10-11_Life Begins 22/11/2013 12:37 Page 2
travel
or luxury lovers
Tom Collins discovers St Anton, in
Austria, is not just for party animals
Historically a haven for hard-partying skiers, St Anton, in
the Austrian Tyrol, has had something of a reinvention as
a high-end winter destination, with the stunning Hotel
Montjola leading the way. This hillside hotel dates back to the
1930s, and has been given a comprehensive upgrade, breathing new life into a once tiredlooking building, to create a luxurious venue that’s a perfect base from which to explore St
Anton’s challenging slopes.
On arrival, I’m greeted by a warm, cosy reception and bar area, which typifies the owners’
attempts to maintain a traditional feel. But I’m pleased to discover the hotel has chosen to
blend old with new, and that rooms have been kitted out with all the latest mod-cons.
A luxurious spa is the perfect place to relax after a hard day on the slopes, with a sauna,
steam room and massages all on hand to ease those aching muscles - not to mention the
all-important outdoor hot tubs! There’s something extra special about sinking into a
bubbling Jacuzzi in minus 10C air temperatures with snow falling all around you.
Five minutes away from the resort centre, some guests
will prefer a short walk from the hotel down into St
Anton to begin their day’s skiing. But those who want
to conserve energy can use the hotel’s complimentary
shuttle bus. Thanks to hotels like Montjola, St Anton
really does seem to be going up in the world. Anyone
who loves skiing in the lap of luxury will find all they
need right here.
s
sy
siere
ch resort of La Ro
The charming Fren
r Chris Parker
is a real surprise fo
been access to 90 miles of terrain,
suitable for all abilities. The two-milelong Berthod run in La Thuile, regarded
as one of the world’s most spectacular,
has hosted European and World Cup
races, and is a must for expert skiers.
But unlike neighbouring Les Arcs and Val
d’Isere, it’s generally quiet on the lifts and
slopes, even in peak season.
se
m
as
VIP SKI (www.vip-c
halets.com; 0844 55
7
3119) offers seven
nights at Hotel
Montjola from £899
per person (two
sharing), including
flights from London
Gatwick or Manche
ster to Innsbruck,
transfers and half-bo
ard accommodation
.
As we make our way back across the
border, the clouds begins to part, the
wind drops, and we ski back into brilliant
sunshine with spectacular views of Mont
Blanc. Our expert instructor Simon
Atkinson explains the two resorts have
their own micro-climates. So if it’s
snowing in La Thuile, there is a good
chance it will be sunny in the southfacing La Rosiere.
Our accommodation is the stylish
Residence Les Cimes Blanches in Les
Eucherts, which has a swimming pool,
steam rooms and saunas. The tastefully-
styled chalets, the
largest of which can accommodate up to
12 guests, are all at the foot of the slopes,
allowing you to ski in and ski out.
Nearby there are restaurants, bars, a
supermarket, bowling alley, i