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THE WORL B O O K DE DI C AT E D T
S TAT I S T I C S 35 ,000 COPI ES 3 ,5 0 0 L O C AT I O N S 15 COU N T R IES 7,5 0 0 SU BSCR IBER S
Edited by Patric
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LD’S ONLY T O L U X U RY S K I I N G
DI S T R I B U T I O N Highly targeted high net worth skiers in 15 countries Premium Elite Locations Boxed complimentary copies for every featured hotel or chalet Featured in The Independent Newspaper 2010, ‘12 and ‘13 Featured in The Times Online 2012 and ‘13
ck Thorne, listed as:
people t o k now world of sk i i n g’ 2
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CH A LET CA NNELLE PORT ES DU SOL EIL | F R A NCE
Located in Châtel, within the vast Portes du Soleil, one of the world’s largest ski resorts with 650km of piste, Chalet Cannelle is a spacious 200-year-old former cowshed and farmhouse lovingly renovated with exposed beams and original farmhouse doors as well as modern luxuries and comfort. The luxury chalet boasts an open-plan living space with log fire and views of theAbondance valley through double-height windows, making it the perfect place in which to relax after a day on the slopes. The five bedrooms are individual inviting retreats with fine bed linen, fairtrade fabrics and upcycled vintage pieces adding to their unique charm. Chalet Cannelle’s team have a passion for quality homemade food, making use of the region’s outstanding local produce. Guests can expect a menu of traditional French specialities and modern international dishes ... with a few contemporary twists on the classics too.
+33 (0) 450 73 30 97 info@chaletcannelle.co.uk www.chaletcannelle.co.uk
FA M I LY S K I I N G
J A PA N
Back in the 20th century, very few Europeans skied in Japan. True, there was (and still is) a Club Med in Sahoro, but for most people – even if they knew you could ski in Japan – it was too far, too crowded, too expensive, and too incomprehensible. Then around a decade ago all that changed, thanks largely to Australians. As Australia’s economy boomed, Japan’s stalled, leading to something of a switcheroo in financial terms. Where once Japanese companies bought ski areas around the world (they once owned Tignes in France, Heavenly in the US, and Whistler Blackcomb in Canada) so the Aussies realised Japanese ski areas (and there are over 600 of them), were crying out for investment and skiers. In Hokkaido, Japan’s ”wild north” island, the surf-loving Aussies found the world’s best powder in terms of both quality and abundance, and a local population that wasn’t very interested in it, with the added bonus for Australians at least that there was no jet lag – as they don’t have to fly (quite such) vast distances east across the Pacific to North America, or west to the Alps – prices were lower, the snow quality better, and the flight shorter if they just went due north. So it was that Japanese skiing started to grab the skiing world’s attention far more than the 1972 Sapporo or 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics ever had.
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BL OW T H E B ON U S
YO U R OW N P R I VAT E J E T Peak price: £2 ,1 15pp London t o Cha mbér y ret u r n f l ig ht B a r g a i n P r i c e: £74 8pp L ondon t o C ou r c he vel r e t u r n f l i g ht
O
kay, so we’re not suggesting you buy an entire private jet, just part of one. One sixteenth of one to be accurate. Or, if your bonus is looking a bit limp, one sixteenth of a private jet shared between you and seven (reliable) mates. Fractional private jet ownership was first launched by NetJets in the high-rolling 80s. Bought by Warren Buffet in 1998, NetJets remains top dog in the rarefied world of private aviation, but a bright young British thing is about to make waves in NetJets’ little pond – with the F13 Collection.
Founded by City boy Amin Haque, the F13 Collection launched last month with 50 newcustom Pilatus PC-12/47 NG turboprop jets on its books. Pet favourite of the world’s jet set, these natty planes are fast, safe and manoeuvrable – ideal for landing in tricky spots like Courchevel, St Moritz and Gstaad.
The F13 team invited us to trial their 24/7, 365-day-a-year guaranteed aircraft availability policy, which makes calling for a jet to Megève easier than finding a cab in Soho. We’re looking forward to taking them up on the offer of a powder Friday soon … Virtually instant access to a jet is one of many perks of F13 membership, but what it probably does best is save you the time and aggro that’s become an integral part of commercial air travel. Flying London to Courchevel by private jet will save you about nine hours on a return journey, assuming the commercial flights depart on time. Once you’ve summoned your F13 ride, you can board within minutes of arriving at the airfield, where bottles of champagne in the minibar far outnumber people in the security queue. Free in-flight internet and mobile connectivity enables you to work or simply Facebrag about owning a private jet. Step off the plane in your resort, shimmy past immigration, let your chalet staff scoop up your luggage and clip into your skis – all within 2.5 hours of leaving London. And, because you’re a jet “owner”, you get to land in prime airports not open to chartered private jets – Abramovich was turned away from Courchevel when he tried to land there in a chartered jet.
Words: GABBY LE BRETON
I t ’s a l l v e r y J a m e s B o n d , but is it even r e m o t e l y a c h i e v a b l e? H e r e ’s t h e m a t h s : An initial investment of $300,000/£185,485 gets you the minimum 1/16th ownership of a new PC-12 jet (which F13 guarantees to buy back from you) and up to 40 hours of flight time. Based on 1/16th ownership, members pay a £2,735 monthly service charge, which includes fees most private aviation companies charge additionally, like landing fees, pilots’ accommodation, repositioning etc. Your PC-12 then costs £1,330 per hour to fly. Taking London to Courchevel as our example, this equates to £5,985 for a 4.5-hour return trip (excluding the monthly fee). Each PC- 12 jet seats eight passengers, so you’re essentially looking at £748 return each. It’s not quite easyJet pricing (even with the extra luggage and ski carriage charges tacked on) but it’s comparable to first-class flights on SWISS or BA booked last minute. So, if your time really is money, your mates love skiing as much as you do and they pay you back promptly (or you’re just feeling generous), get that F13 team on speed dial.
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T H E AU R E U S S PA
A R L B E R G | AU S T R I A The new Aureus SPA at the 5* superior Zürserhof hotel in the Arlberg takes levels of wellness to an unprecedented standard of indulgence and luxury. The new and luxurious SPA oasis covers an area of 1700m2 and is spread over two levels. Special attention was paid to the unusual layout of the space with the Aureus SPA designed to provide an exclusive world of indulgence. This promise is delivered as soon as you enter the SPA, reaching the large reception area via the water cascades, where guests are welcomed by SPA staff. This is also where you find the Aureus Bistro and the exclusive Aureus shop. The Zürserhof ’s team will tell you all about the pampering options at the Aureus SPA in the eight luxuriously equipped multifunctional treatment rooms on level 1. They provide the perfect ambience for high-quality treatments such as body and cosmetic treatments, massages, manicures and pedicures. The Aureus Alpine Hammam bath and exclusive Aureus Private SPA, where couples can spend a relaxing time together, are particularly impressive. A light-flooded staircase takes you to the unique tranquillity and relaxation oasis of the Aureus SPA on level 2. Here your eye is immediately caught by the spectacular panorama whirlpool with magnificent views of the mountains outside.
+43 (0)5583 2513-0 hotel@zuerserhof.at www.zuerserhof.at
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There are many other wonderful ways to relax here: you can enjoy the very pleasant and beneficial change from hot to cold in the 350m2 sauna area. Sauna lovers will find everything their heart desires: aroma steam bath, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, infrared cabins, cold-water plunge pool, fresh herb respiration area, waterfall grotto, Kneipp roundel and the Aureus Lady SPA with separate sauna area. Then why not spend some time in the 180m2 Aureus Panorama Lounge with library, open fireplace and comfortable waterbeds, and forget all about time and space? Finally, the tranquillity room with its amazing panoramic views and the cosy living room atmosphere is one of the highlights of the new Aureus SPA. Located on levels 4 and 5 of the Zßrserhof, the Aureus SPA is one of two in the hotel, which together offer 3,200m2 of wellness facilities. While the new Aureus SPA accepts people aged 16 and over, the Aureus Family SPA on level 1 is perfect for families, as it the hotel’s indoor pool area with waterfall and Jacuzzi on level 2 and the LA Biostetique Hair SPA on level 3.
+43 (0)5583 2513-0 hotel@zuerserhof.at www.zuerserhof.at
We l o v e t h e t r a n q u i l l i t y room w it h it s a ma zi ng pa nora m ic v iews.
M AT T E R HOR N FOCUS Z E R M AT T | S W I T Z E R L A N D
Zermatt is a very special resort, with Europe’s highest lifts, one of the world’s biggest lift-served verticals, and the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn making it hard to beat. The resort is full of top-class accommodation too, so standing out is a challenge. The answer from the Matterhorn Focus team was to design the hotel like a work of art. This “Design and Lifestyle Hotel Garni” was created by Heinz Julen, world-famous for his eye-catching creations. With its distinct lines, the architectural style follows that of the mountain railways, creating a building that is elegant, without being obtrusive, blending perfectly into the mountain environment. The hotel is not big, with just 30 spacious double, superior-double family rooms, and suites, some with freestanding bath tubs specially created for the hotel, placed to provide a view of the Matterhorn, others looking on to the resort’s car-free, but often bustling streets. Heinz Julen was responsible for the interior design, and all the rooms are furnished with furniture and works of art created by him. Nearly all the rooms have a balcony with a view of either the Matterhorn or of Zermatt.
+41 (0)27 966 2424 info@matterhorn-focus.ch www.matterhorn-focus.ch
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We l o v e t h e fa nt a st ic v iews of t he Mat t erhor n.
Facilities include a sophisticated wellness oasis complete with a wonderful interior pool, outdoor whirlpool, heated couches, saltwater bath, caldarium, Finnish sauna and a rest area, which
+41 (0)27 966 2424
altogether provide complete peace and relaxation. A wide
info@matterhorn-focus.ch
range of massage and beauty treatments are, of course,
www.matterhorn-focus.ch
also available. There are many very special features to the hotel; for example, the lower station of the Klein-Matterhorn cable car is accessible in just 2 minutes through an underground passageway from the hotel. But the key element of the success of the Matterhorn Focus, behind the great design and the excellent facilities, is the high standard of discreet but attentive service provided by the owners, Sonja and Christian Noti.
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