A chalet is simple in its definition: a wooden house or cottage with overhanging eaves, typically found in the Swiss Alps. They’re beautifully simple and perfectly fitted for the mountain regions where they’re located. And simply seeing a chalet half buried in snow conjures thoughts of fresh pistes, warming up next to a fire, and sipping tea (or cocktails) as the sun sets behind the peaks.
While the concept of a chalet is simple at its roots, there are certain places where the simplicity is elevated to new heights with modernist design aesthetics, world-class spas, and luxurious furnishings. Not surprisingly, given that best chalets are typically in the Swiss Alps, almost all of these locations are scattered across some of Europe’s most scenic and powerfully beautiful mountain ranges.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that everybody loves a chalet and would jump at the chance to stay in one—especially the places on our list. So, get ready to take a through 15 of the most enticing and best chalets we’ve ever seen. Some are independent chalets with a few rooms, and others are giant chalet-style lodges with many rooms. All of them are amazing in their own right.
1. Nira Alpina
Location: Silvaplana, Switzerland
I don’t think there’s a time of year when the Swiss Alps aren’t spectacular. However, they truly shine brightest during the winter months when they’re doused with fresh, pristine powder. You’ll find Nira Alpina tucked in the arms of these gorgeous mountains, which only adds to their luster.
It’s one of the more unique options in the region, and the hotel prides themselves on the unspoiled access to nature they provide. Every room has massive windows that overlook the mountains, the spa has equally amazing views to rejuvenate your soul, and the sexy rooftop bar will ensure you get some fresh, cleansing alpine air to go with your cocktail.
2. Hotel Kitzhof
Location: Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel’s Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort is all about modern, stylish design fused with a contemporary ambiance alive and well in mountain chalets. They prioritize a Tyrolean style, which is quintessentially Austrian at its root and accented throughout the hotel with handsome wood, antique leather, and warm colors.
The hotel also has made generous use of glass throughout the interior that floods the property with bright, natural light as it reflects off the snow. Capping everything off near perfectly are the views of the Kitzbüheler Horn and Hahnenkamm peaks, and the incredibly nearby idyllic town center of Kitzbühel.
3. The Hotel Schgaguler
Location: Castelrotto, Italy
The Hotel Schgaguler was originally built in 1986, in an Italian mountain village called Castelrotto in the Dolomites—mountains that are so picturesque they almost don’t look real. In 2018 the property was overhauled and reimagined from the ground up to fit a simple design aesthetic that still brought forward a strong alpine style.
What you’ve got today is a hotel that’s sort of shaped like a classic chalet, but outfitted with modern touches like floor to ceiling glass windows and minimalist (but still plush) room furnishings. From the comfort of your room to the warmth of the bar’s fireplace, you’ll love the level of luxury The Schgaguler offers.
4. Hôtel des 3 Vallées
Location: Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, France
If you love skiing and snow-sports, Hôtel des 3 Vallées might be one of the best options on this list for you. The hotel has doorstep skiing access to some seriously badass and beautiful locations. In fact, it was specifically designed to be an inn for skiers back in 1950.
Today, it retains a lot of its old-world charms while not abandoning forward progress toward more modernist and luxury-centric designs. You’ll feel the touch of French designers who essentially invented alpine tourism from the balconies that have unobstructed views of the mountains.
5. Le Cerf Amoureux
Location: Sallanches, France
Le Cerf Amoureux is, as the hotel likes to say, “a story of love at first sight” that caters to the true admirers of relaxed, homely chalet atmospheres. Upon arriving, you’ll notice almost immediately the majestic views of Mont Blanc—the highest mountain in the Alps.
Once you get to your room though, you’ll be taken with the soft wooden architecture that mirrors the lobby’s chalet vibe. When you’re not admiring the mountains (from afar, or up close while you ski), check out the movie theater, spa, or a rich dinner to set you right before heading off to rest.
6. Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort
Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Are you familiar with “The Art of Apres-Ski?” This phrase refers to the social activities and entertainment that follow a day’s worth of skiing, and Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort are pro when it comes to this art form. Plus, they’re the only ski-in/ski-out resort in the village of Zermatt.
Rest up on the sun terrace for post-piste views of the Matterhorn, teas, and entertainment. Head inside to hunker down by the fireplace with soul-warming cocktails and delightful food dishes. No matter how you spin it, you’re going to get an easy-going atmosphere where everyone is welcome. The only thing the hotel doesn’t allow is boredom: leave it at home.
7. rocksresort
Location: Laax, Switzerland
Rethink your traditional alpine holiday with a stay at the family-friendly rocksresort located directly at the Laax Valley Station. You’ll stay in either a suite or apartment-style room that brings a strong touch of urban living to the natural mountain lifestyle in terms of both design and proximity to on-site restaurants and shops.
When you’re ready to head out to go winter hiking, sledding, skiing, or snowboarding with your whole crew. Or, if you like to stay in, you can hit up their freestyle academy, their year-round playground for snowboarders, free-skiers, skaters and bikers. This place is pure fun.
8. Chandolin Boutique Hotel
Location: Chandolin, Switzerland
The Chandolin Boutique Hotel is more than just a chalet. It’s a property with a driving ambition to provide an authentic mountain experience for their guests, promote respectful tourism, prioritize the health of the environment, and magnify the beauty of Switzerland for all.
Adrenaline junkies and spiritual seekers will each find something that ignites their passion as they gaze on the Val d’Anniviers and the majestic Valaisans Peaks. And you’re sure to be inspired by the interior of the hotel as well, which was made to bring that same sense of nature inside the walls of the hotel.
9. Chetzeron
Location: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Located within the Crans-Montana ski region, Chetzeron is an alpine experience you don’t want to miss. The property overlooks the Rhone Valley as well as the various mountains nearby like Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
It’s also a haven for those who love a true ski-in/ski-out experience, as the hotel itself is a transformed version of the former car station. All told, it has 16 rooms you can choose from to satisfy your mountainous desires, all of which provide views of the scenery, slopes, and sunsets.
10. The Wiesergut Boutique Hotel
Location: Hinterglemm, Austria
Travel to the Saalbach Hinterglemm region of Austria, Southwest of Salzburg, and you’re sure to find some top tier skiing. You’ll also uncover a top tier hotel that can serve as a luxurious home base for your skiing: The Wiesergut Boutique Hotel.
In total, the hotel offers 24 suites, some of which have their own garden and private saunas to help ease the cold from your muscles after the slopes. Or you could post up at the bathhouse, get a deep tissue massage, or enjoy a revitalizing dinner so you’re fueled for the next day.
11. Montana Lodge & Spa
Location: La Thuile AO, Italy
Montana Lodge & Spa prides itself on the balance they’ve struck bringing together old-world design inspired by the initial founder—a man named Ottavio—with a fresh sense of contemporary wonder. In fact, the hotel’s interior has won numerous awards for their work with the wood paneling contrasts, custom-designed furniture, and the spa.
Aside from the exceptional design, the hotel also has access to countless mountain activities that will grab your interest. Journey to the top of Mont Blanc, visit medieval castles, travel to Geneva or Chamonix, or venture into the Gran Paradiso National Park.
12. Portetta
Location: Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, France
If you’re looking for the ultimate ski experience, Portetta is here to deliver from their primetime location at the base of Courchevel Moriond (1650). The hotel was fully redesigned, rebuilt, and refurbished into a luxury mountain retreat with 38 rooms for you to choose from, all of which overlook either the piste or mountain.
The duplex lofts are also an option with their two floors, balconies, open log fireplaces, and equally impressive views. For the true luxury lovers, you can go even a step further and book a luxury mountain lodge that’s set right on the piste at Courchevel Moriond, set apart from the rest of the hotel in seclusion but still offering access to anything you might need. As the staff will tell you, this is the place to live well, eat well, feel well, sleep well, and escape well.
13. Alpaga
Location: Megève, France
Alpaga has a total of 22 rooms shared across two different chalets, and each room embodies a rustic mountainside style with views over the surrounding peaks. They’re modeled in the traditional architecture of Megève, which prioritizes exposed surfaces, natural light, and fine building materials.
There are also five independent apartments in the Gaspard chalet, which were recently renovated for guests. Some open onto Val d’Arly while others welcome Mont Blanc. Regardless, each has its own spacious terrace or balcony where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
14. Le Lodge Park
Location: Megève, France
While it’s located in Megève, Le Lodge Park has an interior that’s inspired by a different region in Europe: Scotland. Inside the walls are filled with touches of wooden architecture, leather headboards, and tartan wallpaper. Plus, each room has a fireplace to keep you warm while the snow piles up outside.
They elevate the feeling of an international lodge with their bar, which opens out to nature in a New England fashion, with long tables and tanned leather recliners. Striking a balance between savage and sophisticated, you’re sure to find both excitement and peace at this destination.
15. Le Fitz Roy
Location: Les Belleville, France
Travelers will find Le Fitz Roy at the heart of Europe’s highest ski resort—Val Thorens—where it provides a warm and friendly home for alpine enthusiasts, elegant individuals, and luxury lovers. You’ll get direct ski-in/ski-out access to the mountains from the hotel’s central location.
The rooms offer a welcome retreat after a day out in the snow as you watch the sun sink below the slopes or nearby village. And when the sun goes down you can join others in the lobby by the fire, reading books in the library, or enjoying a night cap.
It’s prime chalet season right now, so make sure you book a trip. The good news is that snow falls in these European regions well into the spring, and even when the summer months are upon us these chalets are just as beautiful (and have entirely different adventures you can take advantage of). Reach out to us directly if you want us to help book your next incentive trip or company retreat at any of our best chalets here, or the other fine hotels we partner with.