A centuries-old larch-beam chalet is a lovely thing on its own. Add a solar-powered hot tub steaming on the terrace, a subterranean spa carved into the mountain, and a raclette waiting after a day on the slopes, and you have Switzerland's current sweet spot: heritage alpine charm with genuinely modern comfort. Condé Nast Traveller UK has pulled together its pick of the country's best chalets for the 2026 season, and the shortlist doubles as a good guide to where to base yourself this winter.
Its headline picks are split by traveller type. Couples get Le Grenier d'Isabelle, a converted grain store hidden high above the Val d'Anniviers in the Valais — a quiet, remote valley that flies under the radar compared with the big-name resorts. Families are pointed to Summit & Embers in Verbier, while larger groups have Chalet Grand Coeur, also in Verbier, the famous Four Valleys resort known for its steep terrain and buzzy après-ski scene.
Design lovers get a stylish eco chalet in Parc Ela, Switzerland's largest nature park in the Graubünden region — think sustainable build rather than chintzy timber overload. And if the view is the whole point, the editors recommend a classical Swiss chalet in Hünibach, on the banks of Lake Thun near Interlaken, where you trade ski-in access for still water and mountain reflections.
What marks this generation of chalets out is how far they've moved on from the rustic cliché. Original stone fireplaces and old beams now sit alongside sleek black metal fixtures, designer kitchens and spas that rival boutique hotels — some with sprawling underground wellness floors. In Verbier, some options are full-blown penthouses with views over the Place Centrale, putting you steps from the resort's restaurants and bars.
Who is this for? Anyone planning a 2026 ski break who wants the space and privacy of a private home — your own living room, hot tub and dinner table — without giving up hotel-level polish. Groups splitting costs often find a big chalet works out better value than several hotel rooms, and self-catering with a mountain view beats a buffet any evening. The list leans on vetted hosting credentials, guest reviews and ratings, so it's a useful starting point rather than a fantasy wish list. Just note it's a curated edit of individual listings rather than a single booking platform, so expect to check availability and book directly.
