Spring Ski Escapes with Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ As Heavy Snow Fall Continues Across Europe

 Weakening Euro Makes This A Great Time For American
Travellers To Take Advantage of SLH European Ski Packages Through Easter

19^th February 2009: Don’t put those skis away just yet!  With record snow falls in Europe this year and still a few key months remaining of the ski season, it’s a fantastic time to hit the slopes and make the most of some of the best skiing conditions Europe has witnessed in years.   In fact, a number of resorts are extending their season into Easter because the snow forecast is so good.

With nearly 15 ski properties in some of Europe’s most stunning ski resorts, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) offers ski fanatics an amazing range of options - from chic, contemporary lodges to cosy Alpine chalets.  Combine this with unparalleled levels of service, extreme comfort, rejuvenating spa treatments and fantastic gourmet experiences and you have the perfect setting for a last minute ski getaway.  Reservations for any one of SLH’s ski properties can be made via the USA toll-free number 1-800-525-4800 or via www.slh.com

Here is just a sample of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s European ski properties where you are guaranteed fantastic ski conditions over the next few months:

Kristiania Lech (www.slh.com/kristiania) in the Arlberg region of the Austrian Alps is a hilltop ski retreat situated in a picturesque alpine village, just steps away from the buzz and excitement of the charming resort town of Lech.  The Arlberg region currently has over a 90cm base of snow at mid-mountain and has been blessed with over 270cm of snow so far this year – and continuous snow fall over the last two weeks.  With a combination of great snow and fantastic weather conditions still predicted for early spring, there couldn’t be a better time to experience Kristiania Lech.  The crowds will have thinned and so you will be able to make the most of the 275km of impeccably groomed slopes, which are served by high-speed chairlifts; while the sun-drenched terraces make the perfect resting spot in the afternoon.  

Enjoy a seven-night stay at Kristiania Lech, with a guaranteed upgrade to a deluxe room or a Junior Suite (if available). Also included is a six-day ski pass, which will provide you with the chance to make the most of the first-rate Alpine slopes. In addition to a complimentary bottle of Austrian wine and a fruit tray, you will receive daily breakfast and a five-course gourmet dinner each evening. A 30-minute massage will help ease tired limbs after a day on the slopes. Package prices start from Euro 3,290.00 per room per seven night stay (inclusive of tax and service), valid until 20^th April 2009.

In the Salzburg Alps near the town of Bad Gastein in Austria is Hoteldorf Grüner Baum  (www.slh.com/grunerbaum), which is experiencing some of the best snow conditions in years, with heavy snow fall continuing this week.  The resort currently has 40cm base of snow at the bottom of the mountain, 170cm mid-mountain and over 220cm snow so far this year.  The region’s ski facilities have also just benefited from a Euro 16.8 million investment, which includes an eight-seater gondola lift, a new black run, a new red run and a blue run for less advanced skiers.  The resort is also the perfect retreat after an exhausting day on the slopes because, interestingly, the town’s waters are known to have special curative properties, which weary skiers will be delighted to hear relieve sore muscles and significantly improve circulation!

Hoteldorf Grüner Baum is offering a ‘Cool Winter Magic’ package, which includes seven nights accommodation and a five day ski pass which will give you access to the to the entire Ski World Amadé. Daily breakfast and a gourmet dinner each evening are also included, as well as a welcome cocktail and a gala dinner on one of the evenings. After an exhilarating day on the slopes return to the hotel for a rejuvenating underwater massage, which is also part of the package.  Package prices start from Euro 1,016 per room per seven night stay (inclusive of tax and service), valid until 31^st March 2009.

Just a few kilometres from the Italian border you will find Montgenèvre, France’s oldest ski resort and home to Hotel Le Chalet Blanc (www.slh.com/hotellechaletblanc).   With snow depths of two metres and more heavy snowfall forecast in the next few weeks, skiing conditions are exceptional – in fact, the best in 30 years.  Set high in the French Alps at an altitude of 1,860 metres, Hotel Le Chalet Blanc has spectacular mountain views across 400 kilometres of pistes.  Part of the famous Milky Way circuit, the resort is perfect for every level of skiing – including off-piste excursions for the more adventurous.

Hotel Le Chalet Blanc is offering a two night package inclusive of daily breakfast and a welcome cocktail on arrival. A three-day ski pass will give you access to the slopes of the Montgenèvre ski area. A half an hour massage, followed by a gourmet dinner in Table Blanche with cuisine prepared by Chef Eric Chavot, is the perfect end to an action-packed day. Package prices start from Euro 810.00 per room per two night stay (inclusive of tax and service), valid until 30^th April 2009.

Experience chalet living at its best at Les Granges d’en Haut – Ski & Spa Retreat (www.slh.com/grangeshaut), a secluded alpine hamlet just 10 minutes from Chamonix in France.  With record snow falls over the last few months, and conditions expected to remain exceptional, many slopes have announced that they will stay open until at least 10^th May.  At the moment there is 195cm of snow at Plan Praz (2,000m altitude), 285cm of snow at Les Brochards (2,765m altitude) and 310cm of snow at Brévent (2,525m altitude).

Les Granges d’en Haut – Ski & Spa Retreat is offering seven nights in a chalet, which sleeps up to eight people. Each chalet has a spacious lounge, four double bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace, a private sauna and balcony with dramatic mountain views. Continental breakfast will be delivered to your chalet each morning after which you can make the most of your Mont Blanc Unlimited Ski Pass, which gives you access to more than 488 km of slopes in the Chamonix valley, Italy and Switzerland.  Package prices start from Euro 8,880 per chalet per seven night stay (inclusive of tax and service), valid until 27^th April 2009.

Located 400 metres above Wengen’s Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland, is Hotel Caprice (www.slh.com/caprice), a picturesque Swiss-chalet boutique retreat.   As with all European ski hotels, the conditions this season are spectacular.   The thick base of hard packed snow in Wengen is 60cm which guarantees excellent conditions until the end of the season.  This, combined with cold weather and frequent snowfall, which has kept the snow soft, makes it a skier’s dream. Another advantage is that the slopes appear to be quieter this year and so there are minimal queues at the lifts and no crowds on the slopes!

Hotel Caprice is offering a seven night ski package, which includes daily breakfast and dinner each evening. All rooms have a balcony, so you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and breathtaking alpine scenery.  A six day ski pass provides you with the opportunity to make the most of the fantastic ski terrain.  Package prices start from CHF3,300 per room per seven night stay (inclusive of tax and service), valid until 12^th April 2009.

In the heart of trendy St Moritz in Switzerland you will find The Crystal Hotel (www.slh.com/crystal).  The locals here claim that they haven’t seen so much snow since 1954 – with depths of 80cm in the valley, 130cm in the middle and 205cm in the mountains.  Cross-country conditions are also perfect.  Blue skies and glorious sunshine make this the ideal setting for a spring ski break.   There is even an option to try moonlight skiing in the Upper Engadine.

The Crystal Hotel is offering a midweek five-day getaway, where you will stay in a spacious Junior Suite with a hearty daily breakfast to set you up for the day ahead. Then after an exhilarating day on the slopes, unwind in your room with a drink from the complimentary minibar.  For the ultimate indulgence, choose from either two 25 minute back massages or one 50 minute full body massage to help revive tired muscles.  Each evening you will dine on a four-course gourmet meal in Ristorante Grissini.  Package prices start from CHF3,710 per room per five night stay (inclusive of tax
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