Sloping off

Whether you're a serious snow-lover or simply tempted by mountainside hot chocolate, head for the stunning Swiss Alps

As I pulled off my goggles, I shielded my eyes against the bright sunlight reflecting off the snow-covered peaks. With barely a cloud in the sky, the Alpine scenery was breathtaking. I was staying in the quiet, gentle-paced resort of La Tzoumaz, which is at an altitude of 1,550m and one of the hidden gems of the Swiss Alps. It's part of the Verbier Four Valleys ski system and my base, Chalet Auriane, offered magnificent views across the Rhône valley.

Chalet Auriane combines the luxury of an exclusive boutique hotel with the traditional feel of a cosy Alpine lodge and, with direct and easy access to the piste via a small private lift, the chalet is ideally situated for all levels of skier.

The nursery slopes are located only a stone's throw away, while intermediate skiers can test their skills on the wide blue and red Savoleyres runs nearby. Verbier also offers a variety of demanding soft-powder, off-piste and untested runs, which allow experts to enjoy high-mountain skiing at its best. And if you're looking for the ultimate challenge, why not explore the entire Four Valleys system, across the slopes of Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon in a 50km round day trip? By hiring a guide you can avoid peering over a piste map and concentrate on the skiing

After a delicious mountain-top fondue dinner at Restaurant de la Croix de la Coeur and a night ski down the mountain following a procession of flaming torches, I welcomed the chance to relax in the sauna and outdoor hot tub.

The chalet is spread over two floors and sleeps up to 12 guests in five generously sized en suite bedrooms, which all offer panoramic views. And there's every mod con you could wish
for including WiFi and Apple TV – with a catalogue of 1,000 films – in each bedroom.

The talented live-out cook takes account of all dietary requirements and the food is wonderful. After morning tea in bed and a hearty cooked breakfast I was raring to hit the slopes. A quick fuel stop back at the chalet later that day also saw me devouring a sumptuous afternoon tea. Skiing certainly whets your appetite and by the evening I welcomed the three-course dinner, before snuggling up in front of a roaring fire weary, content and pondering which slopes to explore in the morning.

La Tzoumaz offers the ultimate skiing experience, whether you want to try to emulate the Alpine greats or you've simply got a penchant for Swiss hot chocolate and stunning scenery.

Hannah Baker

FACT FILE
Getting there La Tzoumaz is less than two hours drive from Geneva airport and only 20 minutes from Sion and Martigny. Airlines include easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways and Swiss Air.

Costs Weekly prices are from £825 per person based on exclusive use of the chalet for 12 people and include breakfast every day, and afternoon tea, champagne, apéritifs and four-course evening meals with unlimited wine (on six days).
www.chaletauriane.com

MORE SKI ESCAPES…

Chalet de la Cloche, France
From £1,000pp for a week
Located in the hamlet of Tignes Les Brévières, there is a local, authentic feel here but with linked-in access to the vast Espace Killy Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area. Equipped with a bar, an indoor spa pool, a steam room and an outdoor hot tub, the chalet is lavishly furnished and offers magnificent views.
www.chicchaletguide.co.uk/reviewcloche

Chalet Gertrud Gabl, Austria
From £850pp for a week
A blend of contemporary and traditional styles, the chalet is situated in the scenic Stadle area of St Anton overlooking the Rendl mountain range and the Moostal valley, and offers eight attractive en suite rooms. There's a complimentary shuttle service to the ski lifts and village centre, which is less than 15 minutes away on foot.
www.stantonchalets.co.uk

San Lorenzo
Mountain Lodge, Italy
From €2,200 per day (entire lodge)
This rustic 16th century lodge sleeps eight and lies at an altitude of 1,200 metres in the Dolomites. The nearest and largest ski area is Plan de Corones with more than 100km of slopes. Slightly further afield is San Cassiano, La Villa and Corvara (Alta Badia), which are all part of the Dolomiti Superski area. The town of Brunico is 12km away.
www.sanlorenzomountainlodge.com