Five places off the slopes
Anyone who has had enough of the alpine ski circuit will be delighted with this handpicked selection of five sustainable accommodations. These five off-piste spots show that there are great, eco-conscious alternatives to skiing and snowboarding that are worth exploring. It doesn't matter whether it's a snowshoe tour, cross-country skiing, ice climbing or tobogganing - after enough exercise in the crystal-clear, fresh air, you can wonderfully wind down and relax in these sustainable winter paradises. This is also ensured by a choice of sauna, jacuzzi, hammam, massage and other relaxation options on site. Have fun discovering these five off-piste locations!
1. Excellent food and tailor-made mountain tours at "Locanda Mistral"
Surrounded by the impressive mountain landscape of Piedmont is the family-run "Locanda Mistral“ in the Maira Valley. The valley is one of the most beautiful and most original valleys of the Alps and is run with great passion by Manuela and Renato. While Manuela spoils the guests as the head chef of the in-house restaurant, Renato – an experienced mountain guide – is happy to take you on individual excursions on request.
Go on a very special winter excursion with the mountain guide Renato
While in summer he likes to climb rocky cliffs, in winter you can discover the area with him on snowshoes and skis. Renato knows the area and the people and guides guests to the most fascinating landscapes of the region. In the "Locanda Mistral" there is also a well-chosen library for planning further excursions and activities. When planning the day, you should definitely consider going to your own sauna, which is in the large garden and relaxes tired muscles.
In the meantime, you can indulge in culinary delights in the hotel's own restaurant, where Manuela reinterprets local specialities. Above all, food of organic quality and from our own garden is used. Half-board is included in the room price, so you can definitely taste the delicacies of the house during your stay here.
Double rooms from 168 euros per night.
2. Enjoy generous hours of sunshine at one of the loveliest spots in the Engadine in the "Acla Muragl".
The organic farmAcla Muraglis also family run. Strictly speaking, the inn and farm from 1900 has been in the hands of the family for three generations. Most recently, in 2011, the farm was extensively renovated according to ecological aspects. Thanks to the south orientation of the house, you can enjoy a great view of the majestic mountains of the Upper Engadine from the holiday apartment.
On a total of 90 square meters, the bright and modern apartment offers three bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen and a bathroom. You can let off steam to your heart's content in the well-equipped eat-in kitchen with oven, glass stove and dishwasher. If you are still missing ingredients for cooking, you can get supplies in the farm shop of the house. Here you can buy a fine selection of organic products from the farm.
From cross-country skiing to ice climbing to hammam treatments - numerous winter activities in the region
Well-fortified, you can then set off to undertake one of the many activities in the area. Cross-country trails start right outside the front door, so you can immediately plunge into cross-country skiing fun. In winter there are also ski tours, ice climbing, carriage rides, wonderful winter hikes and snowshoe tours. There is no shortage of wellbeing offers here either: in the neighboring villages of St. Moritz, Pontresina and Samaden there are excellent public baths including a spa, sauna, hammam, massage and other cosmetic treatments.
Apartment from 140 euros per night.
3. Really come down again in the “berge” guest house
Located at the foot of the majestic Kampenwand in the Chiemgau, is the traditional, 350-year-old guest house "berge“. There are a total of 17 individually designed apartments for two to a maximum of six people. The minimalist furnishing style of the apartments helps to focus on the essentials again.
Try living surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the Moorman design world
The holiday apartments are all equipped with modern designer furniture by Nils Holger Moormann. At the same time, where possible, old parts of the wall, original wooden beams and floorboards are reminiscent of the history of the house. In combination, this results in a great contrast, which has been awarded numerous design prizes since the opening of the house.
The "berge" is located away from the large tourist areas at the foot of the Kampenwand and offers great excursion destinations all year round. In summer, leisurely alpine hikes, high-alpine climbing tours and impressive moor walks in nature lure you. In winter, on the other hand, a visit to Hohenaschau Castle is just as impressive as a ski tour in the powder-white surroundings.
Suite from 150 euros per night.
4. Only a few minutes' drive from the nearest ski area: The "Bohemian Cottage"
The "Bohemian cottage“ is an original house from the 19th century, which was recently extensively renovated and expanded to include a wellness area. There are four holiday apartments and a tiny house here, which can also be rented as a group accommodation and then offer a total of 19 beds. In the communal kitchen you can then get creative in large groups. If you don't feel like cooking, you can let yourself be pampered with the vegetarian-vegan full board.
This leaves more time at the end to explore the beautiful surroundings of Bohemian Switzerland. The nearest ski area is only a ten-minute drive from the cottage, making it perfect for all winter sports lovers. If you are traveling with little luggage, you can rent snowshoes and skis from the house for the duration of your stay.
Anyone looking for relaxation will find it in the newly created wellness area
In the new wellness area there is a sauna, jacuzzi and the possibility to book massage units. The wellbeing offer is rounded off by Irena's yoga classes, which take place in the small hall of the cottage. If you want, you can also book courses in creating your own medicine chest, aromatherapy and medicinal herbs. As a trained pharmacist, she is only too happy to pass on her valuable knowledge of dealing with nature to her guests.
Apartment from 90 euros per night.
5. Immerse yourself in the rural way of life in the elegant and simple "Zum Hirschen"
The inn "Zum Hirschen“ is located in the equally tranquil and idyllic-sounding mountain village “Unsere Liebe Frau im Walde”. The former hostel for pilgrims has meanwhile blossomed into a true refuge in the mountains, where clear, contemporary architecture meets historical building fabric. The inn hotel has 25 rooms and a restaurant serving fine South Tyrolean cuisine.
Sophisticated South Tyrolean cuisine based on the Slow Food principle
The food is cooked according to Slow Food principles and the approaches of Hildegard von Bingen and herbalist Weidinger. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are also offered and attention is also paid to special intolerances, so you don't have to worry about going to bed hungry here.
After a good night's sleep and a good breakfast made from local ingredients, you can get out into the fresh air. There are a variety of outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, ski tours, tobogganing in winter and mountain and canyon hikes, mountain bike tours, forest bathing and kayaking tours in summer. With its wide range of offers, a holiday in the Hirschen is ideal for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet, active holidaymakers looking for adrenaline and culinary connoisseurs.
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