SKI NOTES
Courchevel’s new retreat
Courchevel addicts (with extra cash) rejoice: a fabulous new opening in 1850 is setting tongues aflutter. Le Strato has just 25 bedrooms, an 800sq m spa by Nuxe, a gastro restaurant with a famous French starred chef – and, wait for it, a a champagne bar in the ski room. Open from 10 Dec, rooms from €790 per night, www.hotelstrato.com.
Gstaad’s Grand refurb
This December, the Grand Hotel Park turns 100 and re-opens after a 10-month closure to reveal a staggering multi-million euro renovation. Wood, wood, stone and flannel define its rustic elegance. Most of the84 rooms have views of Mount Wispile and the Diablerets Glacier. The spa is second to none. Rooms from £450. www.grandhotelpark.ch +41 33 748 98 00.
Chalet Zen offers weekends
Zermatt’s swankiest chalet is now offering skiers the chance to bask in its complete luxury for long weekend breaks rather than full weeks at a time, offering two long weekends and two mid-week breaks in January 2011. Only 100m from the Klein Matterhorn lift, there’s an outdoor hot tub and more. Three day ski breaks from £750 per person. www.chalet-zen.com, +41 027 967 17 27.