Huus Gstaad

With 250 kilometers of ski runs nearby, revelatory views of the Bernese Alps, and a renowned tradition of après-ski revelry, Gstaad is firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of Swiss ski culture. In fact, so rarefied are Gstaad’s high-end hotels, it’s possible to behave as if skiing is beside the point. Not at HUUS Gstaad, thankfully. This one is for the adventurers, slope-carvers, nature geeks, and wanderers-at-large, the alpinists who earn their good night’s sleep the good old-fashioned way.

That may explain the hotel’s relatively down-to-earth attitude, which strives to blur the line between indoors and out with a rustic, homespun design philosophy. Not outdated, mind you; all 136 rooms boast contemporary accents like transparent globe pendant lamps, rain showers with luxe bath amenities, sizable flatscreens, and Samsung tablets. Rather, a snug warmth infuses the plush textiles and handsome custom furnishings, an utterly welcoming hug of an aesthetic. Material comforts never stray far from functionality: the high-end backpacks and binoculars cry out to be put to use, and the Hästens mattress is at its best when you don’t oversleep.

The on-site ski school and the mountain concierge clearly indicate the main reasons for visiting, but a plethora of outdoors activities bear mention; besides such typical pursuits as mountain biking or rock-climbing, you may also want to try dogsledding or hot-air ballooning. Once you’ve worn yourself out, a series of eateries await, most with panoramic views or terrace seating available. La Vue leads the pack with seasonal fine dining, but feel free to vary the fare at La Cave for tapas in a cheekily subterranean-styled space or Fondue Chalet for, well, you get the picture. Wrap it up at the house bar, complete with a floor-to-ceiling showcase display centered around gin and whiskey, or post up in front of the lounge’s fireplace with the telescope and a hardback thriller.