Top Picks for Skiers and Non-Skiers Alike
Catherine, October 2022
It goes without saying that here at Ski Independence we are incredibly passionate about winter sports. However, we understand that a trip to the mountains is about so much more than just skiing or snowboarding. A number of our regular clients don’t clip into skis at all and instead prefer to relax, breathe in the clean air and simply experience being in one of our featured resorts for the pure joy of the mountains. With this in mind we’ve selected our favourite properties that will work well for skiers and non-skiers alike – ideal if your other half doesn’t quite share your love for skiing!
Hotel Mont Blanc, Chamonix
Chamonix offers so much more than just skiing. It’s a fantastic town to visit with an excellent choice of restaurants, bars and visitor attractions as well as spectacular mountain views. The town itself is charming and historic and it’s perfectly pleasant simply strolling through the streets.
A trip up the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3,842m is an absolute must for all visitors to Chamonix - skier on non-skier! If you’re feeling brave, the Step into the Void® experience will test your head for heights as you look down at the 1,000m void beneath the glass floor! The little red train taking you to the Montenvers station is also an excellent excursion providing stunning views of the Mer de Glace. If you simply want to relax, the spa facilities at the beautiful 5-star Hotel Mont Blanc are incredible. Here you’ll find a magnificent heated outdoor pool with beautiful Mont Blanc views as well as a fitness room, sauna, steam room and an excellent choice of spa treatments.
Hotel Mirabeau, Zermatt
Zermatt is a brilliant all-round destination with plenty to do besides skiing. The biggest draw for visitors is of course the beautiful views of the Matterhorn, and the best way to enjoy these is to take a trip up the Gornergrat Railway to 3100m. Not only can you admire the stunning panorama, it’s also a great place to meet the skiers in your group for a spot of lunch.
The resort itself is utterly charming with traditional chalet-style architecture, cobbled streets and an excellent selection of shops, bars and restaurants to explore. There’s a fantastic network of winter hiking trails to sample as well as a museum, toboggan run and igloo village. The delightful 4-star Hotel Mirabeau has an excellent swimming pool and if you opt for a room with views of the Matterhorn you can kick back with a book on your balcony and simply take it all in.
The Chedi, Andermatt
The stunning 5-star Chedi Hotel is a destination in its own right – it’s just an added bonus that you can ski here as well! We wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t venture out of this luxurious haven at all during your stay but the village of Andermatt has plenty of charm. You’ll find cobbled streets, traditional chalet buildings and a good selection of cafés and restaurants. With a ski area extending over to Disentis, non-skiers can hop on the Matterhorn Gotthard train to Sedrun or Disentis and enjoy some lunch with the skiers in the group and if you time it right you can take the après-ski train back to Andermatt – a party on rails.
The Chedi Andermatt has everything you could possibly wish to find in a 5-star hotel – a 2400m2 spa for the ultimate pampering experience, a choice of fine dining restaurants, spacious suites, impeccable service – you name it, the Chedi’s got it.
Hotel & Residence Alexane, Samoens
Samoëns is a picturesque, authentic village which oozes plenty of French charm. You’ll find pretty, cobbled streets here with a traditional square next to the church where the village’s events take place.
Samoëns is first and foremost a village where people live year round and you’ll find a great selection of restaurants, shops and cafés here. You can get the full mountain experience by taking the Grand Massif gondola from the village up to 1600m where you can meet your skiing companions easily for a drink or bite to eat. Or venture further afield and take the free shuttle bus to the neighbouring village of Morillon, which is also easily accessible on skis. An ideal place to meet up for lunch. The hotel and residence Alexane enjoys a fantastic location in the village centre and boasts a 1000m2 wellness area with pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Perfect for a spot of pampering.
For any of your ski travel plans, contact our Ski Specialists and we’ll be happy to talk through your options. Speak to a Ski Specialist on 0131 243 8097 or request a tailor-made quotation.