The Alps: 5 hotels to go off-piste

Whether you here for the ski, the snowboard or just the après, The Alps has it all. While we love a leisurely afternoon on the main slopes followed by a warming vin chaud, the heady thrill that comes with taking things off-piste in The Alps is where it’s really at.

With that in mind, we’ve partnered with FATMAP, the essential mapping app for anyone who loves the outdoors. Read on for our round up of five top places to go off-piste in The Alps – and, of course, where to stay when you’re there.

Verbier

Verbier is serious about off-piste – so much so that it hosts Freeride Week annually in January, where skiers from all over the world come to tackle some incredible powder. Stay in the Experimental Chalet (of Experimental Cocktail Club fame) – rooms are cozy, but modern; and Verbier’s iconic Farm Club is right on the doorstep.

Chamonix

Chamonix is said to be one of the world’s best ski areas for adventures off-piste in The Alps. Give the Vallée Blanc a go – with a guide if necessary – for incredible views of Mont Blanc. For a well-located hotel, try the brilliantly named Rockypop in Les Houches: think fun decor, basic but hip rooms, and an on-site ski shop.

Val D’Isere

Val D’Isère sits within the Vanoise National Park, meaning it has some of the most impressive natural landscape around. Hotel Avenue Lodge is our shout for a place to get your well-earned rest. It’s right in the middle of the resort, and rooms are chic and cool, without being overly traditional.

Three Valleys

While Val Thorens is the highest of the Three Valleys (fun fact: there’s actually four) at 2,300m, Courcheval is where you want to stay. Incredible dining options and access to trails and peaks perfect for freeride powder, and there’s also some great hotels. Our pick is Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges. Rooms are miles away from traditional, alpine lodges and views are second-to-none. Oh, and it’s ski-in ski-out – the best part.

Ischgl

In the Austrian Alps, Ischgl is Europe’s biggest freeride region. While there are slopes abound for all levels, the Piz Val Gronda is good for those who are slightly less-experienced going off-piste in The Alps – breathtaking views included. Hotel Zhero is our pick for peace and quiet away from the slopes, with beautifully designed rooms, roaring fires, exposed brick walls and soft fabrics to sink into.

Check out FATMAP’s interactive Guidebook to these spots here and visit FATMAP.com for more.

And, if you’re heading to The Alps in summer, check out Sarah Murrell’s hotel tip for the Swiss region. here.