Summary
Skiing is often perceived not out of necessity but for recreational enjoyment. It serves as an excellent means of engaging in an entertaining, perhaps adrenaline-filled getaway. While everyone approaches travel differently, there are indeed optimal methods for skiing.
We seized the opportunity to explore this notion promptly during our skiing journey with Hip Hideouts, and it undoubtedly exceeded our expectations.
Your adventure commences with a personalized transfer from Geneva airport, managed by this service, featuring an entertainment system and refreshments that keep you engaged throughout your journey to the ski resort, nestled in Val d’Isère, France.
Upon arrival, your belongings (handled expertly without any effort on your part) are efficiently transported to your penthouse apartment by your attentive host, where a glass of wine and an exquisite alpine residence await you.
In addition to this, an impressive aspect of the experience is that you are accompanied by a team of Michelin-trained chefs throughout your entire stay. Indeed, it’s not just a singular chef but rather a different culinary expert for each day of your journey.
After settling in, our host summoned us for dinner, ensuring that your wine glass remains filled throughout your stay. After all, skiing under the influence is ill-advised.
Our group had arrived from London, and since we neglected to have lunch (a learning experience for sure), we were more than ready to indulge in dinner when it was time.
Each dining course impressed, serving up delicious options that challenged my ability to choose a favorite. Each dish had its own merit, an endorsement coming from someone who usually leans towards dessert (my sweet tooth firmly in place). The meal included:
- Seared beef maki rolls with truffle oil, soy, and deep-fried leeks
- Salmon nigiri complemented by soy, wasabi mayo, and pickled ginger
For the subsequent courses, we enjoyed:
- Tom yum soup accompanied by a prawn and vegetable spring roll
- Seared Sichuan beef paired with an apple and onion noodle salad
- Lychee sorbet garnished with candied lime peel crunch
The post-dinner sedation was delightful, offering the option to recline on the spacious sofa of the expansive living room. Your host continues to ensure your glass remains full throughout the evening. Remarkably, the wine appeared to flow continuously from an unseen source.
The following morning, an impressive breakfast spread awaited us, comprising scrambled eggs, fresh fruits, yogurts, bacon, warm pastries, and thinly sliced truffles, which paired beautifully with the eggs. The lavishness of breakfast was unexpected—I had almost forgotten about my camera until halfway through the meal.
*In hindsight, recalling the impressive dinner from the previous night, I find it hard to understand why I anticipated breakfast to be anything less than extravagant.
In preparation for our ski adventure, we gathered downstairs to the steam room and pool area prior to departing to acquire ski gear.
Acquiring our ski gear was a fillip, and we proceeded directly to the gondola, ascending immediately to the apex of the mountains.
Val d’Isere stands out as a prominent skiing destination. It is cherished by both seasoned experts and novices, as indicated by its hosting of the ski world cup, a testament to its esteemed reputation.
