The Big Six: Modern ski hotels

From one of the best addresses in Adelboden to Spain's premier resort in the Pyrenees...

The Cambrian, Switzerland

The 19th-century buildings housing The Cambrian may have a long and illustrious history as one of the best addresses in the Swiss ski resort of Adelboden, but their interiors could not be more up-to-the-minute. Rooms are a well-judged fusion of locally sourced wood and slate, combined with on-trend contemporary furniture from the likes of B&B Italia and Knoll.

The Cambrian, Dorfstrasse 7, Adelboden, Switzerland (00 41 33 673 8383; thecambrianadelboden.com). Double rooms start at €215, including breakfast.

Hotel Almhof Schneider, Austria

Four generations of the Schneider family have been at the helm of the Almhof Hotel in the picturesque ski resort of Lech am Arlberg. Despite its distinguished pedigree, banish any thoughts of gingerbread-style interiors. Instead, guests are treated to simple wood- panelled rooms and a less-is-more aesthetic. However, traditionalists are also catered for and can dine in the quaint surroundings of the nearby Klösterle restaurant, housed in an ancient farmhouse.

Hotel Almholf Schneider, Lech am Arlberg, Austria (00 43 55 83 35000; almhof.at). Double rooms start at €590, half-board.

Vigilius Mountain Resort, Italy

The easiest way to reach this resort in the Italian South Tyrol is by cable car. It is uncompromisingly modern, but its architecture complements some awe-inspiring views of the Dolomites.

Vigilius Mountain Resort, Vigiljoch Mountain, Lana, South Tyrol, Italy (00 39 0473 556 600; vigilius.it). Doubles from €310, with breakfast.

Hameau Albert 1er, France

This collection of historic farmhouses forms one of Chamonix's most charming hotels. Named after an erstwhile Belgian king (once a frequent visitor to the area), it has been with the same family for over 100 years.

Hameau Albert 1er, 38 route du Bouchet, Chamonix, Mont-Blanc, France (00 33 4 50 53 05 09; hameaualbert.fr). Doubles start at €155, room only.

AC Baqueira, Spain

Well-heeled Spanish skiers criss-cross the slopes at the country's premier resort, Baqueira, in the Pyrenees. At the AC Baqueira hotel, a contemporary ethos extends throughout its 102 rooms, where weary skiers can relax amid café au lait hues.

AC Baqueira, Avenida Perimetral, Val de Ruda, Baqueira Beret, Spain (00 34 97 364 5961; ac-hotels.com). Doubles from €214, with breakfast.

Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Sweden

Copperhill owes its name to the mining industry that first put the mountain resort of Åre on the map. Today it is the slopes that people come to exploit and it is now one of Sweden's top ski destinations. Designed by Peter Bohlin, a US architect of Swedish descent, the look at this 112-room hotel is rustic chic with an abundance of natural materials – exposed wood, stone, cowhide rugs and reindeer skins. To remind you where you are, there is also a Sami-inspired spa.

Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Åre Bjornen, Åre, Sweden (00 46 647 14300; copperhill.se). Doubles start at SK2,520 (£215), room only.