An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
Belinda Archer is a leading British ski writer who contributes regularly to the Financial Times, The Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Ski & Board, the official magazine of the Ski Club of Great Britain, and numerous other outlets. She is an expert in cold travel and has visited most of the world’s top ski resorts, more often than not staying in the best accommodation that is available. Crucially, she is mad about skiing, although her ability does not quite match her enthusiasm. “Solid”, is what Kit Harrison, managing director of the sadly now defunct Descent International, described her as, which he insists was a great compliment. She’s not so sure.
Sarah Watson is an award-winning magazine designer who has been a fanatical skier ever since she first began, at the age of 15, on the slopes of her native New Zealand. Her love of skiing, plus the addition of a few mountaineering skills, tends to see Sarah more often enjoying the rigours of a basic mountain hut than a luxury chalet. That however, is not to say that she hasn’t a nose for a top notch wine, an eye for fine alpine design and will luxuriate with the best of them.
Favourite resort Aspen
Favourite mountain restaurant A tough choice -- either Chez Vrony in Zermatt or La Fruitière, Val d’Isère
Favourite off piste destination Jackson Hole
Favourite après ski bar Grizzly’s Bar, Tignes, for stylish cocktails and top people watching; the Nederhutte in Obergurgl for a noisy, pear schnapps-soaked Austrian knees-up
Favourite mountain hut Chalet Refuge de Lognan, Grands Montets, Chamonix
Favourite ski wear Patagonia (am desperately trying to source a leaf green down sweater jacket from last season – gorgeous colour, but sadly discontinued)
Favourite skis I love my old Dynastar 4800s but it is probably time for an upgrade
Ski wish list Japan – sushi and snow; what’s not to like?
Best ever ski experience Doing a season in Chamonix
Worst ever ski experience Getting blisters on Day 2 of a ski touring week in the Dolomites, closely followed by being yanked down the arête at the top of the Vallée Blanche by the fearless guide I was roped to.
Favourite resort Chamonix for the stunning aiguilles and serious adventure – with mountain guide Richard Mansfield of course!
Favourite mountain stop Chalet Refuge de Lognan, Grand Montets, on the last run of the day to scoff pure heaven myrtle tart and hot mulled wine while watching the sun set
Favourite off piste run Even the long push and pole back to Andermatt is worth it when the Giraffe is in condition
Favourite après ski bar The Riverside, Andermatt.
Favourite mountain hut Refuge Roc de la Peche, Vanoise, with jacuzzi and sauna
Favourite ski wear My brilliant red Haglof jacket with toasty merino icebreaker layers underneath
Favourite skis I’m loving my fat Volkl Mantras at the moment
Ski wish list Gulmarg, Kashmir, for what I am told is the best powder in the world, and a Norwegian fjords ski tour by boat
Worst ever ski experience Seeing a friend avalanched
Best ever ski experience Digging him out alive.
Les Cerniers | Chamonix | Courchevel 1650 | Les Gets | Laax | Lech | Méribel | St Martin de Belleville | St Moritz | Nendaz | Sainte Foy
Tignes les Brévières | La Tzoumaz | Val d'Isère | Verbier | Veysonnaz | Zermatt