Ski like an Olympian with a visit to one of these Olympic resorts

Get into the spirit of Sochi and channel the downhill champ in you with a visit to one of these spectacular alpine resorts, including the home of the Winter Olympics, Chamonix.

Hakuba, Japan

For an alpine getaway a little further afield, head to Hakuba in the breathtaking Northern Japanese Alps. This area played host to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, where snowboarding, women’s ice hockey and curling were introduced for the first time. This vast ski area is comprised of nine different resorts and provides some of the best skiing in Japan. Winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world are drawn to Hakuba for its abundant snowfall, exceptional powder conditions, great après scene, Japanese hot springs, and some of the best cuisine around.

Chalet One Wadano is a superb glass-fronted mountain residence with great views over the Japanese forest which surrounds it. The main living area, which oozes contemporary chic, is open plan and there is also a games room, private Japanese Onsen, sauna and state-of-the-art gym. One Wadano sleeps up to ten in four large bedrooms, three of which are doubles; the other is made up with bunk beds. Prices start from 95,000 YEN per night including taxes and service charges (approximately £560 per night).

Chamonix, France

Chamonix Mont Blanc is widely hailed as the Alpine capital of the World; it is, after all, where the first Winter Olympics were held in 1924. Renowned for its deep snow, steep terrain and phenomenal Mont Blanc views, this resort is definitely one for hardcore skiers and snowboarders. The lively streets offer a colourful mix of shops, restaurants and bars and every Saturday there is an outdoor market. Whilst you’re here, why not visit the new glass viewing box at 3,842m on the Aiguille du Midi peak? It offers truly spectacular 360o views of the Mont Blanc Massif mountain range.

Alpine Guru has 20 luxury alpine chalets to choose from here. Perfect for small families or couples, Chalet Baby Bear is a real alpine gem. This romantic property has a cosy ambiance and is finished to the highest of standards. The chalet has an open plan living area, two en-suite bedrooms and an outdoor terrace and hot tub. Prices start from £3,950 per week. This includes return airport transfers from Geneva, an in resort driver, daily housekeeping, chef and concierge.

For a luxurious and relaxing alpine getaway, stay at the fabulous Chalet Baloo. This charming renovated farmhouse in Les Bossons sleeps ten guests in five spacious bedrooms and also has a cinema room, large living area and wine cellar. Its pièce de résistance is its private spa with an outdoor heated plunge pool, sauna and steam room. Prices start from £11,310 per week. This includes return airport transfers from Geneva, an in resort driver, daily housekeeping, chef and concierge.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1928 and 1948. With its high altitude, good snow and mesmerizing views, it’s easy to see why people continue to flock to this glitzy resort. With its extensive intermediate slopes, St. Moritz is good for families, and for future Olympians looking for a challenge, there is an incredible terrain park on Corviglia.
Why not enjoy a stay at Chalet Chesetta, a stylish chalet in Silvaplana, just three kilometres from St. Moritz? There are seven bedrooms, all boasting spectacular views, and there is also a sauna, steam room, hammam and private gym. Chesetta sleeps 12 and prices start from CHF 50,000 per week. This includes a luxury catered service.

Albertville Olympics: Courchevel, Méribel, Val d’Isère and Tignes; France

The Albertville Olympics in 1992 took place across a number of resorts including Courchevel, Méribel, Val d’Isère and Tignes; Albertville only hosted 18 out of the 57 events. Courchevel and Méribel form part of the Trois Vallées ski area. With their extensive and varied slopes, impressive snow-making and good lift systems, it’s obvious why they remain firm favourites with skiers everywhere. Val d’Isère and Tignes also share a ski area, which is one of the most snow reliable destinations in the Alps.
In Courchevel, stay in Chalet Samarra. Situated in Courchevel 1550, Samarra is one of the most luxurious eco-friendly chalets in the Alps. There’s enough space for ten with five bedrooms, and guests can spend their evenings relaxing in the indoor spa. Prices start from €6,300 per week. This includes breakfast and a mid-week/end of stay clean.

In Méribel, be the envy of your friends by staying in the legendary Chalet Aurore. This chalet fuses contemporary and traditional features to create the ultimate alpine sanctuary. Aurore has a pool overlooking the valley, an outdoor hot tub, sauna, massage room, and an extensive wine cellar. The chalet also has a chic home cinema room with a pool table, and there are five en-suite bedrooms with balconies, sleeping ten. For larger groups, adjoining Chalet Boréale can be booked to create one super chalet for up to 22. Alpine living doesn’t get more fabulous than this! Prices for Chalets Aurore and Boreale start from £10,200 per property per week, which includes a catered service with driver, or both properties can be rented together starting from £19,380 per week.

With over 25 properties in Val d’Isère, Alpine Guru has something for everyone. Chalet Black Pearl, designed by Philippe Capezzone, is located just ten minutes’ walk, or a one minute drive from the town centre. It’s a pristine chalet which carefully balances the traditional, through the use of local stone and woodwork panelling, with the contemporary, through its furnishings. Black Pearl sleeps ten guests in five spacious en-suite bedrooms and there is also a sun-trap terrace and private spa with an indoor swimming pool. Prices start from €16,000 per week, which includes a chef, housekeeping and a local area driver service.

In neighboring Tignes, stay at the fabulous Chalet de la Cloche, a perfect balance of medieval charm and alpine chic. Located in the peaceful, Tignes Les Bévières, this chalet sleeps up to 16. There’s room for 12 guests in six en-suite bedrooms, and an apartment which sleeps four can be rented at an additional cost. Relax in the cozy living room or gaze out to the mountains from the outdoor hot tub after a long day’s skiing. Prices start from £9,000 per week for 12 or £11,500 for 16. The service includes a concierge, a catered service and an in resort driver.

For more information or to book a chalet, visit www.alpineguru.com.