We are now just a couple of weeks from the closure of voting for nominees at the 2016 World Ski Awards. Everyone within the ski industry is tentatively waiting to find out the winners, hoping that they will walk away with the crown. Ourselves included.
We are nominated for the Worlds Best Ski Travel Agent, this gives us the pleasure of being able to offer you most of the chalets that are nominated for the category of Austria’s Best Ski Chalet. There are some incredible chalets that we will showcase to you today.
Chalet 1597, Lech
We start proceedings with the winner of this award from 2015’s World Ski Awards ceremony. Chalet 1597 is a beautiful, traditional chalet located in the Stubenbach area of Lech and less than a 3 minute drive to central Lech.
The chalet takes its name from the year it was originally built and has been lovingly refurbished and restored by the current owners. It is deservedly nominated for Austria’s best ski chalet.
Set over 3 floors and sleeping a total of 12 guests, the chalet is a great base for families or groups of friends. The main focal point in the chalet is the large terrace which enjoys sun all day long and stunning views.
Chalet 1597 has most of the features you would expect from a Chalet being nominated for Austria’s best ski chalet. The cinema room is a favourite for those looking to snuggle up after a long day on the slopes, or you can retire to the chalets traditional stone cave and wine cellar. If all this sound to much like hard work then head to the spa area for a massage or to use the chalet’s bio sauna.
My favourite thing about the Chalet 1597 is the design and decor. Externally it has a beautiful chocolate box facade and internally it has been beautifully renovated to ensure it befits the charm that it oozes externally.
Chalet Maria Schnee, St Anton
If style is what you are after then look no further than the Chalet Maria Schnee in St Anton. The chalet is a beautiful blend of Tyrolean craftmanship and antique features with modern contemporary furnishings and art.
Most rooms in the chalet benefit from stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the large open-plan living area creates a feeling of space without losing the cosy and homely feeling.
All of the doors, floors and the library in the chalet have all been made with 300 year old oak which when combined with the modern and contemporary pieces of Chinese art work in a way that they really shouldn’t.
The focal point of the 1st floor of the chalet has to be the old Tyrolean “Zirben-Stube” which has been converted into a bedroom and still has the antique carvings as well as a functioning traditional stove.
Children are kept entertained by the cosy and welcoming playroom which doubles up as a cinema room, perfect for an after dinner movie before bed. Once the children are in bed, adults can retire to the sauna or steam room or burn off their gourmet supper in the chalets own small gym.
There is nothing swish about this chalet. There is nothing in your face and garish. It is just a true family home offering a cosy and comfortable base for a ski holiday in one of Europe’s most in-demand ski resorts.
My favourite part of the Chalet Maria Schnee is the children’s playroom. The room is inviting for any child and with large sofas and a big-screen TV it is the best place to cosy up to a film before bed. If only I was 20 years younger!!
Chalet Eden Rock, St Anton
Chalet Eden Rock in St Anton is the perfect chalet for large group or corporate ski breaks. Usually luxury is a sacrifice when trying to find accommodation for large groups but that need not be the case in this chalet.
Eden Rock is made up by combining 3 large apartments, the Ariane, Kanzi and Zari to create one large property capable of sleeping 20 people. The chalet has a large Tyrolean Stube restaurant where you can all dine together and has a large indoor swimming pool complete with counter current to keep your energy and adrenaline pumping well into the evening. Loosen up your muscles in the steam room or sauna and then head back to your bedroom to relax before it all begins again the following day.
The bedrooms in Chalet Eden Rock are huge, the average size being 22 square meters with bathrooms which are equally as large at an average of 10 square meters.
Externally the property has been built to fit in with the local architecture. Antique wood and local stone combine to in a unique way leaving the chalet looking traditional but grand at the same time.
My favourite part of Chalet Eden Rock would have to be the large bedrooms. You will never feel cramped in these rooms and the airy feeling would leave me feeling nice and relaxed for a long day on the slopes.
Chalet at 11° East, Obergurgl
The Chalet at 11° East is Obergurgl’s first boutique chalet. The chalet benefits from stunning views directly down the nursery slope in Obergurgl to the valley and mountains beyond.
The chalet has a large open plan living area keeping all guests together in a homely environment. With a warm and inviting fireplace and home cinema it is a great chalet for bringing the family closer together. The chalet is located directly next to the ski-school meeting point on the nursery slopes, so is perfect for those with young families. This also means that after dark the chalet become a peaceful and tranquil haven.
The social meeting area in the chalet is the bar. It offers an environment where you can relax with a warm tea or coffee or enjoy a couple of glasses of wine before hitting the resorts selection of bars for the evening.
My favourite aspect of The Chalet at 11° East is the location. For those with young children who can’t face the long walk to the slopes each day it is ideal.
Chalet Uberhaus, Lech
Here we have another Chalet in Lech that has been nominated for the award of Austria’s best ski chalet.
The Chalet Uberhaus is the height of alpine chic. It is another property that perfectly blends traditional materials with contemporary furnishings, all combining to create a beautiful and sophisticated alpine retreat.
The chalet can accommodate up to 16 people in it’s spacious interior and has all the facilities you would expect from a luxury chalet plus others you wouldn’t. A full size snooker table is one of the unique features.
Other facilities to keep you busy include a fitness room, library, bar area and a cinema. If you are looking to relax, you have a choice of the large outdoor hot-tub with amazing views across the slopes and of the mountains beyond, a sauna, hammam or massage room.
A grand open plan reception and dining area is the perfect space for entertaining guests who can choose from a selection of fine wines from the chalet’s own cellar. The living area and dining area is separated by a large homely fireplace and the living area can be cut off from the kitchen by sliding doors.
My favourite feature of the Chalet Uberhaus is the full size snooker table. It provides a great social space, a good way of spending the evening after enjoying the gourmet cuisine on offer.
With so many great chalets to choose from, how are you going to decide your favourite? I am sure you will agree that they are all incredible chalets. Voting closes in just a couple of weeks so make sure you vote soon. You can do this by clicking here. Whilst you are on the site, why not head over to the World’s Best Ski Travel Agent page and vote for Ski in Luxury. It would be hugely appreciated by the whole team here.
If reading through this has got your thinking about your next ski holiday or if you want more information on any of the chalets listed them feel free to drop us an email or call us on +44 1202 203 650 or send us an email.
