After a hard day's ski, you want kick back somewhere seriously chic. These are the chicest ski chalets around...
A heated infinity pool overlooking magical Megève gives Mont Blanc chalet its initial wow factor but the living room is the heart of the space. It’s an absolute stunner. You can curl up on plump sofas or whisk open full-length windows and walk out on to an icy terrace to suck up Alpine air and twinkling views. The chalet sleeps eight, with room for another four adults and four children in a guest chalet, so feel free to invite a whole gang to enjoy the indoor spa, home cinema and meals prepared by a private chef. Book through Consensio Holidays.
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Chalet Husky, Val d’Isère, France
The biggest new-build chalet in town, Chalet Husky (sleeping 14) makes a series of grand design statements. While there are nods towards chalet style - smoothed wood galore! - the mood is utterly contemporary, particularly in the vast open-plan living room which flows across a glass walkway. Coloured mood lighting (a hot Alpine trend) bounces playfully around an astonishing spa area, where there's room for every guest to make use of the pool, sauna, hammam and massage tables at once! Book through Summit Retreats.
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Chalet Lhotse, Val d’Isere, France
Lhotse is an exquisite chalet (sleeping up to 14) that runs with rustic Alpine style and adds in reclaimed Mongolian wood, faux fur and dangling chandeliers. With views across La Face piste, it stands at the resort's centre yet feels exclusive and self-contained. Favourite spot: the fabulous pool area with drop-down movie screens. Book through Consensio Holidays.
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Shemshak Lodge, Courcheval 1850, France
Right on the piste at super-glam Courcheval 1850, this luxe-y chalet (sleeping eight adults; five children) has caused a stir in the ski world. Its interior design was created in London, and has all the sleek charm of the capital's latest hotels. The big lure, though, is a huge indoor pool with amazing valley views. It's ski in, ski out so best for the seriously sporty, with a hammam and sauna to easy aching limbs after a hard day on the slopes. Book through Consensio Holidays.
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San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge, Val Pusteria, The Italian Dolomites
A unique design in a stunning setting - what more could you ask for from romantic Alpine getaway? Originally a 16th-century hunting lodge, San Lorenzo (sleeping six) wears its history elegantly, with wood panelling and crackling fires. The hospitality is pure traditional Italian. Every-ingredient-counts meals are complemented by a fab cellar of Tyrolean wine. At night, a hot tub with panoramic mountain views feels like the most exhilarating spot on earth. Book through Summit Retreats.
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The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland
Sir Richard Branson's Swiss ski lodge (sleeping 18 adults; six children) is part of the Virgin Exclusive Collection, and can be booked for private use or, if it's free, by the room. As you'd expect, it throws buckets of fun at the winter sports experience - you can either whirl around an ice rink or a dance floor complete with disco ball. And since this is Verbier, more sophisticated treats are on offer, too, notably a super chef (one of 13 staff) who runs a kitchen that rivals the resort's best restaurants. Book through Summit Retreats.
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Chalet Le Petit Palais, Courcheval 1850, France
The sparkling, sociable atmosphere of Courcheval is hugely appealing even if you plan to spend as much time in chic winter boots as skis. Petit Palais (sleeping 14) catches the cool mood perfectly. A painting of Brigitte Bardot hanging on the wall of its own private nightclub, and there’s a cinema room and spa too - all run by a team of buzzy staff. The chalet is set above the slopes, so breakfast equals a glass of bucks fizz while you want skiers wiz by. Book through Summit Retreats.
