There is something magical about being in a snowy paradise in the winter and it’s not necessarily due to the fun of being on the slopes. For many, these winter wonderland resorts provide beautiful scenery and the perfect place for a relaxing break and they are not interested by the highly active winter sports.
Across the Alps, there are ultimate luxury ski resorts that offer some of the best boutiques and shopping streets in Europe. It may not be what you first think of on a ski holiday but perhaps it’s time to put your skis aside and make sure you are seriously in style for the winter. From ‘shoop’ ‘shoop’ ‘shooping’ down the pistes to shop shop shopping, these four ski resorts have it all!
Courchevel 1850 has long stood as one of the most high-end luxurious resorts in the Alps. With it’s own airport right in resort, 7 two star or three star Michelin restaurants and luxury ski chalets aplenty, this resort has remained popular with the likes of royals and A-list celebrities. As a result, shopping in Courchevel 1850 is hard to compete with!
Courchevel’s shopping scene offers a vast array of big brand boutiques; Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Fendi ski and Dior ski to name just a few. A great place to start is Avenue Montagne in the Place du Tremplin, great for luxury everyday wear as well as designer ski wear. You are sure to get all you need to fit in with the Courchevel winter look!
If you are looking for a stunning luxury chalet a stone’s throw away from the shops with ski-in ski out chalet access why not consider Chalet Gentianes. A spectacular chalet, sleeping up to 16, with a fantastic spa floor and swimming pool. It is a great choice for your next luxury ski holiday.
Zermatt has a unique mountain charm all of its own. With the photogenic Matterhorn peak standing proud above the village, and characterful traditional chalets lining the winding narrow streets, it is not just the skiing on snow sure pistes that drives people to stay in Zermatt. The main Bahnhofstrasse is the hub of the town, with luxurious shops, fantastic bars and divine restaurants. Zermatt being completely car free means the peace and tranquillity of the Alps is completely un-spoilt, and with horse-drawn carriages it feels as if you have stepped back in time.
Shopping in Zermatt is a great experience for all. There are a wide range of shops with an emphasis on luxury goods, and of course being Switzerland, this includes many premier watch boutique shops. For something with a little bit of a sparkle, the Bijouterie Schindler is the perfect place to start, having an array of both Swiss watches and gemstones. For the fashionistas, take a browse in Maison Lorenz Bach, Bogner, Jetset and Moncler and the Mont Blanc store for all your high end fashion needs.
For a luxury chalet in Zermatt think no further than the Heinz Julen designed, Backstage Loft. It is a stunning catered chalet just a gentle stroll away from the centre of the village and with bespoke furniture and super sophisticated design it is sure to match your swanky street style.
The beautiful alpine village of Megeve was heavily influenced by Baroness Maurice de Rothschild who was determined to create a glamorous resort to rival all others. With shopping in Megeve being very high end and luxurious the town centre can be just as alluring as the slopes. It is great destination for the sophisticated non-skier.
As a result of the aristocratic heritage of the town, the shopping high street in Megeve was transformed to meet the luxurious and high-end market demands. The Aallard, famous for inventing stirrup ski pants in 1930 remains one of the main luxury end delights in Megeve. For luxury skiwear and cosy cashmere, the range here is sure to please. There is also the very chic Blu and Berry which offers designer labels such as Isabel Marant and Celine. The high street includes many other alpine favourites such as Moncler, United Colours of Benetton, Events by Events and Poivre Blanc.
To go with your luxury destination why not book a holiday to Chalet Deer? This fabulous chalet can sleep up to 14 guests and as chalet that is shop-in/shop-out in Megeve you have a truly enviable location. For the non-skiers, as a chalet with a superb swimming pool, wellness area outside Jacuzzi, it is sure to entertain.
As the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix has long since been a popular destination of winter holidays in the Alps. As a functioning mountain town rather than a resort, Chamonix has stunning setting and traditional charm and the shopping in Chamonix has been well established. Being a real French town there is great food and wine, a rich culture and heritage as well as beautiful boutiques, independent local stores and amazing spas and pools.
For upmarket boutiques and designer delights, Chamonix will be the perfect destination. Take a look down Rue du Docteur Paccard for a range of high-end fashion houses, such as Chanel, Lacoste, JagVi and La Canadienne. If you are looking for luxury items, there is a Swarovski for your jewellery cravings and Parfumerie Piot for your sensual scents, marvellous makeup and accessories.
Chalet Couttet would be the perfect place to stay of a luxury catered vacation to Chamonix. This wow-factor chalet has an amazing wellness area, cinema room, pool, Jacuzzi and gym and yoga studio. Being just minutes from the centre of Chamonix, there is so much you can enjoy if you didn’t fancy the pistes.
So, there we are! Surprised? I was certainly surprised to find out how great the shopping scene is in the Alps. If you are interested in what different resorts can offer for the non-skier or would like more information on the luxury shopping centres in Ski resorts, then give the Ultimate Luxury Chalets team a call on +44 1202 203653 or drop us an email.
Blue Skies Lifestyle Ltd, established in 2005, is an online luxury ski holiday agent that specialises in finding clients the perfect luxury ski chalet in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. We feature an extensive portfolio of luxury chalet accommodation and luxury ski hotels that are ideal for group and family luxury ski holidays.
