A starry night sky might just be the only sight to match the beauty of the snow-capped mountains. So, it only makes sense to combine two of the most beautiful natural phenomena! Stargazing in the Alps is a life-changing experience. To be surrounded by such majesty and natural splendour allows you to immerse yourself fully in the stunning world we live in, often giving those who do a new perspective.
If you’re tempted by a luxury ski holiday with a celestial twist, then read on to see some of our top chalets for stargazing…
Why Go Stargazing in the Alps?
The mountains have an allure unlike any other natural entity. Peeking through the clouds, looking out far across valleys and villages, the high altitude chalets that call these mountains their home are perfect for basking in the clear skies. Across the Alps, there are many DarkSky sites, committed to reducing light pollution and preserving the natural environment. As a result, the lower levels of air and light pollution make stargazing in the Alps an absolute delight! Against the pitch-black skies, surrounded by dramatic alpine silhouettes, the stars shine brighter than ever.
Another reason to consider stargazing holidays in the Alps is that there is a higher chance of seeing major celestial events! The elevation means that in the mountains, you’re in a prime spot for witnessing eclipses, meteor showers, and even the Northern Lights! The clarity of the Alps’ skies makes all of these phenomena much more apparent.
With astrotourism increasing in popularity year-on-year, there is no better time to book star gazing holidays. Many of our luxury ski chalets in Europe are leaning into this magical pastime, equipping their properties with telescopes. Additionally, expansive terraces are some of the best astronomy sites, with your inside comforts just a few steps away.
So why not combine your next ski holiday with one of our top chalets for stargazing? By day, experience the skiing, culture, and delicious dining options across the mountains. By night, take in the world and all its shining stars, from a new perspective!
#1 Hahnenkamm Lodge, Kitzbühel
Where can you find a ski-in, ski-out chalet in Austria right on the edge of the Streif, where you can also be in with a chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis? The answer is Hahnenkamm Lodge, of course! Stargazing in the Alps is made easy with such panoramic sights from the stunning terrace of this luxury chalet in Kitzbühel. And don’t worry about the chill of the night; the fire pit is sure to keep you nice and snug – you can even toast some marshmallows!
Sleeping 8-12 guests, Hahnenkamm Lodge offers an exclusive chalet getaway. In fact, it is so exclusive, that its unique position is only accessible by cable car. What’s more, as a luxury catered chalet, it even curates it’s own après-ski and restaurant atmosphere that emulates that of the town. Hahnenkamm Lodge has full gourmet dining on offer, as well as complimentary Cremant, wines, apéritifs, digestifs, selected long drinks & cocktails to enjoy as you stargaze!
#2 Chalet Alpaca, Méribel
When looking for luxury accommodation for stargazing in the Alps, one cannot avoid the pull of Chalet Alpaca, one of the top luxury chalets in Méribel. It’s the ideal place for a ski holiday with the kids, having been regarded as one of the ultimate family chalets in Europe, with plenty of luxurious viewpoints from which to observe the stars! Chalet Alpaca also boasts its own high-tech telescope! From here, you can begin to understand why the Alps are one of the best places to stargaze…
The lavish terrace can also provide a space to both relax, and look out at the stars. A heated outdoor swimming pool and a sunken copper outdoor Jacuzzi are available to give you the ultimate relaxation station whilst you sip on a glass of bubbly, which will be as tasty as the stars are beautiful!
#3 Chalet Zermatt Peak, Zermatt
Chalet Zermatt Peak: the ultimate luxury ski chalet in Zermatt, fit for royalty, celebrities, and this winter, maybe you! This emblematic property boasts unbelievable views of both the surrounding resort of Zermatt, and the legendary Matterhorn. Glass walls and ceilings adorn this chalet, even in some of the bedrooms, where you can lay back and stare up at the night sky before a blissful nights sleep. For those lucky enough to stay in the master suite, you can also enjoy some alpine stargazing from the private Jacuzzi! But don’t worry, the rest of your party won’t be missing out. The indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi pool on the balcony showcases equally incredible Matterhorn panoramas.
But the real treat is in the open-plan living and dining areas. After indulging in the finest cuisines from your private chef, you can take pause before the evening with a view through the telescope. During the day, you may even be able to spot alpine Ibex and other such mountain wildlife traversing its peaks! This magnificent chalet is surely one of the top reasons to visit Zermatt for a mountain stargazing holiday.
#4 Chalet La Fenice, Cervinia
Just over the Swiss border from Zermatt is Cervinia ski resort, home to the fabulous Chalet La Fenice. Sleeping 14-16 guests over 6 floors of indulgence, this chalet has a level of luxury that’ll leave you breathless. The sparkling Swarovski chandelier welcomes you, but it’s the Matterhorn (known in Italy as Monte Cervino) framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that steals the show.
To unwind, there are seemingly limitless choices; the 12-seater Jacuzzi, indoor pool with mountain views, high-spec sauna… the world is your oyster in this luxury Italian chalet. There’s even a cinema and a games room for après-ski fun. And the cherry on top? Stargazing from the terraces while sipping on a cocktail, made and served in-house. Chalet La Fenice is also another of our luxury chalets with a telescope, further emphasising its unique style of luxury, and suitability for a stargazing holiday!
#5 Le Hameau des Plans, Chamonix
Le Hameau des Plans in Chamonix offers a trio of chalets to fit up to 41 guests on a large group ski holiday. Across the chalets – Saphir, Alaska, and Azurite – guests can choose from 16 bedrooms, all with chic alpine décor throughout. Just 300m from Le Savoy’s beginner slopes and a 3-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix resort, you’re close to the action without sacrificing tranquillity. Le Hameau des Plans is your alpine playground for making lasting memories with your loved ones.
The tranquillity has another perk, of course. Noiseless surroundings and stunning vistas pair perfectly with stargazing in the Alps! Pick your balcony from any of the 3 chalets, and let yourself be hypnotized by the beautiful night sky. Or, you can choose to mix the business of the stars, with the relaxation of the 3 cedar hot tubs! The wrap-around balconies offer panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif, presenting a perfect stargazing opportunity with a drink in hand, before warming up in the living room with wholesome fireside conversation.
#6 Chalet Iona, Méribel
Our next entry is one of the top catered chalets in France, but the perks don’t stop there. As night falls, Chalet Iona transforms into an idyllic stargazing haven, fit for 12 guests. The chalet’s remote, orchard-lined location means there’s little ambient light, making it the perfect place for stargazing in the Alps. Step out onto the wrap-around terrace with a warm blanket and a glass of something special as the dark sky reveals constellations above the peaceful, snowy peaks of Méribel. From inside the adjoining Chalet India, which sleeps an additional 3 guests, you can also peek through the telescope at the stars.
Alternatively, sink into the outdoor hot tub for the ultimate stargazing experience. Let the hot bubbles soothe as the mountain silence embraces you, all while looking up at the shimmering stars which seem close enough to touch. Chalet Iona offers the perfect, cosy setting for admiring the vast alpine night sky. Whether you’re alone for a moment of stillness or gathered with friends to share in the wonder, Chalet Iona is the one of our leading chalets for escapism…
#7 Chalet V, La Tzoumaz, Verbier
Chalet V invites ski holiday bliss for 8-12 guests. The double-height living area, anchored by a grand stone fireplace, offers mountain views from every corner. Wellness options abound, with a sauna, steam shower, and fully-equipped gym, while a retro pinball machine and private wine cellar add a touch of fun and flair. Five cosy bedrooms ensure that every guest enjoys the charm and comfort of Chalet V. After a day of skiing across both Verbier ski resort, and the wider 4 Vallees region, the homey yet luxurious atmosphere of Chalet V is a welcome blessing.
The day only deepens in magic come nightfall. Picture yourself in the heated pool, gazing up as stars fill the vast sky above La Tzoumaz, Verbier’s understated neighbour. With an outdoor firepit crackling nearby and the silent peaks framing your view, the terrace becomes your private stargazing retreat. As an added bonus, Chalet V is another of our luxury ski chalets with a telescope! From the warmth of the open-plan living/dining area, you can look out at the sparkling night sky as you await your evening meal from your private chef. Alternatively, Chalet V is available on a self-catered chalet basis!
#8 Chalet 1551, Lech
If you haven’t experienced stargazing holidays in Europe before, then we highly recommend taking a journey to Lech Am Arlberg! And there are few places that match Chalet 1551 when it comes to luxury accommodation for stargazing; the high vantage point of this luxury ski-in, ski-out chalet in Lech is reason enough to book your stay. The star-lit sky and Arlberg views make the panoramas especially memorable, especially from the balconies and terraces.
But we can’t go without mentioning the stunning facilities as well. The 10m indoor swimming pool is the ideal way to rejuvinate your msucles after skiing in Austria, before heading into a relaxing evening of stargazing, perhaps while you wine and dine with the creations of your private chef. After all, Chalet 1551, is one of the top catered chalets in Austria! For some stellar celestial viewing opportunities, you can also visit Chalet 1551 in summer for the Laurentius Night at the Rüfikopf mountain station. This annual event has some of the clearest skies, allowing you to see planets, shooting stars, and much more with the help of an astrologer.
#9 Chalet Machapuchare, Val d’Isère
In the exclusive Le Crêt hamlet in Val d’Isère ski resort, the wonderous Chalet Machapuchare is a dream for those captivated by starry skies. The chalet’s wraparound balcony becomes the perfect celestial viewing platform at night. Just one look at the sunset hot tub snapshot is proof! With the valley lights far below, a stargazing experience here feels truly magical.
Inside, Chalet Machapuchare is equally captivating. Its main living area boasts double-height ceilings and a chic fireplace, a luxurious space to enjoy the evening in. After skiing in Val d’Isère, you’ll find endless ways to unwind, when you’re not enraptured by the stars. The indoor pool with a counter-current and verdant plant wall are a must, as is the sauna, hammam, and massage area. Seven sumptuous bedrooms welcome guests, each with its own character and en-suite facilities. But before you sleep, the private cinema room and game consoles offer the perfect setting for a late-night movie or game.
#10 Chalet Sotciastel, Alta Badia
No matter the time of day, Chalet Sotciastel is a dreamy chalet, in one of the top Italian ski resorts. In the mornings, awaken to the delicious smells of breakfast, freshly prepared in the chalet. During the day, if you’re not busy skiing the Sella Ronda circuit, you can explore the nooks and crannies of this lovingly restored farmhouse, all steeped in history dating back to 1296. Then, spend your afternoons loosening up in the relaxation area or the bubbling outdoor hot tub…
If you soak long enough, you’ll be able to watch the skies transform into a tapestry of constellations. The secluded position of this chalet ensures limited light pollution, making it the ideal luxury acccommodation for stargazing. However, it is still just a 5-minute drive from the fantastic skiing in Alta Badia, as well as the wider Dolomiti Superski area! If you’re looking to plan stargazing holdiays in Europe, then Chalet Sotciastel is a must-visit.
#11 Fermes à la Leonthine, Megève
Our penultimate entry also features on our Ultimate Luxury Chalets portfolio of our top 100 chalets: Fermes à la Leonthine. This chalet has to be one of the top luxury chalets in Megève, boasting outstanding views across the valley from the beautifully private setting of the hills above Praz sur Arly village. As a catered chalet, there’s no downside to the seclusion. You won’t have to worry about shopping, nor getting to the slopes! The chalet team will handle mealtimes, and you’ll even have your own private driver’s service from 9am to 8pm!
Such privacy, as we have learned, lends itself amazingly well to starry skies. Take in the sky from the tranquil garden and expansive balcony, and watch as Megève is draped in a canopy of stars. But it’s not the just nighttime that makes its mark. At any time, you can take a dip in the heated pool or relax in the sauna and hammam; every corner of this retreat is crafted for relaxation and alpine beauty.
#12 Penthouse Charvet – Refuge de Solaise, Val d’Isère
A ski-in, ski-out chalet in Val d’Isère that’s also one of the best places to stargaze? Welcome to Penthouse Charvet, the exclusive top-floor property within the Refuge de Solaise. This proud mountain home is a sanctaury above the clouds for up to 18 guests, privy to all the complex’s wellness facilities that take a ski holdiay in France from great to luxury; a 25m indoor pool, kids playroom for a family ski holiday, and on-site restaurants and bars are just the start. The exclusivity of this Refuge du Solaise is evident in that it is only accessible using the Solaise gondola. A truly unique experience for mountain-lovers that wish to be immersed in the natural alpine surroundings.
At an altitude of 2,551m, Refuge du Solaise is, of course, one of the best astronomy sites in the Alps. An unobstructed view of the mountains allows for ample viewing opportunities. Whether you’re cloud spotting or comet-chasing, the altitude of this property is a dream-come-true. And naturally, there’s a significant drop in light pollution at such staggering heights. But the stars are more than capable of lighting up the night sky for all to enjoy!
If you’d like to experience a stargazing holiday in the Alps, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Our Ski Specialists are ready to help you find you a luxury chalet that sparkles as much as the night sky in the Alps. Send us an email or give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203650
