The Big Six: Chic ski chalets

Hidden Dragon, Valais

Cool and tranquil: Feng Shui and Shinto-Buddhist principles have influenced the design – and location – of this sleek lodge hidden among pine trees at the end of a winding lane. The owners are half-Japanese – so no cuckoo clocks or cowbells, just oriental style melded with antique chests and Fifties "Rocket" chairs. Rooms are named after celestial animals, such as the snow lion and the black turtle.

Hidden Dragon, Veysonnaz 1993, Valais, Switzerland (0845 505 0251; hidden-dragon.com). Weekly catered rental starts at Sfr 30,000 (£19,230) for 12 guests.

Chalet Floralie, St Martin de Belleville

In the chocolate-box pretty Savoyard village of St Martin de Belleville, Chalet Floralie is rustic-chic with a contemporary edge. A London-based interior designer was shipped in over the summer to jazz it up with chocolates and taupes and big squishy sofas. The penthouse – which can also be rented separately for four – has a lighter feel, with limed woodwork and creamy tones.

Chalet Floralie, St Martin de Belleville, Trois Vallées, France (01243 575 507; skifloralie.com). Weekly catered rental starts at £12,800 per week for 18 guests, including penthouse or £2,400 for the penthouse self-catered.

Ferme de Moudon, Les Gets

Kevin McCloud was wowed by interior designer Nicky Dobree's chalet, Ferme de Moudon, exclaiming that it was "like something from a James Bond set" when it featured on Grand Designs in 2004. The 17th-century Savoyard farmhouse set a new benchmark for chalet design with its rough timber pillars juxtaposed with sleek inset fireplaces, accented with earthy colours and cashmere throws. This year, Nicky is introducing a bespoke rucksack designed by Nicky and Bill Amberg and a downtime cashmere range to be worn after skiing.

Ferme de Moudon, Les Gets, France (020 7627 0469; fermedemoudon.com). Weekly catered rental starts at £10,000 for 10 guests.

No 14, Verbier

Due to open this December, No 14 will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary design and custom-made furniture. Cool grey stone will be the backdrop to the spa with a 10m pool, steam room and Jacuzzi. Plus there will be an outside hot tub, cinema, games room, library and bar.

No 14, Rue de la Velle, Verbier, Switzerland (01608 674011; verbierexclusive.com). Weekly catered rental starts at £32,500 for 28 guests.

Artemis, St Anton

This outlandish quasi-hexagonal four-storey wooden chalet has the wow factor inside and out. Expect hi-tech gizmos, a cinema, wet room, sauna, steam room, massage room, indoor pool and an indoor/outdoor hot tub.

Chalet Artemis, St Anton, Austria (020-8682 5400; scottdunn.com). Sleeps 12. Prices start at £2,145 per person for seven nights' catered accommodation with club-class flights from London.

Chalet des Drus, Chamonix

Cowhide-trimmed bath and basins is just one of the striking features at Chalet des Drus. Other eye-catchers include a slate dining table, orange leather Hermès dining chairs, a dramatic fireplace, home cinema, glass staircase, original art and designer rugs.

Chalet des Drus, Les Bois, Chamonix, France (00 33 4 50 53 48 86; hipchalets.com). Weekly catered rental from €22,900 for 14 guests.