Snow lovers looking for a little architecture with their skiing should check out the Pine Lodge Dolomites, a new chalet located in Selva Gardena, South Tyrol, in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. From the outside, the traditional chalet looks the part of many alpine-style buildings, complete with balcony and flower planters. But inside, the contemporary chalet boasts whitewashed wood and a whole lot of art. The chalet is also walking distance to Dolomiti Superski, and near the Zaha Hadid-designed, brand new Messner Mountain Museum Corones.
The custom-built craftsmanship of the Pine Lodge Dolomites draws on Val Gardena's long tradition of wood-carving and carpentry to create your postcard ski chalet environment. But unlike the chalets of yesterday, this lodge incorporates a rotating display of art from local artisans. Wood sculptures from artists like Aron Demetz add to the chalet's unique blend of modern ski amenities and serious design. It features an open plan living and dining area with a central log fire and floor to ceiling windows as well as a professional kitchen, a bar, an in-home cinema, a small gym, a combination sauna and an outdoor hot tub. The chalet also comes with its own staff including a private concierge, personal chef, butler and housekeeper.
And while every good ski chalet is near a big resort, rarely do skiers get to combine a love of the slopes with a visit to a museum designed by one of today's biggest architects. The new Messner Mountain Museum Corones, opened in July 2015 and designed by celebrated Iraqi-British Architect Zaha Hadid, is the sixth and last museum to be curated by the famous Italian Everest mountaineer Reinhold Messener. The museum focuses on "the supreme discipline of mountaineering" and features a collection of photographs and objects from Messner's life as a mountaineer. Hadid designed the museum, carved into the side of the mountain, to integrate with its environment.
The lodge also pairs well with trips to Innsbruck, Venice and Verona, and is accessible from those three cities as well as Zurich and Munich. Prices start from €1,300 ($1,426) per day for a minimum three night stay. This includes breakfast, a four course evening meal, afternoon tea and cakes, as well as the staff.
· Pine Lodge Dolomites [Official Site]
· Come Tour 13 of the World's Most Charming Ski Chalets [Curbed Ski]
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