The ski season begins: destinations to kick off winter
If you are drawn to snow, design, and mountain life, the Dolomites and Auvergne are the ideal starting point.
November marks the beginning of winter in the European mountains. The first snowfalls transform the landscape and herald the start of a new ski season. The resorts get ready, the mountain huts light their fireplaces, and the air takes on that crispness that only comes on cold, clear days.
In recent years, the way we travel to the snow has evolved. It is no longer just about seeking out miles of slopes or speed records, but about enjoying the environment in a more complete way: carefully chosen accommodation, local cuisine, interiors that dialogue with the landscape, and a sense of retreat that balances the intensity of the sport.
Skiing remains the common thread, but the trip is expanding into a more sensory experience: architecture, silence, design, and connection with nature are taking on a new prominence. The mountains are becoming spaces for well-being as much as for activity.
In this context, the Dolomites in northern Italy and Auvergne in central France stand out as two different ways of understanding the season. Both destinations offer quality snow, unique landscapes, and a way of experiencing winter where authenticity and comfort are in balance.
Dolomites: iconic landscape and stylish skiing
In northern Italy, the Dolomites offer one of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe. Their geography, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, combines nature and architecture with almost theatrical precision.
The region’s ski resorts are now opening their slopes with optimal conditions, adding to the experience a high-level après-ski scene and a cuisine that blends Alpine tradition with Italian influence.
In this privileged setting lies an exceptional alpine refuge, a traditional house renovated with contemporary sensibility that preserves the original character of mountain architecture. Stone walls, natural wood, and large windows framing the landscape create a warm and serene atmosphere.
A place designed for experiencing winter in tranquility: skiing in the morning, returning to the warmth of the fire, and watching the light change over the mountains.
Auvergne: authenticity and calm in the snow
In the heart of the French Alps, Courchevel represents one of the pinnacles of European skiing. Its surroundings combine exceptional slopes, world-class cuisine, and an atmosphere that has managed to maintain exclusivity without losing its authenticity.
The property, a contemporary alpine chalet, reinterprets traditional mountain architecture with fine materials and a refined interior design. Stone and wood structure the space, while large windows open the house to the snowy landscape.
Each room has been designed to balance functionality and well-being. Outside, a terrace with a fireplace and seating areas extends the indoor living space towards the snow, creating the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes.
An elegant and welcoming retreat that embodies the spirit of Courchevel.