Two Ultima Collection properties, the ones in Courchevel, France and Gstaad, Switzerland, offer ultra-private (and ultra-luxury) winter-sport experiences in their private chalets, perfect for OutThere ski and snowboard enthusiasts looking to go ‘off-piste’ in their choice of property, next season.
With pent-up interest in ski and snowboard escapes bubbling over at a time where travel restrictions are in place, ever hopeful OutThere travellers are looking to resorts with late and extended seasons this year to get their fix of the piste. But the vast majority, who won’t be able to get out this season, are intending to return to the slopes with gusto next season and are looking to double-up on budgets to book blowout-ski-bonanzas. With this in mind, we’re predicting that availability for the very best ski experiences may get challenging for season 21/22 as the year progresses and resorts are priming themselves to deal with the brimming demand. So our advice is to get looking and booking now, if you want to secure a top-notch property or chalet.
Courchevel’s new kid on the block, Ultima Courchevel did not get off to the lauded start they were anticipating as they can’t open as planned, but they look to make up for it next season. With their unique location between Courchevel 1850 and the edge of La Rosière Forest, offering guests an opportunity to discover the pistes in unrivalled nature at the heart of the three valleys, we’re sure they will. This access to beautiful and bountiful open space will only position them in good stead for the future, but so will what’s on offer.
The Courchevel outpost of Ultima Collection offers 13 beautiful, private chalets, each state-of-the-art homes away from home. It comprises two standalone ski-in and ski-out resorts, with private ski-rooms to keep you away from others and give guests direct access to the sunniest of slopes on the Tarentaise Valley. For those members of your party that want to just relax and partake in private après ski, the chalets offer stunning mountain views, matched with world-class amenities: be it chilling out (or warming up) in one or both of the Ultima Collection world-class spas on-site; or gorging on the culinary stylings of an on-call, private chef.
If food is your thing after a long-day on the slopes, another Ultima Collection property in Gstaad, Switzerland could be the place for you next season; with their ongoing commitment to gastronomical genius. They were all set to transform their dining offering this year into a Peruvian pop-up extravaganza, courtesy of COYA, the award-winning, luxury lifestyle group that turns food and beverage into an experiential art form. With all that has happened, we hope that they’ll be able to draw them back next year as well, but in any case we can only imagine that they’ll have something equally as impressive instore for next year’s season, if not.
Much like Ultima Courchevel, Ultima Gstaad also has an eye trained on wellness. Their spa boasts 1,000 square metre / 10,763 square feet sanctuary that offers an optimum pampering opportunity. It combines luxury, state-of-the-art equipment and renowned therapists in collaboration with Aesthetics Clinics, allowing guests to create their own, individual road map to tailored treatments via DNA testing.
For those who want to just luxuriate, Ultima Gstaad offers a number of suites, but OutThere travellers will love the six fabulously appointed residences for exceptional privacy, away from the madding crowds. Connected to the hotel, the Ultima Residences are made up of a set of sprawling apartments, ranging from two to four-bedroom private residences, some with jacuzzis and garden spaces. Upscale Gstaad has long been a mecca for billionaire travellers who mostly attend for the kudos. We once visited at the height of ski season and pretty much had the piste to ourselves, so for seasoned skiers, new learners and those who are keen to social-distance, Gstaad is a no-brainer.
At time of press, France has decided not to reopen its ski lodges until further notice.
At present, Switzerland requires guests from selected high-risk countries like the UK and US to quarantine on arrival. The latest updates for the country can be found here. The season in Gstaad runs until the end of March. The Ultima Gstaad re-opens for the summer in June, so non-skiers can also enjoy the beautiful countryside when restrictions lift.
Photography by Balthazar Lelievre and courtesy of Ultima Collection
