Snow White

Skiing Holidays: Top Regional Skiing Spots

Calling all ski bunnies, alpine addicts and luxury lodge-lovers. Don't fancy schlepping over to Europe this year? Why not sample the perfect powder and exclusive lodges we have closer to home. Head Down Under to Queenstown, New Zealand's premier skiing playground, or slope off to the Japanese Alps later in the year to experience crisp virgin snow, spectacular sushi and secret ski chalets.

Style... Über sleek service apartments with oodles of space, open fires and a 'ski chic' designer vibe.
Setting... Snug in the heart of Niseko (Asia's hottest après ski haunt) with ski-in, ski-out access to powder-soft slopes.
Spa... Private onsens, saunas, sexy bathtubs - with alpine views to die for - and a glorious rooftop thermal spa.
Best for... Families. Watch your kids practicing their slaloms from the rooftop bar while sipping a hot sake.
The Vale, Niseko, Japan (Apartments sleep 2-6 guests)

Style... State-of-the-art interior bling: plasma TV, Play Station 3, designer kitchen, heated timber floors and Canadian wood beamed ceilings.
Setting... Secluded just above Hirafu village, yet only a short stroll or shuttle from the ski fields.
Spa... Mosaic-tiled bathrooms featuring Japanese Hinoki bathtubs and powerful rain head showers.
Best for... Big groups. Spread yourselves out over this immaculate 3-floor home or congregate by the stone fireplace for uninterrupted views of Mt Yotei.
Zekkei, Niseko, Japan (Chalet sleeps up to 15 guests)

Style... A sexy fusion of industrial chic and Japanese tradition, each loft has a unique layout and a sleek designer feel.
Setting... At the centre of Hirafu village within easy walking distance of the lifts, restaurants and shops.
Spa... Bathrooms have Oforo spa bathtubs and rain showers - some come with gigantic 2x2m tiled spa baths!
Best for... Traditional Japanophiles. Each loft has a Tatami room with bamboo screens and futons.
Suiboku, Niseko, Japan (Lofts sleeps 4, 6 or 10 guests)

Style... A boutique home-style lodge with lashings of luxe and stylish décor.
Setting... A short uphill stroll from Queenstown and within easy reach of the slopes.
Spa... Outdoor hydrotherapy spa to soothe those ski-weary limbs.
Best for... Mingling with a funky winter crowd for cream teas in the afternoon and fireside mulled wine in the evening.
The Dairy, Queenstown, New Zealand (13-room hotel)

Style... Hip and happening hotel with oversized bedrooms featuring Bang & Olufsen, Eames and Philippe Starck furnishing, private balconies, heated floors and gas fireplaces.
Setting... In the heart of Queenstown, set down a charming church-side lane.
Spa... There's no spa but Lake Wakatipu beckons nearby (the spectacularly scenic setting for a rather famous film starring hobbits).
Best for... Service. Staff are discrete yet friendly; there's a dedicated ski concierge and even a pillow menu.
The Spire, Queenstown, New Zealand (10-room hotel)

Style... An achingly elegant landmark hotel strewn with objects d'art, leather armchairs, winding staircases and crackling log fires.
Setting... Set on a pretty curve of Lake Wakatipu backed by glittering white mountains.
Spa... Nope, but with its auspicious lakeside location and super-king beds, who needs one?
Best for... Larger parties and long-stay guests, who can opt for the dreamy Lakefront Cottage, set apart from the main hotel.
Eichardt's, Queenstown, New Zealand (5-suite hotel; 4-suite Lakefront Cottage)

These escapes were brought to you by Lightfoot Travel p. 6438 4091, e. info@lightfoottravel.com, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.

Snow White   |   19 Jul 2010 at 08:32 PM

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