There are many different designs of luxury chalets. In most resorts, cosy chocolate box chalets rub shoulders with the super yachts of the snow. Over the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of contemporary, cutting edge chalets being designed and built. This week we look at some of the finest examples of such vision.
This 300m² Manhattan style loft is set in a wooden chalet in the popular Swiss resort of Zermatt. It combines materials including glass, steel, textured concrete and wood in a way that really shouldn’t work, yet it does. The architecture and most of the furniture inside the chalet was created by local star designer Heinz Julen. The Loft was Heinz’s private home where he hosted many rock-star parties.
The large floor to ceiling glass windows add a transparent wall to the chalet to create an airy feel. The views from the chalet are stunning with birds eye views of Zermatt below and the Mischabel mountains as a backdrop. Another benefit of the large glass windows is that you feel at one with nature. Switch on the large fireplace and sit back and watch the snowflakes falling outside. If the incredible views get too much and you are craving privacy then there is a white electric exterior curtain that can wrap itself around all that glass if need be.
Heinz is a visionary, he sees opportunities where others wouldn’t consider them. In Heinz Julen Loft for example there is coffee table. At the touch of a button it becomes a dining table. Push the button again and the table lifts up to the ceiling and disappears altogether creating the perfect dance floor. Combine this with the baby grand piano and you can see why Heinz held so many parties in the chalet.
Chalet Katmai is very unique. From the outside the chalet looks similar to any other modern ski chalet but wait until you get inside. Internally the chalet is a mind blowing mix of colours and quirky furnishings, creating a chalet you won’t want to leave.
Everything in the chalet is oozing “Wow”. From the glass bottomed walkway over the indoor atrium, to the large open fireplace and enormous brown leather sofas. When combined with a mixture of different lighting levels and colours, the chalet invigorates and teases the mind and senses.
The wellness area in the chalet rivals any luxury chalets in Val d’Isere, if not the world. With a 32m² indoor swimming pool with infinity waterfall, sauna, hammam and automatic massage tables you will find it hard to pull yourself away from the chalet. If you do manage to, watch out for stray arrows as you walk past the indoor archery range. Perhaps you could take to the indoor climbing wall to get out the way?!
Chalet Spa is a luxurious modern chalet located in the affluent resort of Verbier. Nestled in the ultimate mountain setting, Chalet Spa Verbier is close enough to enjoy the action, but at all times can provide a haven of peace, calm and tranquillity to relax and unwind.
With contemporary moods created by the suspended fireplace coated in magic mirror glass and designer mood lighting throughout the chalet and terraces. The magic mirror glass quickly flips from being a mirror one minute, to a TV the next.
Everything in the chalet has been designed with practicality and luxury in mind. One of the outdoor hot tubs is hidden until you part the decking to reveal it below the terrace. The chalet offers uninterrupted views of the resort and the stunning Combins mountain range.
The infinity pool is lit by fibre optic lighting and underwater lighting creates an intimate and relaxing environment. There is a state of the art fully equipped gym and Scandinavian rock sauna and hammam also benefiting from fibre optic lighting.
If you are looking for a chalet that wows and surprises at every turn, the Chalet Quezac in the resort of Tignes is for you. This unique contemporary chalet was designed by owner Guerlain Chicherit. Guerlain is a professional skier and rally driver and has aspects of his lifestyle and never-ending energy dotted around the chalet. A key example of this is a necklace he has created from pieces of his burnt out rally car now hanging round the neck of a giant red penguin.
The living area is large and open plan with all features all the latest boys toys including a billiard table which quickly transforms into a ping pong table and table football. In the dining area you have a large modern table whilst in the corner is a futuristic motorbike on display next to the large open bar.
Each bedroom is very individual and one features a glass bathtub, an intriguing concept which would look out of place in any other chalet but blends in so well here. At the time of writing it was only 1 of 2 in the world. The bedrooms have individual paintings on the walls behind the bed. This really is the most contemporary chalet in Tignes.
For children there is a secret playroom which is accessed by a barely noticeable entrance which excites the little ones. Big Kids meanwhile can enjoy the multimedia on offer from the 3D TV’s in the bedrooms or the Apple Mac in the living area. Alternatively why not head down to the extensive wine cellar to try some wine tasting? After trying the wines you can retire to the decommissioned bubble lift in the garden for a cigar and glass of your favourite aperitif.
Externally the chalet has a heated terrace which lends itself to entertainment with its extensive soft furnishings, sound system, changeable mood lighting and internally lit bar. On the terrace is a large hot tub with built in speakers and great views of the surrounding mountains. The chalet is a great location for a party and totally unique.
Another brainchild of Heinz Julen is the Backstage Loft in Zermatt. Whilst still contemporary in design it is very much different in style to the Heinz Julen Loft.
The Backstage Loft is a one-off masterpiece fusing the historic wooden architecture of the ancient adjoining chalet with the contemporary flair of the main chalet.
Heinz Julen has a design studio in the village. This is where he designed all the furniture, fixtures and fittings. Every piece of furniture is a designed in a way that only Heinz can pull off and is designed with a specific space in mind. This has created a chalet where everything has a place, everything blends harmoniously to create a vision of contemporary 3D art.
Central to the Backstage Loft is its large, airy, and bright living areas which features floor-to-ceiling windows that enhance the style and charm of the chalet and open wood fire whilst inviting in the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn outside.
Adjoining the main architectural masterpiece is the glass-encased converted 700-year-old chalet which has been designed to showcase the original wooden beams in stark contrast to the rest of the chalet.
Following on from an exciting and tiring day on the slopes of Zermatt you can take to the indoor hot tub with a glass of champagne. Despite being indoor you can still enjoy the stunning vista outside as the hot tub is encased by windows. If you want to be more at one with nature, push a button and the glass disappears and suddenly you are outside in the elements.
With so many different styles of chalet to chose from, how do you chose the correct one for you? A lot of it is down to personal taste. Personally I am a bit of a traditionalist, however that said I would still want a modern hot tub and swimming pool. I like cosy fireplaces but then also enjoy open space. So how do you find the perfect chalet for you when there are so many to choose from? Challenge us!! With such a large portfolio to choose from we know each chalet and its characteristics and what makes it unique. Tell us what is important to you and then let us find matches to suit and wow you with what facilities there are in luxury chalets. From a swimming pool that at the push of a button becomes a dance floor…
to a hot-tub that rises through the roof….
Tell us your dreams and we will tell you if there is a chalet where they can become a reality.
If you want to know some more about any of the chalets featured in the blog or are interested in other contemporary chalets that aren’t listed then send us an email or call us on +44 (0)1202 203653.
Blue Skies Lifestyle Ltd, established in 2005, is an online luxury ski holiday agent that specialises in finding clients the perfect luxury ski chalet in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. We feature an extensive portfolio of luxury chalet accommodation and luxury ski hotels that are ideal for group and family luxury ski holidays.
