enjoy sledding and playing in the snow. At the base of the ski resort there are several very popular restaurants and some great hot springs to unwind in.

All told there’s more to Niseko than deep and dry powder snow. A visit to Niseko is about connecting with others, reflection, and fulfilment. UNESCOdesignated Japanese cuisine is a revelation all by itself: the presentation and the flavours essentially make every meal into a discovery.

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Japan's Best Ski Chalet:

SEKKA KAN

Sekka Kan, winner of Japan's Best Ski Chalet at the 2014 World Ski Awards, not only boasts an incredible location in the heart of Niseko-Hirafu, but is also one of the most luxurious, sought after properties in the area. Niseko’s best restaurants are on your doorstep and the lifts are only a short walk away. Despite this, the location is secluded enough to offer you maximum privacy.

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Japan's Best Ski Chalet: Sekka Kan

Sekka Kan combines the best of Western luxury living and contemporary Japanese design. Both units in this boutique building come with the latest appliances and feature outdoor Jacuzzi with views of Mt Yotei and Nespresso machines.

The four bedroom apartments are spread over two floors allowing guests to experience the best of open living. Windows in the living and dining area are more than 4m high and face a tranquil silver birch forest which is either deep in snow during the winter or a verdant green during the summer months. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms with luxury fittings but the crème de la crème is the master bedroom, a perfect fusion of Japanese contemporary design and Western comfort.

Completed in December 2008, this boutique block of apartments represent one of the finest, most well-appointed offerings from the ‘Sekka Style’ team.

Add to this the incredibly attentive service from the HT Holidays' Guest Service team and your winter or summer trip to Niseko will remain with you... until your next trip!

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NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI RESORT: TREBLE CONE

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New Zealand's Best Ski Resort: Treble Cone

Treble Cone (Wanaka, New Zealand) is the largest ski area on New Zealand’s South Island and, with 700m of lift accessed vertical, offers the longest vertical in the region. The mountain is located with the picturesque alpine lakeside town of Wanaka at its base, and is just 90 minutes from Queenstown. The mountain offers fun natural terrain for all abilities, from the free ‘first timers’ learning slope and lifts, to the longest beginner trail in the country, right through a mass of intermediate and advanced terrain across two large basins.

For advanced riders the revered Motatapu Chutes offer steep chute skiing and snowboarding.

Treble Cone offers some of skiing’s best views, across Lake Wanaka and the snow-capped Southern Alps. The mountain and unique access to huge backcountry terrain makes Treble Cone a favourite among both locals and international back country skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers.

New for 2015, Treble Cone will be opening new intermediate trails in the Saddle Basin, and a new on-mountain al fresco cafe at the top of the Home Basin.

www.treblecone.com

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New Zealand's Best Ski Hotel:

CROWNE PLAZA QUEENSTOWN Situated in the centre of Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Crowne Plaza Queenstown offers breathtaking views of the spectacular Remarkables mountain range.

Whether you want to relax, ski, board, or just enjoy a relaxing break this winter, this award winning hotel combines the convenience of a downtown location, with seamless personal service that will ensure your stay is a memorable one.

Many rooms feature balconies that offer incomparable views across the lake.

Alternatively, step outside and embrace the alpine air as you meander through the downtown streets perusing the hundreds of restaurants, cafes, bars and boutique shops all within a 10 minute walk of your room.

The team at Crowne Plaza Queenstown is experienced in providing everything you need to make the most of your winter stay. From ski reports to insider tips, the hotel’s award winning Clefs D’Or Concierge will help to ensure that you make the most of every moment.

Secure storage and drying facilities are provided for all outdoor gear, so just drop everything off after a day on the slopes and it will be dry and ready for use the next day.

For the perfect introduction to Queenstown kick off your heels or ski boots by the fireplace and indulge in a spot of aprés ski. Relax with a glass of with a glass of Central Otago wine or a craft beer, all the while enjoying those amazing views. www.crowneplazaqueenstown.co.nz

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New Zealand's Best Ski Hotel: Crowne Plaza Queenstown

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www.eichardts.com

New Zealand's Best Ski Boutique Hotel:

EICHARDT’S PRIVATE HOTEL

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New Zealand's Best Ski Boutique Hotel: Eichardt’s Private Hotel

The ultimate destination for those who want to escape but still explore, this sophisticated hotel is surrounded

by Queenstown’s most prized urban comforts and has at its doorstep the beautiful Wakatipu lakefront and all the adventures beyond.

With rich, soft textures spliced with stone and timber accents nodding to the outdoors beyond, the roaring fires,

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expansive rooms, cosy nooks and discreet service ensures a memorable experience catering to all manner of luxury traveller.

Combining equal measures of comfort and opulence, each of Eichardt’s Private Hotel Suites, the Eichardt's Lakefront Apartments, the Eichardt’s Residence, Eichardt’s Bar and The Parlour showcase the beauty of the area matched with an unrivalled hotel experience.

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New Zealand's Best Ski Chalet:

AZUR

LUXURY LODGE Set among 3.5 acres of native bush land, Azur features a magnificent lodge and nine 75sqm villas.

Each of the nine villas offers incredible views to Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges.

If you are not lounging in the lodge contemplating the expansive view or enjoying a book, CD or DVD from the library, you may wish to luxuriate in your own private villa.

Each villa incorporates its own private terrace, lounge and fireplace, 32� LCD screen TV, Blu Ray DVD/CD player and deluxe surround sound Yamaha stereo system, with SKY Guest Select with 50 channels to choose from and complementary Wi-Fi. All rates are inclusive of personal airport transfers, full breakfast to be enjoyed either in the Lodge or in the privacy of your own villa, homemade afternoon tea and pre dinner drinks and canapÊs.

Azur is only five minutes from the town centre by complimentary transfer.

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New Zealand's Best Ski Chalet: Azur Luxury Lodge

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