Five Best: Luxury Ski Chalets

Danielle Demetriou chooses the most chic mountain boltholes for après-ski indulgence

Chalet Eugenia Klosters

With its ornate wood panelling, faded tapestries and open fires, Chalet Eugenia is a sumptuous retreat. The our-floor property was the creation of Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza. It has six en-suite bedrooms, most of which have balconies with views over the Gotschna. At the heart of the house is a central pillared fireplace while a second dining room has a wood-fired oven. Guests have free access to the Vereina Spa.

Chalet Eugenia, Klosters, Switzerland (020-7384 3854; www. descent.co.uk). One week's rental - including breakfast, tea, champagne and canapés, six dinners, spirits, wine and a 4x4 - costs from £21,030.

View House Zermatt

The first residential creation of the Swiss artist Heinz Julen, View House was destined to be different. A lift cutting through the rocks leads to a colour-coded flat on each of the four floors: red, blue, green and yellow. Light timber woodwork and vast windows framing 180-degree views of the Matterhorn define the airy two-bedroom apartments. Industrial fireplaces of galvanised steel and glass reach up towards the lofty vaulted ceiling. There are splashes of a solitary colour throughout - a red sofa or a blue chair - while the walls display contemporary artwork as well as Julen's own creations.

View House, Zermatt, Switzerland (reservations through Hotel Coeur des Alpes: 00 41 27 966 4080; www.viewhouse.ch). Prices start at Sfr552 (£243), including breakfast.

Bear's Creek, Aspen

With its pointy peaked roof and grey stone walls, Bear's Creek is a Gothic-looking retreat overlooking Aspen Mountain. Decorative stone statues, dark wood furniture, vast oil paintings and subdued velvet furnishings fill the opulent four-bedroom property. A giant carved stone fireplace takes centre stage in the vaulted living room alongside an elevated dining area. On the patio, an outdoor fireplace and gourmet grill sit next to the hot tub. Numerous staff are on call - from bartender to masseuse - and Aveda products are supplied in the bathrooms. A humidor, fluffy bathrobes and wireless internet complete the hotel-style package.

Bear's Creek, Mayflower Court, Aspen, US (00 1 305 777 0146; www.villazzo.com). Seven nights' rental starts at $25,756 (£16,100).

Concept One Chamonix

There is not an inch of orange woodwork in sight at Concept One Chalet. A cascading icicle-style chandelier hangs in the open-plan living area, while modern canvases and Venetian mirrors cover the walls. Splashes of candy colour are dotted throughout, from an acid-pink bath stool to a sky-blue headboard. Candles and lavender bed linen spray ensure that Jo Malone's scent fills the air. An outdoor hot tub with views of Mont Blanc boost the relaxation quotient.

Concept One Chalet, Chamonix, France (01865 390 807; www.conceptchalets.com). One week's rental, including breakfast, high tea and dinner and chauffeurs, starts at £10,500.

Chalet Davos Val d'Isère

Hidden in the tiny, sun-drenched hamlet of Le Crêt, Chalet Davos epitomises alpine chic. The stone and slate chalet, which sleeps eight, is filled with extensive woodwork, complemented by elegant furnishings, discreet antique furniture and original artwork. The pièce de résistance is the master suite, with its four-poster bed, fireplace and private roof terrace adjoining the chalet's hot tub. For those who can bring themselves to leave, a concierge service is available.

Chalet Davos, Val d'Isère, France (0870 1123 119; www.vip-chalets.com). Seven nights costs from £678 per person, including flights from the UK, private transfers and full-board accommodation.