22 November, 2019
Climate change has never been so prominent in our minds and on our news feeds. When researching this year's winter ski trips and Alpine retreats, why not seek out eco-friendly hotels where sustainable design, locally sourced materials and seasonal restaurants help alleviate guilt (while still being able to enjoy great food, spas and views over the Alps).
hotel
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, these pods are the perfect eco-friendly base for an Alpine adventure. Self-proclaimed "eco-luxury" pods, rooms are filled with reclaimed or recycled furniture and heated by individual pellet stoves. Dine at the panoramic restaurant for traditional Swiss dishes made with locally sourced ingredients - think: cheese fondue, raclette and waffles drizzled with chocolate. Head back to your pod to drift off to views over the slopes.
hotel
Le Miroir, France
Set in the charming Le Miroir village in the French Alps, Chalet Pelerin offers a cosy Alpine retreat. Wander through the village streets before returning to the wood-laden resort to sweat in the sauna or take a dip in the chlorine-free hydrotherapy pool - both heated using geothermal energy. Come evening, dine on dishes made with local ingredients, whipped up by your own personal chef.
hotel
Zermatt, Switzerland
In a converted 50s chalet, this boutique resort melts into its Alpine surrounds. Timber-framed exteriors house restored wooden interiors and subtle design, in which vintage curios sit prettily among local materials of felt, loden, stone and Swiss pine. Head to rooms where an eco-friendly underfloor heating system keeps you toasty warm and balconies overlook jagged peaks.
This image is on holiday
hotel
Laax, Switzerland
Stretching over 235km of snow-covered pistes, rocksresort is one of the world's most sustainable ski resorts. Located in Switzerland's Laax, the hotel is brimming with eco-friendly technology - buildings are heated with renewable biomass energy, lift stations are built from local wood and run via solar panels, and hydroelectric power is used throughout the hotel. Return after a day zipping down slopes to minimalist apartments and bathrooms that double as steam rooms.
hotel
Zermatt, Switzerland
High in the Swiss Alps among icy cliffs and conifer trees drooping with snow, this hotel brings together contemporary design and eco-friendly practices. Designed by architect Ali Tayar, interiors are logically minimal and features are made from locally sourced, natural materials, while lighting and heating systems are visible through perforated white-oak ceiling panels.
