Das Posthotel

In the course of a top-to-bottom renovation in 2014, Das Posthotel’s proprietors took it upon themselves to reinvent this onetime post-war inn as a hyper-ecological, boutique ski lodge. Their abiding principles are most evident in the predominant material: locally sourced timber (spruce, oak, and Swiss pine) in all its untreated, beautifully knotted glory. And indeed it’s a sight to behold, especially after hours of hard going on the blindingly white slopes; it doesn’t take you long to appreciate the warmth and downright coziness it evokes. Of course, that’s always been somewhat true of your classic Tyrol lodge — it’s practically law by this point to adhere to the period-piece formula with kitschy hunting trophies, faded photos of leathery climbing pioneers, and oversize armchairs by a roaring fireplace. Das PostHotel’s appeal lies in treating the past as a solid foundation rather than a crutch.

It’s all about the wood. The 70 rooms, almost entirely suites and apartments, thrive on a harmonious balance between polished grain in the cabinetry, headboard, and parquet flooring. And really, there’s no better surface to capture and amplify the glow of the hotel’s many whimsical lamps; the whole property, especially the public areas, positively glows. Wood’s also quite lovely as a counterpoint to the ample mountain light, as all rooms are oriented towards either the sunrise or sunset through suitably panoramic windows. The spare design continues in the spacious, furnished balconies; dusty, imperious taxidermy gives way to charming antler arrangements atop mantles, on countertops, and twined around light fixtures. Indoors, thankfully, they don’t keep things militantly naturalist. Flatscreens, complimentary wi-fi, and Senseo coffee machines maintain a foothold in contemporary comfort, not to mention the SuitePad, a station with daily newspapers, movies, and games.

There’s no restaurant, but the complimentary breakfast and optional fridge-stocking (for a fee) provide decent sustenance nonetheless. Besides, you won’t lack for fine dining options within walking distance. You can even “book a cook,” as they say, for in-room epicurianism; the kitchenettes include stovetops, kettles, dishwashers, and a knife block, a welcome change from certain looser interpretations of the word. True hedonists will appreciate the pillow menu — by now probably a bona fide alpine trend — as well as the bathrooms’ whirlpool tubs, roomy showers, and Natural Beauties amenities.

Das Posthotel gets quite a lot right, and even in its innovations never fully abandons all the little perfections that elevate the classic lodge experience. The ski room is perfect for shucking off your equipment (there’s even a boot warmer), and right next door are five well-appointed saunas and Das Posthotel Boutique Spa. Sufficiently limbered, you might feel up for a swim in the heated outdoor pool, or you could saunter into the lounge for fine cognacs or whiskies next to the open fire. Hell, you might even crack open one of the hotel’s many books — look at that, another fine wood product.