You're in love at first sight

The call of the mountains beckons, and it calls in an unmistakably Austrian accent, whispering her secrets, teasing and playful. Like a moth to the light you are led towards the buzz of St Anton and her most treasured child; Chalet Maria Schnee. This magnificent being is no mere dwelling, no ordinary chalet, and once seen you will fall under her enchanted spell. She ranks above all others and sits supreme in her large private grounds, views across the valley extending 360 degrees, she watches over her town.

Chalet Maria Schnee is the surely grandest and most charming property in St Anton, achieving a perfect blend of solid, traditional Tyrolean style and contemporary furnishings. The space afforded is as lavish as the decor, filled with antique treasures, solid oak floors and bright, modern artwork. Spread over 550 sq, metres you have ample room to spread out, each claiming your own favourite corner.

Your prized car has a special corner too, kept cosy and safe in the garage. You shouldn’t need it here with the team of staff in place to take care of all your travel and recreational desires. Starting with offering you a chilled glass of champagne, as you are welcomed to this unique home. You feel yourself instantly relaxing, your dream holiday has begun.

Though executed beautifully the design of Maria Schnee is impeccably practical. The sunken sitting room gives character and breaks up the vast living space. The kitchen is vast and of professional quality, but also a thing of beauty with carved Tyrolean wood work and a cute little wooden table and chairs. Chef’s table if you will for the little one’s in your party who can enjoy an early supper here. The kitchen can be discreetly hidden behind vast sliding oak doors should you wish, or left open for those who want to sneak a peek at the evenings fare.

The dining room is sumptuous, with its long, antique wooden dining table seating up to 12 in comfortable chairs upholstered in rich tartan. The chef’s skill matches the quality of this special place, and food here will not disappoint. Your dietary needs are all considered in the bespoke menu, canapés by the fire sing luxury ski break and the 5-course dinner that follows is nothing less than exceptional. Wines from the chalet’s own cellar accompany the meal and you feel every inch the VIP, and just a little bit smug.

As a ski chalet, Maria Schnee is equipped to give you the best of the Arlberg region, with a spacious ski room the perfect spot to have your skis and boots professionally fitted, and the boot warmers ensure that you slip your feet into toasty warm ski boots each morning. What better way to start the day? An antique Tyrolean pharmacy chest adds character to even this most functional of rooms, there is quality in every aspect of the building.

Your chauffeur whisks you to the slopes in just one minute, and shares some insider knowledge on the way; tips for the best areas to head for in the conditions, and pointing out his favourite après bar (Underground on the Piste). You’re spoilt for choice with lively bars here, best to plan a safari through the week to decide which your favourite will be.  

After a hard day on the slopes, and a little après to boot, your legs are surely in need of some therapy, so you will welcome the wellness suite with its Hamam, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi. Sit back and relax as the powerful jets massage you while you enjoy a refreshing Hendricks and tonic and drift away. Meanwhile the kids are kept entertained by their own playroom stuffed full of toys and games. When their energy levels finally begin to fade you can tuck them up in front of a movie in the cinema room on the big comfy sofas.

This is the perfect family home-from home chalet, even incorporating a ‘girls room’, and a boys bunkroom into the well thought out accommodation. Bedrooms are seriously spacious, as are the bathrooms; this is a supersized property for a super-charged luxury ski break in one of the world’s finest ski resorts.