In our second guest blog from Bramble Ski, the Bramble team share their luxurious take on après ski in Verbier and Zermatt:
“Imagine you’ve just arrived back to your luxury chalet from a day of adventure and learning new skills with your world class ES instructor. The fire is roaring, your five-star chef is preparing an exquisite dinner and seamlessly working together with your attentive host to ensure everything is taken care of. It is time to unwind in style. But how best to do so and make the most of all that time?
There is a lot to be said for a traditional après ski session, after all, what’s not to love about hitting the hip, sophisticated bars of Verbier and Zermatt, dancing your ski socks off to live music, sipping cocktails and local beers before racing back to the chalet. However, gone are the days of this being the only option.
Here’s our definitive list of activities that we think give a whole new meaning to those time-honoured après hours…
Massage
Skiing and snowboarding use very specific muscles which often don’t get called upon in our daily lives. Whether it’s your first week on the pistes and you’re learning to ski or you are honing your technique off-piste, you can be left feeling a little sore. Luckily, we know the best masseuses and physios in Verbier and Zermatt, who know exactly how help ease your tired muscles after a day on the mountain. They will even come and massage you in your chalet so you can be recovered and ready for the next day.
Beauty Treatment, Anyone?
A time for re-newel, those glorious hours between skiing and dinner can be ideal for investing in some post-ski self-care. Let us organise for a beautician or hairdresser to come to your chalet and help you to feel totally fabulous and ready for the evening ahead.
Art Classes
The peaceful hours between skiing and dinner can be the ideal time to learn a new skill or rekindle a previous passion. The incredibly talented artist Molly Goodens runs group workshops throughout the winter season at Le Bec. Workshops include printed Christmas cards, lino printing, acrylic painting and charcoal drawing. She also offers art workshops in the comfort of your chalet. From drawing to painting and printing to sculpture, they are a fabulous family activity and suitable for all groups. Private workshops can also be tailored specifically to children – the ideal activity between ski school and the evening meal.
Yoga
The benefits of yoga are far reaching. Stretching and core strengthening exercises post-ski have been proven to help shorten recovery time and improve performance. The pranayama (or breathing techniques to you and me) can work wonders for the nervous system and the philosophy can provide a new perspective. Verbier’s experienced Wholey Cow yoga teachers and Zermatt’s Massage Centre both employ yoga teachers who are able to travel to your chalet with all the equipment you will need and offer fun, personally tailored classes to suit all abilities.
Swimming
After spending the day on the slopes what better way to relax and recover by taking a gentle swim in one of Verbier’s most spectacular private pools. Chalet Sagamartha’s sensational pool has jaw-dropping panoramic views of the mountains, while a casual swim will provide the added benefit of easing those tired muscles. And as if we needed any more convincing, a swimming pool can provide hours of fun for water-loving children!
Double Bubbles
Enjoy a swanky sundowner in your own private outdoor hot tub overlooking the mountains. One of the ultimate après experiences, drink in the fresh mountain air while sipping on your favourite post ski-drink and indulging in a rejuvenating soak in glorious Alpine surroundings.
Try the Bramble Cinema Experience
Chill out with Netflix and Apple TV’s latest releases. Catch up with that series you have always be meaning to watch or enjoy a family film with all the ambiance of a cinema. An added bonus of an in-chalet cinema are the special snacks that will be on offer. Relax with some delicious homemade afternoon tea treats or popcorn and order a special hot chocolate or aperitif prepared lovingly by your Bramble ski host.
Relaxation is defined by not having to overdo or over-think your time away. Alpine holidays are the time for renewal and rejuvenation. Whether that’s through learning a new skill, having fun with friends or taking a few quiet moments to do well, absolutely nothing, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Verbier and Zermatt after a day in the mountains. Together with ES, Bramble Ski is here to help you organise a holiday that will give you and your family the ultimate luxury of experiencing more of what you love.”
