The Ski Apartment Revolution
When you think of self-catering ski apartments the first thing that springs to mind for most people are memories of childhood family ski holidays crammed into a tiny apartment in one of Europe’s high-volume mega-resorts. Bunk-beds in cupboards, bathrooms the size of a postage stamp and nowhere to dry damp ski kit after a day on the slopes. Charming though these overused and under-sized apartments were, luxury, comfort and space was not something they afforded.
Cast your eyes across any modern ski resort in 2019 and it’s a different story. Ski areas across Europe have seen huge investment in new infrastructure and continue to become ever more luxurious as the perception of the ski holiday has evolved from the hardcore sporting break to more of a lifestyle choice.
Nothing illustrates this better than the evolution of the self-catering ski apartment. Gone are the fold-down beds and cramped dining tables and in their place are luxurious chalet-style modern apartments with designer kitchens, entertaining space an en-suite bedrooms. Often arranged in charming village settings all of their own making and boasting connected restaurants, bars, swimming pools and spas, these new-style ski apartments have proved a big hit across the Alps and are becoming an increasingly popular and important part of the Powder Byrne portfolio.
We’ve hand-picked a few of our favourites which can be enjoyed in our exclusive ski resorts, alongside our dedicated in-resort service, ski guiding and private ski programmes.
Priva Alpine Lodge, Lenzerheide
With everything from 2 bedroom apartments to 4 bedroom chalets and penthouse apartments, ski-in/ski-out Priva Alpine Lodge is a fantastic solution for families and groups both large and small. 10 traditional alpine style buildings are centered around an atmospheric village square, complete with an authentic Swiss dining hut, Berghüttli, serving Swiss cheese classics and Grisons specialities. Clients staying at Priva enjoy full hotel-style services with the option to stay on a bed & breakfast or room only basis, two fabulous restaurants which also allow you to order take-away meals, on-site mini-market and a lovely swimming pool and gym.
The apartments themselves are extremely well equipped, spacious and luxurious, with modern kitchens, beautiful big en-suite bedrooms with alpine-chic decor, family bathroom and plenty of communal space for relaxing and enjoying the apartment. The open-plan living spaces are well designed and cosy with larger apartments including their own log burner, balconies and some even boasting a private sauna.
With our pb crèche operating from Priva’s fabulous kid’s club and the meet and greet point for our children’s ski programmes and ski guiding all taking place in the village square, Priva really is the perfect apartment option for our clients in Lenzerheide.
Chesa Forma, Arosa
Chesa Forma is Powder Byrne’s latest development of luxury chalet-style apartments situated in the picturesque Arosa forest with easy access to the 225km of linked skiing across the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area. There are 7 individually styled apartments that sleep up to 8 people in luxurious and comfortable accommodation. Each apartment includes a cleverly designed and fun bunk-room that can sleep up to four people in full-size beds, making them the perfect choice for families. Clients staying at Chesa Forma will also enjoy a private spa & wellness area with sauna and steam room and a fantastic boot room complete with its own bar for a quick post-ski tipple.
Chesa Forma apartments are available on a self-catering basis with the option to utilise our Swiss Cook meal-delivery service which provides total convenience for an evening in with a good bottle of wine when you don’t feel like lifting a finger. Our kid’s menu is particularly popular to order in to satisfy hungry skiers before your Powder Byrne babysitter arrives. You’ll also receive a welcome hamper chock full of holiday essentials and goodies and daily delivery of fresh bread and croissants from our in-resort team.
The Hide Apartments, Flims
Brand new for the 2019/20 ski season, The Hide Apartments are the perfect solution for families seeking space, comfort and convenience and immediate access to the ski area of Flims-Laax-Falera. Adjacent to STENNA Flims and The Hide Hotel, The Hide Apartments benefit from access to the bars, restaurants and SPA of The Hide and shopping at STENNA Flims, which includes a very handy 24-hour pharmacy.
These contemporary apartments range in size from 1 bedroom studios to 4 bedroom apartments, boasting light-filled rooms, elegant oak floors and fully-equipped kitchens, enjoying access to our Swiss Cook meal-delivery service providing delicious home-cooked food right to your door.
If you do feel like venturing out, there are five restaurants and bars in close proximity, including The Hide Hotel’s two restaurants and gin bar. Our in-resort team and driver service ensure access to neighbouring restaurants could not be easier.
Casa Flumina & Casa Fortuna, Flims
Casa Flumina and Casa Fortuna are Powder Byrne’s 2 exclusive luxury chalets in the Swiss ski resort of Flims. Each chalet is home to 5 luxury apartments with 3 bedroom apartments sleeping up to 8 people and 4 bedroom apartments sleeping up to 10 people in a range of double rooms, twin rooms and full-size bunk rooms. Both chalets include luxurious private boot rooms and spa & wellness areas.
Flumina and Fortuna occupy a peaceful and convenient position in the old part of the village known as Flims Waldhaus, affording stunning forest and mountain views. Our in-resort team and driver service ensure easy access to the slopes during the day and village restaurants during the evening, with the option to enjoy our meal-delivery service, Swiss Cook, providing home-cooked food prepared locally in Flims.
rocksresort, Laax
Ideally situated adjacent to the base station in Laax, the unique and stylish rocksresort takes its name and identity from the surrounding landscape. The minimalist exterior architecture of the rocksresort is also echoed in the interior design of the 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments. Natural materials such as untreated oak and locally sourced limestone create a warm and inviting atmosphere, with light colours employed to create a pleasant contrast. The living area is open plan with a fully equipped kitchen, and large panoramic windows enable you to enjoy splendid views of the surrounding mountains.
You’ll have the freedom to self-cater in the fully equipped kitchen of your stylish apartment, or choose to dine out one of the many restaurants and bars in Laax. You’ll also enjoy access to the well-equipped spa & wellness facilities and swimming pool of rocksresorts nearby sister hotel, the Signina.
Stay in one of our hand-picked and exclusive properties and join the ski apartment revolution this winter. Enquire with our specialist ski consultants who will listen, advise and recommend on the best apartment options for your party, combined with our dedicated in-resort service, ski guiding and private ski programmes.