The Lodge, Verbier
Virgin Snow
Sir Richard Branson’s sumptuous ski lodge can be yours this winter.
Verbier is a true skiers’ ski resort.
If you’re passionate about skiing, you’ll know it’s recognised as offering some of the world’s very best off-piste skiing, with a variety of steep slopes and varied conditions. In addition to the town itself at 1500m, you can head up to Mont Fort at 3330m, from where you can see both the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
Of course, Verbier is simply a fabulous place to be, attracting everyone from Prince Harry and the royal families of Sweden and Denmark, to Diana Ross, James Blunt and Lawrence Dallaglio.
And indeed Sir Richard Branson, who loved the place so much he bought it – well, at least a magnificent piece of real estate called the Verbier Lodge.
The Verbier Lodge is a breathtaking nine bedroomed residence, and whether you’re a serious skier, a party animal, or both, it may just be time to gather together 18 of your very favourite people for a memorable stay.
Situated on a quiet road just 250m from the main ski lifts and backing onto one of the returning pistes, The Lodge could not be better located for the ultimate skiing experience.
The inside story
Inside, The Verbier Lodge is the very essence of a perfect ski lodge: warm, snug and beautifully conceived and designed to give your party a truly memorable stay.
The dining and living areas set the tone: spacious and welcoming, they’re the scene for many a long evening with good company, log fires and steaming plates of hearty food. Large glass windows give incredible views over the Alpine landscape.
Then there’s a party room where you can also shoot pool or watch a movie. There’s a 9m indoor heated pool, and a large 12-person Jacuzzi where you can soothe aching limbs that have been shocked into action on the slopes.
There’s a steam room where you can purify the pores, and a well-equipped gym to galvanise the muscles. There’s a treadmill, bike, cross-trainer and free weights station, with a plasma screen TV, DVD player and music system to keep you entertained.
Or, after an active day on the slopes or hiking in the mountains, there’s the Virgin Touch Spa in the capable hands of a resident beauty therapist.
Of course, Verbier is also an idyllic Alpine summer escape. So when the snow goes, the town turns to a host of other pleasures. There’s a great sports centre with large indoor and outdoor swimming pools, biking and hiking, squash and tennis, numerous golf courses and even a professional covered ice rink.
