The heatwave that has plagued many of us this week has left us dreaming of cooler places. We never thought we'd want to take a vacation on the powdery slopes, but we're seriously reconsidering that after finding these beautiful Mountain Retreats.
We're ready to get bundled up and find our inner snow bunnies if it means witnessing breathtaking views that some of these resorts have to offer. Some resorts are meant to exercise that adrenaline junky inside of us all, while others are simply there for your relaxation needs.
&bull Pilatus Bahnen
&bull Westin Blue Mountain
&bull Shackleton Resort
&bull Hotel Yeti
&bull Vigilius
What do you think of vacationing in the mountains?
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The first was in a James Bond movie, wasn't it? Or a similar thriller.
Maybe it's cuz I just watched Band of Brothers, but that first one makes me think of Hitler's house. Very beautiful though.
I would love to vacation in the mountains, especially if there's snow. I like the looks of Hotel Yeti.
The first one is in Switzerland, and yes, was in a James Bond movie.
Architecturally it is quite dissimilar to the Eagle's Nest, or the Kehlsteinhaus in Berchtesgaden, which was Hitler's mountain retreat and featured in Band of Brothers (trust me on this -- my husband drags me around Europe to all the Band of Brothers sites...). Unlike Pilatus Bahnen, it's just a big house, not a ski resort.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maciej_lesniewski/231991394/
Not much snow in the mountains these days... although the top of Mont Blanc is still white...
(ironically, Hitler was afraid of heights...)
i love the village at Mont Tremblant north of Montreal!
I went to this part of switzerland in June and I have this exact same picture! Pilatus is just outside Lucerne, which is very lovely. This is one of two hotels at the top of the mountain (the second is under construction at the moment). You can take a cog wheel train up one side of the mountain, and a cable car down. The swiss people are great and in our experience very welcoming to tourists.
Here's one that has been featured on AT before and for sale: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/reo/1829871143.html
Don't forget that it's winter in half the world...for example at Valle Nevado in Chile...see below.
http://www.vallenevado.com/en/hotel-ski-resort/
And many national ski teams train at El Portillo in Chile... a great chance to meet World Cup ski heros.
http://www.skiportillo.com/ingles/lodging
My kids and my husband are hardcore skiers and we talk and think about snow even in 90 degree weather. In fact, my husband was up skiing the snowfields of Mount Rainier on July 5th.
Just looking at the photos was refreshing!
mschatelaine, I was thinking more the setting was similar. Hey, I'll go to all those places with your hub while you sit at the beach. I can never find anyone who wants to visit historic sites with me. Beautiful pic by the way, thanks!
I'm not a huge James Bond buff. But I do know Switzerland, and although that first one is in Switzerland I'm pretty sure it is not the same building that was in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". I believe you are thinking of the Schilthorn, which has a revolving restaurant on top, similar to the picture- the restaurant is called Piz Gloria. And, I know it was the hideout of the Villain in the movie (For those of you, who'd like to visit the Schilthorn, definitely order the James Bond Breakfast). Maybe the first image is featured in another James Bond movie though?
The first image is actually near Lucerne. But regardless all of Switzerland is beautiful, and there are loads of lovely resorts and restaurant nestled amongst the mountains. I've been there five times already and I have another trip planned in just two weeks. I can't imagine ever tiring of it.