Head For The Slopes

Words by Phoebe Oliver

The owners of the newly crowned 4* superior Biohotel Hermitage, the Maffei family, like to treat everyone as guests in their own home. Consequently, the warmth of the hospitality, the attention to detail and overall comfort here, really is wonderful. And coupled with its secluded location and uninterrupted views of the Dolomites through vast glass windows, it is little wonder that guests return again and again.  Another reason could be the Stube Hermitage Restaurant with its Michelin star.

The hotel is set slightly away from the village centre, in a quiet and peaceful spot with a shuttle service to take guests to the slopes or into the village. From the bottom station you have access to 150 km of slopes, serviced by 57 lift systems.


The Spa and pool also have magnificent views of the mountains, and offer a peaceful retreat after a day on the mountains. There are steam, sauna and therapy rooms and it is well equipped to offer a good range of treatments.

Scott Dunn offers Madonna di Campiglio packages from £1,324 per person based on 2 people sharing a Junior Suite at the Biohotel Hermitage and includes return flights with British Airways from Gatwick to Verona, return private transfers and 7 nights’ accommodation on a half board basis.

Family run Hotel Fanes is set in an amazing location overlooking the quiet Italian village of San Cassiano and the impressive peaks of the Dolomites. Many of its guests are repeat due to the incredible warmth of service, exceptional food and prime location – it remains popular with families too. Rooms are comfortable and stylishly decorated, and the restaurants, bar and living areas are cosy and welcoming while the newly built chalets offer more spacious accommodation and are ideal for guests wishing to feel a little more independent but still enjoy the fabulous hotel facilities. The extensive Spa offers a wide range of treatments and boast floor to ceiling windows with views across the surrounding mountains. Although the hotel is located slightly away from the slopes, guests have use of the complimentary and efficient shuttle service direct to the Piz Sorega lifts just a short drive away plus the lifts for the legendary Sella Ronda ski tour.

Scott Dunn offers San Cassiano packages from £1,960 per person based on 2 people sharing the Garden Suite in one of the new Chalet Fanes. Price includes return flights with British Airways from Gatwick to Innsbruck, return private transfers and 7 nights’ accommodation on a half board basis.

Go to www.scottdunn.com for more information

The Hotel Ermitage at Evian Resort is the perfect place for a family ski break this winter.  The luxurious four star Hotel Ermitage has huge roaring fires, large, comfortable sofas and armchairs that are perfect for hunkering down in with a cup of thick, creamy hot chocolate or a glass of vin chaud.  Rooms are spacious and interconnecting rooms are available for families with older children.  Take advantage of the exclusive children’s ski packages available this ski season where children from the ages of 0-13 years old stay for free.  All equipment is also provided and children’s ski lessons are available from €160 per lesson,

Prices start from €2906.  This includes transfers to and from Geneva Airport, but does not include flights.  Go to www.evianresort.com for more information

Hip Chalets offers hand-picked, gorgeous properties complete with their bespoke concierge service taking the hassle out of self-catering. The chalets come in all shapes and sizes and the newest property on their books is Chalet Hectar in France.   With dramatic views over the Mont Blanc mountain range, towering over the bustling town of Chamonix, Chalet Hectar offers alpine adventure enthusiasts the perfect location and exclusive accommodation for family and friends of up to 10 people. Located moments from the ski lifts, experienced skiers will delight over Chalet Hectar’s prime position as they can join the home-run of the Brevent ski area within minutes of finishing breakfast, and for those less experienced, the nursery slopes are just a short walk away. Not only is Chalet Hectar well located for Chamonix, but both Les Grands Montets and Le Tour are a short drive away for those wanting a change of scene or another mountain to explore.

With five en-suite bedrooms, an open plan kitchen and living room, sauna, a large south facing terrace and a heated double driveway with space for two cars, Chalet Hectar is perfectly appointed with everything you would expect from a luxury chalet plus the bespoke concierge services offered by the Hip Chalets’ team.

Chalet Hectar costs from £13,250 per week.  Go to www.hipchalets.com for further information