Berkshire


<p>Muddy’s gone on the piste to find all the best new places to hang in the Alps this winter, from mountaintop restaurants to Michelin-worthy pop-ups and in-the-know bars. And whether you’re travelling with family, friends or flying solo, there’s a ski holiday to suit and plenty of bargains. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piste-of-the-action">Piste of the action&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Unknown-5-1-1000x563.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-62813" /><figcaption>Meribel</figcaption></figure>



<p>Love a challenge? Meribel, part of the famous Les Trois Vallées ski area in France, is opening new black run&nbsp;<a href="https://www.les3vallees.com/en/news/ski-area-news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Ibex</a>, a suitably terrifying looking 600-metre slope found at the top of the new Bouquetin chairlift. Incidentally, Muddy’s also liking the fact Meribel has installed free smartphone charging points in the main ski areas meaning you can leave your mobile in a locker, ski and return to collect a fully charged phone. Genius.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-ski">Scoff &amp; ski</h2>



<p>We love good food and drink as much as skiing (ok maybe even a bit more), so it’s handy that all the best ski resorts come with a side helping of great gourmet getaways. Here are the places tantalizing our taste buds this season.</p>



<p>Switzerland is a hot spot for decent winter dining, specifically LAAX which Muddy visited recently and fell in love with&nbsp;<a href="https://en.ridershotel.com/restaurant-menu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riders Restaurant</a>, the region’s’ first vegetarian eaterie serving three-course regional, seasonal dishes like celery steak with polenta and black garlic and baked pumpkin with tofu miso cream.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/portetta-amy-murrell-2018-212.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62768" /><figcaption>The Fire &amp; Ice terrace at Portetta</figcaption></figure>



<p>Courchevel 1850 in France is a foodie getaway sprinkled with Michelin stars, the highlight being nosh at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chevalblanc.com/en/maison/courchevel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheval Blanc</a>, a notoriously swish hotel with a three-MIchelin starred restaurant. Craving carbs rather than fancy, fussy food? Then head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.portetta.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portetta</a>, a gorgeous new hotel from the team behind The Pig hotels in the UK, which has a restaurant by Angela Hartnett and al fresco Fire &amp; Ice Terrace for drinks.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/447def64-2148-4790-ac58-1f5d5c3b8a7b_loulou6-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62762" /><figcaption>Get cosy at LOULOU</figcaption></figure>



<p>In Val d’Isere, there’s a new slope-side Alpine-style restaurant at&nbsp;<a href="https://airelles.com/en/destination/val-d-isere-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airelles Val d’sere hotel</a>, where you can pig out on steak-frites and seasonal salads before enjoying a tipple on the sun-soaked (hopefully) terrace and sliding back onto the piste for an afternoon sesh. The hotel’s seasonal restaurant LOULOU is also popping up again this winter and worth tracking down for the truffle pizza and pistachio linguine.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ice_Q-1000x666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62763" /><figcaption>It’s 00 heaven at Ice Q</figcaption></figure>



<p>Do you want to dine in the highest gourmet restaurant in the Alps? Of course you do! At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.central-soelden.com/en/">Das Central</a>&nbsp;in Austria, futuristic-looking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iceq.at/ice-q.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Q</a>&nbsp;is situated at the top of the Giggijoch Mountain and reached by one of the fastest ski lifts in the world (ground level to mountain top in eight minutes!). If you’re thinking this all sounds a bit James Bond you’d be correct as it was the location for Hoffler Klinik in&nbsp;<em>Spectre</em>. 00 Heaven indeed.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Unknown-1-3.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-62765" /><figcaption>Get a Taste for Skiing at Alta Badia</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.altabadia.org/en/italian-alps-dolomites/food-and-drink/taste-for-skiing.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alta Badia</a>&nbsp;resort in the Dolomites has nailed its ski and scoff offer this year with the launch of A Taste For Skiing, where renowned chefs partner with mountain huts to offer a signature dish paired with a glass of South Tyrol wine throughout the season. Buy a Gourmet Skifari ticket for 10 December and you can ski between the huts to try tasting plates of all the signature dishes and wines (hic). We’re also loving the sound&nbsp;<a href="https://www.altabadia.org/en/italian-alps-dolomites/food-and-drink/sommelier-on-slope.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sommelier on the Slopes</a>, which includes a guided tour of mountain huts offering wine tasting tutorials, or how about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.altabadia.org/en/italian-alps-dolomites/food-and-drink/sunrise-breakfast-powder-skiing.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breakfast With Powder Snow</a>, where a private snowcat will whisk you to the top of the mountains for a gourmet brekkie at Las Vegas Lodge?&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-fun">Family fun&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/blog-alpbach.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62798" /><figcaption>Norway is ideal for families</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you’re looking for a ski getaway with the fam,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.skisolutions.com/ski-holidays/norway-resorts/hafjell/accommodations/hafjelltunet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ski Solutions</a>&nbsp;has added some great new holidays to its portfolio this year, including a seven-night break to Hafjell in Norway from £690pp including flights. A couple of hours’ drive from Oslo, the resort has plenty of nursery slopes, a great ski school and a cool terrain park with jumps and rails to test out, plus family apartments to snuggle up in post-play.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/image00007-scaled-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-62882" /><figcaption>A self-catering cabin is a great option for families</figcaption></figure>



<p>Self-catering can be the best option budget-wise when you’re travelling with family, so we’re excited about the opening of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autrans-gite.com/les-rondins-des-bulle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Les Rondins des Bulle</a>, two swish new log cabins in the heart of the peaceful Vercors forest near Autrans in France. Each can accommodate four people with one bedroom and a sofa bed, plus there’s a spacious lounge, fully equipped kitchen and a Norwegian bath and Finnish sauna outside. Cabin price per week from £690.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/chalet_papillon1_living.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62885" /><figcaption>Get cosy at Chalet Papillon 1</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you don’t want to cook every night, then a catered chalet is the way to go and this season Ski Beat has a great deal on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.skibeat.co.uk/ski/france/la_rosiere_1850/chalet_papillon_1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalet Papillon 1</a>&nbsp;at family-friendly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.skibeat.co.uk/ski/france/la_rosiere_1850">La Rosière 1850</a>&nbsp;resort in France. The area boasts miles of wide blue runs, ski school and Galopins Nursery for kids up to 13 years if you want to be fam-free for a day and go on a red run mission over the border to Italy. Seven nights, including breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner and wine on six days, accommodation and flights, from £717 per person.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-new-hotels">Hot new hotels</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Hotel-de-Len_-Photo-Helenio-Barbetta-18-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62800" /><figcaption>Relax at Hotel de Len</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://hoteldelen.it/en/hotel-de-len/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hotel de Len</a>&nbsp;in Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo opened earlier in the year and has already picked up awards for its sustainability. Its first winter season looks set to be a winner too, thanks to its Alpine chic aesthetics – plenty of wood, balconies with mountain views and cosy restaurant. At £282 per room, per night, it’s an ideal long weekend getaway for couples seeking a short, stylish ski break.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/front-entrance1-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62806" /><figcaption>Chalet Arolla</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you have a spare €19,250 (I mean, who doesn’t?) check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.purpleski.com/chalets/arolla/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalet Arolla</a>, new to Meribel 1650 this season and particularly dreamy. It’s ski-in, ski-out and you and 10 friends can enjoy your own steam room, outdoor Jacuzzi, open-plan living space and private catering.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Unknown-4-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-62811" /><figcaption>Chill out at Coolnest</figcaption></figure>



<p>Quirky&nbsp;<a href="https://coolnest.at/en/winter-in-the-zillertal">Coolnest</a>&nbsp;in the Austrian Tirol is a hip new escape with modern rooms and a rooftop pool seemingly made for Instagram. There’s also a spa and Restaurant Tweets serving Austrian cuisine. The hotel’s shuttle bus will whisk you from hotel to surrounding ski resorts. From £1315 per person, per week.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ski-spa">Ski &amp; spa&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Schloss.png" alt="" class="wp-image-62808" /><figcaption>Mindful skiing in Bavaria</figcaption></figure>



<p>For a snow holiday that’s more calming nature than crazy apres ski, then a mindful skiing programme at&nbsp;<a href="https://reservations.schloss-elmau.de/ShowOffers.aspx?type=1155&amp;culture=en-GB&amp;_ga=2.214724695.1570397280.1667217742-198315013.1667217742" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schloss Elmau</a>&nbsp;in Bavaria could be the answer. After days spent cross-country skiing you can enjoy daily yoga sessions, six separate spa areas and free access to classical music events at the onsite concert hall. Five nights from £1549 per person, including flights, transfers, breakfast, ski passes and mindful skiing programme.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-31-at-17.20.45.png" alt="" class="wp-image-62812" /></figure>



<p>The Gardena Spa at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gardena.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gardena Groednerhof Hotel</a>&nbsp;in Italy’s South Tyrol is just the place you want to relax after an adrenalin-pumping session on the slopes; think indoor heated pool, outdoor whirlpool, Finnish sauna, aromatic steam bath, bio sauna and a list of tempting treatments like Tibetan massages and Ayurvedic Shirodhara.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scottdunn.com/italy/hotels/gardena-grodnerhof" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scott Dunn</a>&nbsp;offers seven nights from £2400 per person half-board and including flights and transfers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Fancy trying Snowga (yoga in the snow)? Family-friendly resort Vaujany in France is now offering 1.5-hour sessions outside, so you can inhale the fresh air and drink in the views as you do your downward dog. Book a session through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vaujany.com/en/evenements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tourist office</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-wear">What to wear</h2>



<p>Ski gear can be hit and miss but some brands nail it every year. Here’s our pick of the most stylish pieces to wear on and off the slopes this season.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-01-at-11.43.51.png" alt="" class="wp-image-62886" /><figcaption>Ski II Merino Wool Sweater, £270,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.perfectmoment.com/en-gb/p/womens-ski-sweater-ii/white" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perfect Moment</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-01-at-11.36.50-933x1000.png" alt="" class="wp-image-62888" /><figcaption>All prepped ski suit, £498,<a href="https://www.freepeople.com/uk/fpmovement/shop/all-prepped-ski-suit2/?color=001&amp;recommendation=pdp-rightRail-sfrectray-rectraysimilarityfpmovement&amp;type=REGULAR&amp;quantity=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;FP Movement</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-01-at-11.54.49-994x1000.png" alt="" class="wp-image-62889" /><figcaption>Houndstooth print ski jumpsuit, from £171.85,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1080822477/houndstooth-print-ski-jumpsuit-ski-suit?ga_order=most_relevant&amp;ga_search_type=all&amp;ga_view_type=gallery&amp;ga_search_query=ski+wear+women&amp;ref=sr_gallery-1-3&amp;pro=1&amp;organic_search_click=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UpWearAndSuits</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sb8630a_bluepeaksjacquard_1-821x1000.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-62890" /><figcaption>Ski Base Layers, £80,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sweatybetty.com/activity/ski-and-snowboard?start=0&amp;sz=24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sweaty Betty</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-miss">Don’t miss</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Unknown-6-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-62814" /><figcaption>Pic @ SeeLesArcs.com</figcaption></figure>



<p>Les Arcs resort in France is attempting to set a new world record for the most number of people involved in a torchlit descent (the last attempt was 2887 people!) on 22 February 2023, so if you want to take part or simply to watch the incredible spectacle, book a stay at the recently renovated&nbsp;<a href="https://la-cachette.webflow.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Cachette</a>.</p>


The ultimate Muddy ski guide to Europe

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