Alpine spas

Yoga, meditation, mindfulness and bespoke diets are all the rage at alpine spas, as skiers go all out to improve

By Sam Lewis
Published 22 Oct 2017, 16:00 BST, Updated 12 Jul 2021, 12:18 BST
Gstaad Palace, Switzerland

Gut feeling
Austrian medical spa Lanserhof Lans is the destination for gut health — plus it's handily located next to Stubai Glacier, which boasts 35 downhills. After a check up by a doctor, guests get a bespoke diet programme and a package of tailored treatments. Seven nights from €1,630 (£1,429)pp. 

Height of relaxation
Not only does Austrian ski-in, ski-out hotel Holzhotel Forsthofalm offer yoga programmes to help you stretch, strengthen and relax (on an terrace with incredible views), it's also built from 'moonwood' — said to enhance natural sleep, which can suffer at altitude.

Steamy yoga
Jasna Adventures, in Slovakia, offers post-ski yoga at the thermal springs at Celtic Sauna World, Tatralandia. Seven nights from £895pp.

At a stretch
Mountain Beach Fitness Retreats offers one-to-one or group yoga sessions in Verbier for skiers, to help minimise injury and maximise recovery.

Mindful skiing
If a mental block is hindering your progress on the piste, book a break in Chamonix with Hip Chalets and join former pro skier (and keen yogi) Jamie Strachan for pre- and post-ski sessions to flex body and mind. Or head to Val-d'Isère for guided tours with Bernard Chesneau, who will help improve your technique by using gravity, and the power of the mind to boost self-expression on the slopes. ski-mastery.com

Three to try: Holistic havens

Gstaad Palace, Switzerland

Personal instructors focus on techniques to boost strength. From 592CHF (£476) a night, half-board.

Kals am Grossglockner, Austria
Morning yoga, with winter hiking and snowshoeing offered, too. Seven nights from €990pp (£868).

La Rosière, France
Seven-night yoga and meditation chalet ski break, from €1,190pp (£1,045).

Published in the Winter Sports 2018 guide, free with the October 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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