Every skier and snowboarder has their own snow-related bucket list. We’ve just found the ultimate experience to add to that list: sleeping in one of Switzerland’s Igloo Hotel after skiing the country’s most famous ski resorts.
The Igloo Hotels are full of igloos like you’ve never imagined them. Going way beyond blocks of snow piled on top of each other, these igloos are built with snow ploughs and manpower every winter, then decked out with LED lights, furniture, heavy duty sleeping bags and flowers, and decorated by international artists who carve the interiors to create fantasy worlds out of the snow and ice.
The igloos are then connected by tunnels to create a village that includes multiple accommodation options, a bar, a restaurant and ensuite bathrooms. All up, the whole thing takes about 3000 hours to create each season.
Worried about igloos collapsing on you in the middle of the night? Don’t be. These babies are constructed so well that in the winter, a snow groomer could drive across them without anything happening to them. Now that’s some seriously impressive igloos…
Choose from a dormitory igloo that sleeps up to six, perfect for a group; a two-person ‘Romantic’ igloo; or even the luxe couples igloo that has a private jacuzzi. Depending on location, some hotels even offer heated igloos or ‘love nest’ igloos that you can build with your partner.
When it’s time for après, the Igloo Bar serves up cheese fondue (when in Switzerland) along with mulled wine. Sign. Us. Up.
Where do I find my igloo?
Zermatt on Rotenboden at 2700m
Zermatt boasts the best views of Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn, while also offering up some of the best terrain. 360km of piste, to be precise. Oh, and igloos, these igloos.
Engelberg near Trübsee Lake at the foot of the Titlis at 1800m
Beautiful Engelberg is most well-known for the local Benedictine monastery, which was founded in 1120. With classic Swiss architecture and a beautiful ski area, it’s also the perfect place for a culturally rich and unique ski holiday while sleeping in igloos of course.
Gstaad near Saanerslochgrat at 2000m
The perfect resort for lovers of shopping, this chalet village offers up a shopping mile that attracts celebrities to this particular resort. Families will love staying in the nearby villages and skiing all 200km of the beautiful slopes. The igloo village here even has a wellness spa.
Davos-Klosters on Parsen at 2500m
This alpine playground also happens to be Europe’s highest town, offering 76 runs and a variety of terrain that’s especially geared towards the advanced skier. Make sure you warm up for this mountain – the longest run here is a leg-burning 12km! Check out your igloos here.
Stockhorn north of Erlenbach at 1600m
This beautiful region is for snowshoers looking to explore the beautiful marked trails and the wilderness. Non-skiers or snowboarders, this one’s for you.
WIN a ski holiday in Switzerland
We have an incredible prize to give away thanks to our friends at Tourism Switzerland.
You and your plus one could be schussing the slopes of the stunning Jungfrau region in the majestic Swiss Alps this northern ski season.
This prize, worth AU$1800, includes:
- 3 nights in a 4 star hotel in the Jungfrau Region (Wengen, Grindelwald, Mūrren)
- Daily breakfast buffet for two
- 4 day lift passes for two
