The Big Six: Luxury ski hotels

Altapura, Val Thorens

Hoteliers Nicholas and Jean-Louis Sibuet have opted for a distinctly modern aesthetic at Altapura, which opened last month in Europe's highest ski resort, Val Thorens. Perched at the heady altitude of 2,300m in the snow-sure surroundings of the Trois Vallées, the 88-room ski-in, ski-out property has three restaurants, two bars, a signature Pure Altitude Spa and a ski shop presided over by former Olympic Champion, Maria Goitschel.

Altapura, Val Thorens, France (00 33 4 57 74 74 74; altapura.fr). Double rooms start at €240, including breakfast.

Nira Alpina, Silvaplana

Close to the ritzy ski resort of St Moritz, this new hotel offers 70 contemporary rooms and an authentic Swiss restaurant serving classic dishes such as fondue and raclette. It has views of Lake Silvaplana outside, plus a spa, library, rooftop bar and an on-site bakery which produces fresh bread and pastries. A cable car whisks guests up to the 3,300m-high Corvatsch ski area, which offers access to more than 120km downhill and 180km cross-country trails.

Nira Alpina, Via del Corvatsch 76, Silvaplana, Switzerland (00 41 81 838 6969; niraalpina.com). Doubles start at Sfr455 (£313), including breakfast.

Jagdgut Wachtelhof, Hinterthal

This former hunting lodge opened this month with 22 all-suite bedrooms at the foot of Austria's scenic Hochkonig ski area. Inside, it's the epitome of Alpine chic, with interiors by the Florentine architect Michele Bonan, three restaurants, an expansive spa, and a hot tub. Guests can wander around the car-free streets of the village, or tackle more than 150km of slopes that criss-cross Steinernes Meer – one of Austria's most picturesque ski areas.

Jagdgut Wachtelhof, Urslaustrasse 7, Hinterthal Maria Alm, Austria (00 49 177 835 3010; slh.com). Doubles start at €390, half-board.

Le Chalet, Megève

Well-heeled skiers flock to the picture postcard resort of Megève as much for its gourmet scene as for the pistes. Here, Le Chalet has a cluster of three traditional chalets with 12 rooms and suites, a luxury spa, hammam and indoor pool. There's also a separate house, available for hire.

Le Chalet, 367 Route du Crêt, Megève, France (00 33 4 50 21 01 01; lechaletzannier.com). Doubles start at €450, including breakfast.

Alpina Dolomites, South Tyrol

Cut from a striking combination of wood, stone and glass, this lodge juts out of the serrated landscape with jagged edges that echo the surrounding peaks. Set in the resort of Alpe di Siusi, part of the gargantuan Dolomiti Superski area, it has access to more than 1,220km of trails, as well as the legendary Sella Ronda circuit. After a day on the slopes, make time for high-altitude healing at the on-site spa; or retreat to the cigar lounge for a fine malt amid cosy Chesterfield couches.

Alpina Dolomites, Compatsch 62/3, Alpe di Siusi, South Tyrol, Italy (00 39 04 71 796 004; alpinadolomites.it). Doubles start at €378, half-board.

Backstage Hotel, Zermatt

Zermatt's newest arrival has furniture handmade by artist-owner Heinz Julen in its 20 rooms and lofts. Set beneath the towering Matterhorn, there's an on-site restaurant, club and spa plus a Belle Epoque-inspired café.

Backstage Hotel Vernissage, Hoffmattstrasse, Zermatt, Switzerland (00 41 27 966 6970; backstagehotel.ch). Doubles start at Sfr312 (£215), including breakfast.