Mountain Village, Colorado | LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

There’s an otherworldly magic in the grandeur of the mountains as they greet you each morning, with the first rays of sunlight casting a golden glow over snow-dusted peaks. After a day spent carving through fresh powder, cheeks still flushed from the cold, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a plush sofa under a blanket, a hot drink in hand and the warm, woody scent of a crackling log fire in the air. It’s moments like these that define the perfect ski getaway—where the stunning beauty of the mountains meets the comfort and charm of your chalet, creating a space that feels like a true escape.

Interior designer Nicky Dobree, renowned for her luxury ski chalets and villas across Europe, believes the key to creating the perfect seasonal sanctuary lies in a harmonious balance of timeless elegance, rich character and ultimate comfort. “A ski chalet is not a house like any other,” she says. “It’s a refuge: an escape from the city, a place in which to commune with nature and the mountains.” 

Chamonix, France | Chamonix Sotheby’s International Realty

Authenticity is at the heart of any chalet experience. This begins with the choice of materials, such as native timber to mirror the rugged beauty of the immediate mountainous and forested environment. Dobree emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to the chalet’s origins, whether preserving existing elements or recreating them anew, saying: “I like to source local crafts and antiques to enhance that connection with the location and create a home with a sense of place.”

Haute-Nendaz, Switzerland | Cardis Immobilier Sotheby’s International Realty

The essence of a perfect winter retreat lies in the ability to truly relax and unwind. “Comfortable sofas, cashmere throws, a roaring log fire and exquisite bedding to sink into at the end of the day” are the must-haves for any ski chalet, Dobree says. Perched in Mountain Village with some of the finest views in the Telluride region, this spacious retreat stands as a highly sought-after home. The expansive living room beckons you to unwind by the fire while taking in its traditional architecture, striking log trusses and breathtaking vistas.

Mountain Village, Colorado | LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

In terms of decor, Dobree suggests bringing together textures like wool, cashmere, velvet, linen and leather to create a rich and tactile experience. Patterns, too, play a role in adding depth: tartans, woven motifs and embroidered borders evoke a sense of tradition and craftsmanship. “The richness of the interior comes from the layering of these materials combined with attention to detail,” she adds. These small touches, such as a leather trim on a cushion or a finely embroidered throw, can add warmth and sophistication to a space.

Tyrol, Austria | Austria Sotheby’s International Realty

Looking ahead, Dobree sees a shift toward more personalized, wellness-oriented chalet interiors with specialized spaces such as activity rooms and home spas. In Chamonix—the French resort at the base of Mont Blanc, famed for its skiing—Chalet Lester exemplifies this trend, boasting a fitness and relaxation room. In the Swiss village of Haute-Nendaz, part of the 4 Vallées ski resort, another magnificent chalet offers a spa area with jacuzzi. “People want to spend more time doing the things they enjoy with the people they love and incorporate wellness as part of their daily ritual,” Dobree adds. “Increasingly, modern luxury is the ability to think clearly, sleep deeply, move slowly and live quietly.”

For more homes that support wellbeing, find out about the allure of forest living

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