Klosters, Switzerland

Jack from United Kingdom writes:

Klosters is like a Savile Row suit. It discreetly radiates style, sophistication and a relaxed elegance you'll be hard pushed to find elsewhere. The village looks like a scene from a Swiss chocolate wrapper with intricately-painted, carved wooden chalets huddling together in a valley covered with pines. The sleepy centre, Klosters Platz, harbours a smattering of ski shops, a few cosy bars and the obligatory Swiss watch shops. Unlike St Moritz, 90 minutes down the road, which parades its wealth, Klosters positively shuns the nouveau riche brigade. Even in the best restaurants such as the double-Michelin-starred Walserhof - jeans and fleeces are standard wear

There's plenty to challenge the expert skier in the huge linked Davos Klosters Parsenn ski area, including one of Europe's longest runs: about 17 kilometres top to bottom. The off-piste opportunities to find virgin powder seem limitless, you can still find untracked powder for days in the right spots unlike St Anton or Chamonix, for example, where everything is tracked out in hours after fresh snow. Switzerlands most extensive ski area is also an intermediates paradise. From Platz, the Gotschna cable links to the Parsenn and Strela-Schatzalp ski area of nearby Davos; it's one of the largest connected areas in Europe, so you will not be bored.

Most runs are above the tree-line (although skip the cable car home and take Pine Trail run all the way back to Platz). Surprisingly, it's protected from the wind and are ideal for shaky intermediates looking to build confidence. All this makes it perfect for mixed-ability groups. Experts can perfect wide carving turns, nipping off-piste when they fancy, intermediates can build speed skills and novices can feel chuffed they've tackled their first red.

Aprés-ski is understated and while you will definitely hear other Brits toasting each other after a good day on the slopes, Klosters attracts a mainly Swiss crowd. Head to the romantic Chesa Grischuna for cosy Swiss hospitality at its best; the wooden beams and open fires are a perfect setting for knocking back a Grappa or five.

The hotels Alpina and Verenia bars also attract a relaxed crowd with late-night drinking at the infamous Casa Antica nightclub/piano bar where things get a bit wilder; watch out though, drinks here are expensive. In fact, it's the only time you'll notice that you're in one of the world's ritziest resorts.

Tell anyone you've just popped over to Klosters for a weeks skiing and they'll think you've got a secret trust fund. Or royal connections. After all, Switzerland's most aristocratic resort is Prince Charles's favourite winter hang out.

2009-04-05