Skiing is about so much more than pounding the slopes. Gourmet alpine dinners in the comfort of your own luxury chalet, heliskiing to an untouched piste to watch the sun rise, gathering to watch a movie in your own private cinema, or sipping champagne from the hot tub while gazing across the mountains – there are ski chalets, and then there are ski chalets. If you’re heading to the slopes this winter, do it in style with one of these ultra-luxe ski chalets in the Alps.

Chalet Iona, Méribel, France

Set in its own secluded orchards, Méribel’s Chalet Iona offers unparalleled views across 13 pretty villages and settlements, stretching towards the Vanoise National Park and Grand Bec mountain. For 2024, the chalet’s bedrooms have been remodelled to provide three spacious master suites, ensuring every corner of the residence offers magnificent views. Combined with the Art Deco dining and living area, which takes open-plan living to new heights, the recent renovations cement Chalet Iona’s reputation as the premier Méribel address this season.

Ideal for hosting large group celebrations, the living space is kitted out with a dramatic suspended fireplace and a huge, handmade oak dining table close to the large panoramic windows. Elsewhere, in the second living room on the lower level, discover board games, a large screen TV and an extensive selection of old school vinyl records to keep you entertained, along with a sauna and outdoor hot tub. For those with teenagers in tow, don’t miss the adjacent annexe – the classically alpine Chalet India – offering an additional den for children. While Chalet Iona has everything you’ll need, the rustic hamlet of Le Villard is within walking distance, while the nearest lifts, ski school and après ski activities are within a 10 minute drive. 

Sleeps 10+5, from £24,538 per week, visit purpleski.com

Chalet Lapin Blanc, Méribel, France

The perfect pick for groups of friends and multi-generational families, the striking Chalet Lapin Blanc sleeps up to 15 guests across seven large ensuite bedrooms. Enjoying a prime location on the slopes of central Méribel, this ski-in, ski-out chalet will delight serious skiers with its superb access to the resort’s pistes and the wider Three Valleys – the biggest connected ski area in the world.

Complete with an enormous sitting and dining room with central log fire, mezzanine study area, cinema room with bar (just the ticket for a post-piste movie marathon), sauna and an outdoor hot tub on a secluded private south-facing balcony, this alpine bolthole will feel like the ultimate home-away-from-home. With all bedrooms being a similar size, there’s no need to toss a coin for the best bed, ensuring plenty of room to kick back and relax. And, if you can tear yourself away from your private winter wonderland, discover Méribel village’s buzzing restaurants, bars, shops and more just moments away. 

Sleeps 14, from £36,623 per week, visit purpleski.com

Chalet Machapuchare, Val d’Isère

Recently voted France’s best chalet at the World Ski Awards, Chalet Machapuchare is the brainchild of Val d’Isère local, ski instructor and design enthusiast Yoann Marchand. Boasting a privileged position nestled in the exclusive and wonderfully private area of Le Crêt. Commanding uninterrupted views of the entire valley from the rocky cliffs above La Daille, across the two main ski areas and the pretty village of Val d’Isère to the glaciers and snow capped peaks beyond, this incredible property sleeps up to 15 guests in seven luxurious bedrooms. The chalet was built by Marchand’s father and grandfather in the Nineties, meaning thoughtful details lie behind every corner.  

The sprawling property features a large, open plan living and dining area, panelled boot room and numerous balconies and terraces on which to soak in the panoramic views. When it comes to relaxation and rejuvenation, pick from the indoor pool (incorporating a counter current for physical training), massage room, hammam, state-of-the-art gym, cinema and outdoor jacuzzi. Offering the very best of serene alpine living, the centre of Val d’Isère is just a three-minute chauffeur ride away when you fancy hitting the town… 

Sleeps 15, from £45,991 per week, visit purpleski.com

The Arula Chalets, Arlberg, Austria

Standing proudly on one of the most exclusive positions in the Arlberg ski region, the Arula Chalets consists of two adjoining properties that provide ski-in/ski-out access, world-class service, and an unforgettable holiday setting. Positioned directly on the picturesque slopes of Lech, each chalet features its own expansive terrace with breathtaking views of the resort, a private cinema, and wine cellar, as well as 24-hour butler service, a ski concierge, private chef, chauffeur service, spa manager, and a yoga teacher. 

For the seasoned skier, the Arula Chalets offer an exclusive four-night Fresh Tracks package that includes heli-skiing and the chance to ski with legends. Enjoy ‘first up’ access to untouched snow on Lech’s most coveted heli-skiing routes, with guidance from Olympic gold medallist Franz Klammer and double freeriding World Champion Nadine Wallner. Those who prefer wellness to thrill seeking can take advantage of the Snowga programme featuring yoga sessions tailored for skiers, led by in-house teacher Anna Kanonier, as well as a range of holistic treatments, including Ayurvedic therapies, breathwork, and sound healing. The chalet’s extensive spa facilities, including a Finnish sauna, steam bath, and Himalayan salt wall relaxation areas, as well as an in-chalet spa therapist, provide the perfect end to a day in the mountains.

Finally, for families with little ones in tow, the Arula Chalets have partnered with Sharky & George to offer a bespoke programme of immersive and educational activities for children. Ranging from explosive science workshops and culinary classes to environmental explorations and igloo building, there’s something to delight children of all ages here. Plus, book during the festive season so children can partake in Christmas-themed crafts and enjoy a visit from Father Christmas himself. 

Arula Chalet 1 sleeps 22, Arula Chalet 2 sleeps 8, from £22,835 per week for both chalets, visit thearulachalets.com

Tivoli Lodge, Davos, Switzerland

Positioned just above one of the flashiest resorts in the Swiss Alps, you’ll find Tivoli Lodge, which – with its indoor swimming pool, spa and private cinema – is surely one of the flashiest chalets in town. The location is deliberately separate from the main village to ensure privacy but the property still has ski-in/ski-out access.

Oxford Ski Company’s MD Mark Gibbins – who’s seen a few stonking chalets in his time – describes the grand architecture, comfortable furnishings and luxe finishings as just a few of the reasons it’s “up there as the best chalet in the Alps.” Catered bookings come with a team of chefs, chauffeurs and chalet hosts.

Sleeps 12+3, from CHF115,000 (approx £102,550) per week, visit oxfordski.com

Chalet Sapphire, Morzine, France

It’s all about the little details at Chalet Sapphire: luxury toiletries from Bamford, specialty gins in the exceptionally well-stocked bar, and a pre-arrival menu consultation to customise your dining experience. Located just moments from the centre of Morzine, it’s surrounded by its own private grounds, with breathtaking views of the snow-cloaked mountains. And then there’s the spa, which includes an indoor pool, ice chamber, hammam, gym, a large hot tub sunken into the outdoor deck, and a barrel sauna with panoramic views over the resort. If you fancy a massage, the chalet has Bamford-trained therapists available.

There’s also an open show kitchen for service and chef demonstrations. Outside, a sunken fire pit keeps the chill off as you watch night fall from a cocktail bar carved into the ice (house champagne is free-flowing all week). The food and drink are no less impressive than the facilities: a highly experienced team of chefs serve personalised gourmet dinners, including an exquisite six-course Japanese fine dining restaurant experience on the evening of your choice.

Sleeps 12, from £34,360 per week, visit firefly-collection.com

Chalet Mont Tremblant, Méribel, France

There are few things more luxurious than taking your boots off after a long day on the slopes and sinking into a warm jacuzzi. Upgrade to a heated outdoor infinity pool, with a jet stream and panoramic views overlooking the French Alps; it really doesn’t get any better.

This luxurious six-bedroom chalet is situated within its own grounds, with a chef team on hand to serve a cooked breakfast, afternoon tea, champagne and canapés, and a sumptuous dinner every day. A chauffeured minivan, meanwhile, will have you in the village centre or Saulire Express lift station in just three minutes.

Sleeps 12, from £54,895 per week, visit mathewsluxurytravel.com

Calima, Verbier, Switzerland

Soak your weary limbs in the dreamy indoor pool and hot tub as you gaze out over the Swiss Alps. Sip champagne as you dance to the chalet’s inbuilt Sonos system. Snuggle up by the roaring log fire with a good book as the snow falls outside. However you choose to spend your holiday, this stunning chalet ticks all the boxes.

Part of the exclusive Alpine Estate, this brand-new four-bedroom chalet has all the trappings of a five-star hotel. As well as a small army of private chefs to cook a four-course banquet every night bar one, renting Calima this season also grants access to a complimentary ski instructor for the first two days of your stay.

Sleeps 8+2, from CHF35,910 (approx £32,570) per week, visit mathewsluxurytravel.com

Chalet Trois Ours, Méribel, France

One of the most luxurious chalets in Méribel (where the competition is stiff), Chalet Trois Ours is located right on the exclusive Route des Chalets slope, making it one of only a handful in the resort to be truly ski-in, ski-out.

Set over four floors with six gorgeous bedrooms, it’s got all the trimmings – a large south-facing balcony, an outside hot tub, steam room, gym, massage area and cinema room – while retaining that traditional alpine charm. Available through Firefly Collection, you’ll also have a chef team on hand to cook up sumptuous dinners for six of the seven nights.

Sleeps 12, from £20,000 per week on a fully catered basis, visit firefly-collection.com

Ultima Crans-Montana, Lens, Switzerland

Nothing is done in half measures at Ultima Crans-Montana, a pair of ultra-luxurious private chalets that can sleep up to 38 guests when rented together. There is an open kitchen for socialising, a cinema room, library and cigar lounge, and you’re on the doorstep of 140km of pristine ski pistes.

The chalets also have a huge and heavenly spa. Sprawling across 1,000 square metres, it boasts saunas, hammams, hot tubs and a heated outdoor swimming pool which is open all year round, looking out onto the idyllic alpine wilds.

Sleeps 38 across two properties, from CHF262,000 (approx £228,622) per week for both chalets, visit ultimacollection.com

Read more: The best ski resorts in Austria