The new frontier in world skiing is Japan. Even though it has held the Winter
Olympics twice and has more than 600 ski resorts, Japan did not figure on
the mainstream British ski radar until last season.
Rusutsu Resort Hotel, Japan
The hotel on the island of Hokkaido is madcap in a way that only the Japanese
can be. Possibly the biggest ski hotel in the world, it is 1.2km long with
561 rooms. There is even a funicular to the larger rooms in the tower. Rooms
with futons and tatami matting are available but perhaps are not a wise
option after a bruising day on the slopes.
The skiing is simply phenomenal. Constant offshore Siberian breezes bring huge
quantities of fresh powder snow. Japan has a better snow record than most of
Europe and North America. The pistes are groomed expertly and nobody, apart
from the occasional Aussie, tracks into the off-piste.
Highlights at the hotel include the Kakashi pub, one of nine restaurants,
where you can sit on the floor sipping saké and eating noodles. One of the
big attractions is the prime-grade sushi and you can also try Japanese-style
fondue – dipping squid in hot oil. While adults are washed down in the
onsens (Japanese thermal baths), children will love the merry-go-round and
dancing water fountains in the hotel courtyard. Combine your stay with an
add-on at a traditional hotel, the Ryokan Yoshidasanso, in Kyoto, for an
unforgettable trip.
Seven nights, including half board and flights, cost from £1,275pp based on
two sharing; www.inghams.co.uk
Summit View, La Plagne, France
With its famous Bellecote glacier, link to Les Arcs and almost unlimited
intermediate friendly pistes, La Plagne has had some of the best skiing in
the Alps for many years. However, it is also one of the worst examples of
the 1960s French craze for amorphous purpose-built resorts. So finding a
great place to stay has always been the problem. Not any more.
Summit View is a collection of five ski-in, ski-out chalet apartments
comprising three, four or six bedrooms in the heart of Plagne. Sitting at
2,000m (6,560ft), they offer some of the most snow-sure accommodation in the
Alps. The stylish and practical spaces have a contemporary look, with
weathered oak floors, open fires and lush fabrics. Wall-mounted LCD screens,
quality sound systems and complimentary wireless internet keep the technical
spec high but you can escape all that in the dedicated massage room. The
suites have been designed with families in mind and many bedrooms have extra
beds for children.
Best of all are the balconies overlooking the spectacular Grand Rochette and
the Front de Neige piste.
Seven nights, with half board and flights, cost from £679pp, through Snowline; www.snowline.co.uk.
The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland
This new five-storey Virgin chalet features nine rooms and suites plus a
special bunk room, which can sleep up to six children. Cutting no corners on
luxury, the chalet comes with an indoor pool, spa bath, hammam, gym and
Virgin Touch treatment room. Full marks go to the two master suites on the
top floor, consisting of open-plan bedrooms, bathrooms, seating areas and
central fireplaces.
Seven nights exclusive use, half board, cost from £36,250, not including
flights, with Virgin Limited Edition; www.virgin.com/limitededition
Carlton Hotel, St Moritz, Switzerland
Originally built in 1913 as the summer residence of Tsar Nicholas II, the
hotel had a colourful history. It has been closed for 18 months for
extensive renovations and reopens in mid-December with only 60 suites, the
smallest of which is 45sq m (484sq ft). Interiors are by Carlo Rampazzi, the
Swiss designer, and blend antique furniture and fittings with contemporary
colours. The naturally lit spa has a large indoor and outdoor pool and a
range of sauna and steamy options.
Seven nights, including breakfast, cost from £1,340pp, not including flights; www.carlton-st.moritz.ch.
Chalet Montfort, St Anton, Austria
The ten-room luxury chalet is two minutes from the centre of town and four
minutes from the new Galzig lift. A converted and extended pension, it is
decked out in contemporary Alpine style, with plenty of exposed timber and
splashes of bold colour.
Set over four floors, there is a fabulous roof terrace and spa area complete
with sauna, hammam, massage room and relaxation area. Four rooms are suites
that can take an extra bed.
Seven nights, with half board and flights, cost from £799pp through Kaluma
Travel, www.kalumatravel.co.uk.
Dolomit B&B, La Villa, Italy
This new family-run guesthouse is one of the best bargain bases from which to
explore the majestic Sella Ronda. Set in the heart of the Dolomites, La
Villa is a quintessential South Tyrolean town, with all the charms of Italy
enhanced by the near-by Austrian influence. The rooms start from a generous
35sq m and each is named after a herb, flower or fruit.
The hotel sauna (available for exclusive use) is in the adjoining forest, with
views of the towering Dolomites. Half board is also available at the
guesthouse’s restaurant and pizzeria.
Seven nights with breakfast cost from £175pp; www.dolomit.it.
Fox Hotel, Banff, Canada
Located downtown on Banff Avenue, the hotel draws on the inspiration of Banff
National Park. It has spacious one and two-bedroom suites but its headline
act is the spa and hot pool built into its very own cave. The decor is
traditional Alberta styling, with bold reds and modern check patterns. It is
a foxy base for the Lake Louise slopes.
Seven nights, room only, cost from £895pp, including flights, with Ski Dream; www.bestofbanff.com/fox.
Westin Monache, Mammoth, US
This resort hotel is next to the base of the gondola in the centre of Mammoth
village, California. The exteriors are built of local stone and wood and the
interiors are simple but stylish, with feature walls painted in bold
colours, offset by largely neutral tones. The beds are, predictably, mammoth
and the suites come with a seating area and modern gas fire.
Seven nights, room only, cost from £1,100pp, including flights and 4x4 car
hire, through Ski Independence; www.ski-i.com.
