Boost the luxe factor of your next Australian snow holiday by renting a ski-in/ski-out chalet. Jennifer Ennion explains how.
Spa baths, stone fireplaces, plush rugs, snow on your doorstep – and the best bit? You don’t have to share it with hordes of other snow bunnies. Renting your own ski-in/ski-out chalet also means there’s no traipsing down icy pathways to the chairlift every morning, and you can forget about having to drive in snowy conditions and pull on ski boots in parking lots. Many chalets also come with private saunas, modern kitchens and plenty of space to spread out, making them a cut above your average hotel room. Hiring a chalet is easy, too. Specialist websites and reservation teams take care of the hard work so all you have to do is find the right place (and resort) to suit your snow-holiday style. To help you get started, here’s our pick of the very best ski-in/ski-out chalets in Australia.
Mt Buller Beauty
It’s one of Australia’s most luxurious ski-in/ski-out chalets, with stunning views across Delatite Valley and a snowball’s throw from a chairlift. AMO Lodge, in Victoria’s Mt Buller, has it all: stylish kitchen, comfortable lounge, open fireplace and chic furnishings. If you’re after Scandinavian luxe, AMO Lodge does it well. Think leather armchairs, cowhide rugs, reading nooks, deer-antler chandeliers, and a beautiful stone and timber facade that will impress upon arrival. The chalet comfortably caters for 12 guests, with six bedrooms (each with an ensuite and one with a spa bath), a sauna, three TV areas, and one car space. It’s also close to top restaurants, bars and the ski school. Simply click into your skis and start your day schussing down the intermediate Shakey Knees run to explore the resort’s northern slopes.
High-end Hotham
The Blowhard Hotham Heights Chalet, smack bang on Basin ski run and next to Village Chair is touted as a “resort within a resort”. This architecturally designed chalet caters for 12 people over multiple split levels, meaning there is plenty of space to enjoy time out from the rest of your ski crew. There are four bedrooms (three with spa baths), five living areas and a large kitchen as well as a media room (which has been recently updated), sauna, stone fireplace and undercover parking. The Hotham is the only chalet in the resort with a sundeck, and even has a ‘sky bar’ – perfect for après sessions.
Falls Creek’s Finest
When it comes to ski-in/ski-out, the village of Falls Creek has it covered. Frueauf Village, in the heart of the resort, has great entry-level luxury chalets where you can start your days skiing along Ory’s Trail. Inverno Neve is the cream of the crop, with a cosy atmosphere, alpine-themed art and a gas fireplace. Comprising two apartments, linked via an internal staircase, Inverno Neve sleeps up to 14 people. There are five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two saunas and two outdoor hot tubs. There are also two full kitchens (with espresso machines) and guests receive a breakfast hamper of local gourmet goodies, including Milawa bread and Myrtleford hand-churned butter. One of the standout features of village chalets is the on-site Milch Cafe. Head there for breakfast, lunch, après cocktails or dinner (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are available).
A Thredbo Favourite
Forget the drive from Jindabyne every morning and reserve a prime position at Thredbo Alpine Village. For ski-in/ski-out accommodation, you can’t look past the Crackenback Ridge chalets running along the edge of Thredbo’s most popular slope, the Supertrail. The pick of the bunch is 4 Bed Slope Side, which sleeps up to eight people, has four bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, an open-plan living area, and two car spaces. Keep warm beside the gas fireplace, and rest weary thighs in the steam room and large Jacuzzi that overlooks the slopes. There is also a balcony with a barbecue for those bluebird days, and when you want a night off from cooking, you’re just five minutes’ walk from the resort’s best restaurants.