Experimental Chalet
The Swiss ski resort of Verbier might seem an unlikely spot for the Parisians behind the Experimental Group to have planted their flag, but it works. The exterior is distinctly patriotic with its red-shuttered white facade, but gives way to playful, retro interiors by Fabrizio Casiraghi that you enter through the vibey restaurant. Inside, the staff are cool and dressed in bespoke Fusalp and the cocktails are sensational.
Facilities
The hotel offers a selection of 39 rooms and suites, including adjoining rooms for families, and is complete with terraces and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. With open spaces and natural light, the comfortable, minimalist design by Milanese architect Fabrizio Casiraghi is inspired by mid-century resorts, with deep jewel and sorbet tones, and lacquered wood.
You can kick off your apres-ski on the big terrace with its sink-in, velvet sofas, or soothe any ski-weary limbs in the outdoor jacuzzi at the Biologique Recherche Spa. All before heading down to the restaurant, helmed by Gregory Marchand, to feast on cheese, charcuterie and Pinot Noirs from the Valais region.
Our Favourite
- What we love most about the Experimental Chalet is all the little details: the pre-filled hip flask in the minibar for you to take out on the mountain; the hot rum punch served in the boot room upon your return; and the fact that there is a secret passage leading from the hotel into the legendary Farm Club next door, where David Bowie once partied. In short, it is fun — just like Verbier.
Wine & Dine
- The Chalet’s Frenchie Verbier restaurant offers guests a choice of fresh, farm-to-table dining, with shareable dishes en cocotte and a dedicated French-style snack hour every afternoon, perfect for hungry kids.
Dresscode
- Fusalp to hit the slopes.
Budget
- Rooms start at CHF 345 per night.
The Destination
- During the day, life centres around skiing and snowboarding. There are 410km of run across four valleys, making it the largest ski area in Switzerland, but the Verbier crowd is all about conquering its challenging black slopes and chasing powder off-piste. Standing at 1500m, Verbier is a very safe bet for winter.
Activities
- Verbier in Les 4 Vallées offers more than 400km of groomed piste. The resort’s reputation as a free rider’s paradise is well known around the world– Verbier has some of the best lift-served off-piste in the Alps.
- Experimental Chalet offers a range of activities and diversions, from skiing with a pro champion and flying with a birdwoman to a memorable helicopter experience.
Sustainable Efforts
- For years advanced skiers have loved the way Verbier’s lift system can deposit them at the top of three separate mountains, each with scintillating off-piste terrain. The fact that these lifts are powered by 100 percent renewable electricity deepens the allure. The journey there can be flight-free too: ten hours and three changes of train bring you from London to Le Châble — where you jump on a gondola up to the resort.
Local Restaurants
- Try Chez Dany, a classic mountain hut on the slopes with a terrace and hearty swiss cuisine.
- For a fine-dining experience, book a table at La Grange.
Dancing
- Farm Club in the hotel, an iconic institution founded in 1971. Elegant, intimate, and quirky, the legendary nightclub of the Swiss Alps has stood the test of time with its iconic atmosphere. The Farm Club has always been a favorite with its international epicurean clientele.
When to Go
- Best skiing months are from January until March.
How to Get There
- The nearest airport is Sion, which can be reached directly from London’s City and Heathrow airports. But there’s only one flight a week, though, so most people fly into Geneva (three hour drive) instead. The hotel can arrange transfers.