Ice, ice baby: eight superb ski stays

Swap the ski lift for a chopper at rugged Rio Palena Lodge and discover the glacial beauty that has earned Patagonia its cult ski-scene status. Rio Palena Lodge belongs to Eleven, an experiential travel group with stylish properties in remarkable corners of the world. This is no exception. In an Andean valley peppered with steep descents and jagged glaciers, it offers close to 100 runs and undiscovered areas galore. Luckily, the lodge’s own helicopter and expert mountain guides can connect you to everything from wide-open bowls to steep chutes. On the banks of the Rio Palena River, the lodge’s seven rooms are just as primed for relaxation. Days begin with creative breakfasts rustled up by a private chef, followed by leisurely riverside lunches. After dark, expect decadent dinners and twinkly stargazing.

High Life says
‘Kitted out’ is an understatement. The lodge bristles with fly-fishing gear, float-fishing rafts, jet boats, mountain bikes, SUPs and SUVs.

With just 14 rooms and suites, L’Écrin de Megève strikes a rare balance: the quiet privacy of a personal chalet alongside crisp, contemporary design and an à la carte breakfast each morning. Tailored interiors, tactile woods and state-of-the-art comforts give each space a warm, considered feel that encourages lingering after a day on the slopes. Megève’s historic village centre – brimming with paved lanes, flashy shops and standout dining – is an easy five-minute walk from the front door. When the powder calls, the nearby Jaillet lift links directly into the Évasion Mont-Blanc domain, opening up vast tracks for downhill carving, cross-country routes and quiet winter rambles. After the slopes, the wellness area’s heated pool, sauna and steam room offer a restorative change of pace (and massages can be arranged).

High Life says
The concierge can arrange sleigh rides or guided snowshoeing excursions through the surrounding pine-scented valley.

There’s been a buzz around Bulgaria’s ski scene lately, but it’s nothing new to the locals. The Bulgarian royal family has been holidaying in Borovets, the country’s oldest ski resort, since the 19th century. Backdropped by the Pirin Mountain, a Unesco World Heritage Site, Kempinski Grand Arena is all wood-panelled grandeur and thick-carpeted cosiness. The avant-garde gondola station is opposite, shuttling skiers up the 2,500m slopes, half pipes and a biathlon track. Rooms go large on snuggle factor, with furry throws and tempting beds. The inviting feel extends to the restaurant and its giant crackling fire. 

High Life says
The dazzling spa has a snow room (brrr), herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, infrared cabin and more. 

Delivering a Megève masterclass in casual Alpine luxury, Le Lodge Park’s rooms and suites are bedecked with hygge touches, from log accents and glacial stone to ostrich-leather headboards and faux-fur armchairs. If you can resist the call of the wild, stay inside for candied meats at the aptly named Beef Lodge, sip Chartreuse chocolate cocktails in the Lounge Bar or bliss out in the flower-power spa, where the treatments feature more than 50 mountain blossoms. The Tea Room’s fireside leather sofas are your cue to nibble soft gingerbread with fir-tree honey while nursing a mulled wine or apple spice punch.

High Life says
The Chamois ski lifts are a three-minute stroll away: expect cinematic views of Mont Blanc from Megève’s tree-lined slopes. 

Prefer your mountains with a side of minimalist design, courtesy of a Milanese architect? You’ll fit right in at Experimental Chalet in va-va-voom Verbier. There’s nothing formulaic about this sleek retreat, whose legendary Farm Club nightclub has been wooing A-list après-skiers since the 1970s (noteworthy fans include David Bowie, Diana Ross and Roger Federer). Experimental Chalet is the Alpine lovechild of Experimental Group, which is behind some of Paris’s sexiest cocktail bars, and London’s hip Henrietta Hotel. Bedrooms balance lashings of snow-white fabric with jewel and sorbet tones, offering views worthy of the frostiest snow queen.

High Life says
Chef Grégory Marchand (of Parisian institution Frenchie’s fame) rustles up mountain fare with a rock’n’roll reboot.

Nestled like a giant gingerbread house amid the wintry wilderness of the world’s ski capital, this is a cocoon of comfort, boasting Alpine allure courtesy of French architect India Mahdavi. Offering prime ski-in, ski-out access, the hotel’s 40m private conveyor belt carries guests directly into the ski room while, outside, Les Trois Vallées’ pristine ski slopes await. Ambitious skiers can discover Courchevel’s latest ski run, l’Éclipse, which plummets through powdery slopes and lush coniferous forests. Back at boutique basecamp, warm up in the subterranean spa’s hammam and salt sauna, or feast at one of the elegant restaurants. 

High Life says
Additional adventures in store include sledding, tobogganing and snowmobiling.

It’s hard to imagine a 273-room property in one of Canada’s most desirable ski destinations feeling intimate, but this five-starrer manages just that. Through a combination of clever floorplans (rooms never feel overlooked and always offer phenomenal views), a considered alpine chic aesthetic and service that feels like family (minus the bickering), this base-of-the-mountain hotel has got it locked. Add a ski concièrge, sublime steakhouse, multiple mini-art galleries and a rustic on-site tavern, and all your après needs are more than met. And world-class ski runs, epic glaciers and scenic lakes come as standard. 

High Life says
Whistler’s clear skies are the perfect place to stargaze. Bask beneath their beauty from the comfort of the generously sized heated outdoor pool or one of its four surrounding Jacuzzis, all of which stay open until 10pm. 

Bringing the cool to Colorado, Hotel Jerome riffs proudly on its heritage, combining modish interiors with original flourishes, including an oak-carved fireplace and a Chippendale Chinoiserie bar. Dating back to 1889, it has welcomed cowboys, 10th Mountain Division soldiers and Hunter S Thompson through its doors, and survived the Depression. Let’s just say, if walls could talk, we'd listen to these ones. A triumphant spirit pervades throughout, especially in all-American bistro Prospect. Beyond it are four snow-clad mountains: Buttermilk, Snowmass, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands. Here, challenging black-diamond runs or gentler green and blue trails beckon.

High Life says
Take a dip in the hotel’s heated outdoor pool, which welcomes bathers all year round.