Ski IN/OUT | The best places to stay slope-side!

Words by Patrick Thorne.

Location, Location, Location! …it’s a well-known saying, a popular TV show and a great truism when it comes to choosing your accommodation in the ski resort.

Quite simply, although you can have a great ski holiday and not stay slope-side, it’s pretty rare to have a bad ski holiday if you’re staying slope-side. Being able to clip on your skis or strap on your board on your doorstep and ski straight off, and similarly ski back in at the end of the day without facing a lengthy walk, the worry of how busy the ski bus is going to be or even the minor irritation of loading a car to get to the slopes really makes all the difference between a completely stress-less ski trip, and one with that touch of mundanity getting to and from the snow.

There are other advantages worth a quick mention too. What if you forget something? So much easier to pop back and grab it if you’re staying slope-side. Or you’re on a tight budget – easy to pop back and eat in rather than at a mountain restaurant. Finally – and this does depend to some extent just where by the slopes you’re staying – slope-side accommodation can mean you can get on to the slopes each morning ahead of the crowds. Whilst you can ski off on a pristine, freshly groomed slopes to bag first sport on the first lift of the day, others are struggling up from the ski bus drop off spot trying to find a bit of flat ground to get the skis or board on. Is there any greater feeling of smug bliss?

Here are ten top choices of ski-in, ski-out slope-side havens worthy of your consideration:

Trübsee Alpine Lodge, Engelberg

It can be tricky to find slopeside accommodation in the world’s classic ski resorts, which grew up long before people thought about wintersports and in fact tried to build property away from the snow if they could, not right next to it. But there are a few options nonetheless and the Trübsee Alpine Lodge is one of the best. It takes 10 minutes to reach on the cable car up from Engelberg, so you are half way up the mountain at the start of the day. How fantastic is that? Luckily, the Lodge is great too. As well as comfortable rooms, a great bar and restaurants, special facilities include a free-to-use sauna and a cinema room. Find out more about The Hotel Trubsee Alpine Lodge in Engelberg

Hotel les Balcons, La Plagne

If you’re going to stay slopeside, it’s good to be sure you’re at a snowsure altitude, and being linked in to one of the world’s three largest ski areas is a big plus point too. The Hotel les Balcons scores on both points, being right by the slopes in Belle Plagne, one of the high altitude villages in la Plagne, itself part of the giant Paradiski region shared with Les Arcs., It#’s a purpose-buiult resoprt but the hotel has been built from local wood and stone in a traditional style so is pleasing on the eye – and also on the stomach (highly regarded restaurant) and most of the rest of the body (nice indoor pool, wellness facilities and gym). Find out more about The Hotel les Balcons in La Plagne

Hotel des Dromonts, Avoriaz

If you’re going to stay slope-side in the French Alps, it’s hard to do better than Avoriaz, the country’s only truly car free resort since its inception back in the 1960s. Back then nearly all French ski holidays were in apartments and hotels were a rarity, but the Dromonts was one of the first and now, following some thorough modernisations in recent years, it’s one of a very select few French ski hotels that can claim some real heritage. It makes the most of this with its wonderful, sometimes funky, always chic, retro fittings in the bar and restaurants. The four-star hotel offers cosy rooms, spectacular views and a top notch spa. Find out more about The Hotel des Dromonts in Avoriaz

Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Are

Are has been Scandinavia’s biggest ski resort for years, it has a history dating back to the early years of snow-sports and in recent years has become a regular host of the World Alpine Skiing Championships alongside resorts like Vail, Val d’Isere, Cortina and St Moritz. But it really seemed to step up in status when the cool and trendy Copperhill Mountain Lodge opened high on the slopes near the top of the ski area. Oozing style and comfort it’s the kind of place where you immediately feel welcome, one of the family and very special, away from the crowds. Find out more about The Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Are

Hotel Snow Lodge, Courchevel 1850

Whilst some slope-side hotels have historic appeal, others are brand-spanking-new and the Hotel Snow Lodge which opened in the heart of Courchevel 1850 just a few seasons ago falls in to the latter category. It’s a huge chalet with 36 rooms and the focus on creating an intimate but friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Apart from the very comfortable rooms and public areas, the Snow Lodge’s spa area is very special, with a lot of effort put in to both the décor and the facilities which include a swimming pool with counter-current to swim against, sauna, steam room and treatment room where you can enjoy a reviving massage after another hard day on the slopes. Find out more about The Hotel Snow Lodge in Courchevel 1850

Pas du Loup, Isola 2000

For complete convenience it’s hard to beat The Pas du Loup Hotel Club, located in the centre of Isola 2000. Not only is the hotel steps from the slopes and nearest lifts, it’s also connected to the resorts indoor mall complex of shops, bars, night clubs and restaurants, so really absolutely everything you could need is very close by, and most of it (except the actual skiing) is indoors. A rarity for ski resort hotels, The Pas du Loup offers an optional ‘All Inclusive service’ which includes unlimited drinks all day along with your meal. There’s also free WIFI, a mini club for kids and an indoor pool and sauna and never forget the French Riviera is only 90 minutes away if you fancy a day trip to the Med. Find out more about The Pas du Loup in Isola 2000

Kaya Chalet Hotel, Les Menuires

The Kaya has scored highly on review sites, one of the few properties to score more stars from visitor feedback than its four star official rating. It’s a property that combines modern design with rustic style and is heavy on in-room features including minibars and iPod docks as well as flat-screen TVs and DVD players. The hotel has two excellent restaurants, a stylish lounge bar, spa with sauna and indoor pool, ski shop, a fitness centre and children’s playroom. In other words, everything you need is here – including that slope-side access. Find out more about The Kaya Chalet Hotel in Les Menuires

Chalet Paradis, La Plagne

Chalet Paradis is a fantastic chalet, situated in the centre of Belle Plagne with great access to the slopes. With a high standard of comfort, this cosy chalet is great for a ski in/ski out style accommodation which will make your holiday hassle free and easy. For a dash of luxury, Chalet Paradis is part of a complex which has access to spa facilities. So after you've hopped out your skis you can head straight for a drop of relaxation and indulgence. Find out more about Chalet Paradis.

Allodis, Meribel

Méribel is one of the most popular destinations for Brits and it has a reputation for having some of the best accommodation you’ll find anywhere. But even here there’s a hidden pecking-order and parts of the resort, notably the exclusive Belvédère area, are rated more highly than others. Here you’ll find the four-star Hotel Allodis in the perfect-in ski-out location, just across from the halfway stage of the Rhodos gondola. Built in a traditional Savoyard style the warm and welcoming Allodis boasts a Clarins spa, indoor pool and a great sun terrace among its many selling points. Find out more about The Hotel Allodis in Meribel

Maiensee, St Christoph

The Arlberg region is where downhill skiing as we know it all began and it was actually at a meeting in the little village of St Christoph, above St Anton (and with a better snow reputation than its better known neighbour) that the Arlberg Ski Club was founded more than 110 years ago. Along with some of the world’s most exciting terrain, the region is now Austria’s biggest thanks to the long-awaited (and very expensive) lift-connection between Lech and St Anton last winter. So skiing out from Hotel Mainsee there’s a lot of terrain ahead of you. Saying that you probably won’t be in a hurry to leave this beautiful traditional yet still stylish hotel in its tranquil location, conveniently next to the ski school. Along with its convenience, reputation for hospitality and great food there’s an excellent wellness area with whirlpool, saunas, steam bath and fitness room to enjoy. Find out more about The Hotel Maiensee in St Christoph

Radisson Blue Mountain Resort, Trysil

The epitome of modern day Scandinavian Chic The Radisson Blu Mountain Resort is a next generation slope-side resort in Norway’s biggest ski area. The hotel’s stylish rooms and apartments have free high-speed wifi, flat-screen televisions and lots of snug trimming, with a selection also offering stunning mountain views. Hotel facilities include two restaurants, a lobby bar and the Kulpen Spa with indoor pool, sauna, fitness area and no less than 12 treatment rooms. The hotel’s management have really tried to cover everything you might need with ski rentals and a ski shop also available on site and there’s even a charging point for your Tesla car if you happen to drive up in one! Find out more about the Radisson Blue Mountain Resort in Trysil

Chalet Sapinière, Les Menuires

The recently refurbished Chalet Sapinière is nestled just above Les Menuires and is situated within a fantastic proximity to the slopes. Just a short stroll from the chalet and you will find yourself with the three valleys slopes at your fingertips, just ready to be explored! As a great ski in/ski out accommodation option, Chalet Sapinière has spa access within the building, where a sauna and Jacuzzi can be enjoyed. Make the most of the full chalet board which includes breakfast, afternoon tea and an evening meal with wine! Find out more about Chalet Sapiniere