The luxurious five-star Altapura Ski & Spa Hotel sits directly on the slopes with breathtaking views and good vibe feelings coming from the ski and snow camaraderie taking place throughout the day. It was quite a show when we opened our bedroom window, watching the world race on by on skis and snowboards. Another fabulous spot for people watching happens to be the huge Pure Altitude Spa, at almost 11,000 square feet in size, this is the place to relax at new heights. Situated at an altitude of 7,545 feet, it’s the highest ski resort in Europe.
Pure Altitude is actually a cosmetic and spa brand, part of the Maisons and Hôtels Sibuet label, founded by luxury French hotelier and interior designer, Jocelyne Sibuet and the result of a thriving family business that has existed for over 30 years. Active ingredients of Edelweiss and other mountain minerals are used in their own spa product brand, Pure Altitude Spa. The relaxation area includes a Nordic Spiral, which alternates dry and humid heat, punctuated by waterfall showers, a tepidarium and snow treatments culminating in an Igloo.
The indoor pool leads outside and becomes more like a warm and steamy Jacuzzi bath, and is a great place to catch the sun as it glimmers and reflects off the snow. The spa was the first place we headed to after check in, spending a few hours hopping from steam room, to sauna, to ice room, from hot to cold. I’m a big fan of this healing and detoxing therapy, rapidly changing the body temperature from one extreme to the other, stimulating the blood oxygenation and minimizing the aches and pains of a day on the slopes. It make you feel amazing!
Treatments on the menu include a massage using hot candle wax with “Fleurs de Neige” fragrance balm, the hallmark of the Pure Altitude range. Ultra-repairing and innovative, this treatment nourishes your skin in depth and envelops your body in gentle warmth and the “énergétique des Alpes” ritual, combining manual techniques with linen bags full of salts and mountain plants.
We didn’t eat in the hotel during the evenings as their menu wasn’t very vegetarian friendly, however the buffet breakfast was very good, served in the restaurant 2mille3. There are two other restaurants, a buffet and rotisserie restaurant with a mix of fresh and cooked meats, fish and Asian fusion food, and La Laiterie, a menu full of cheese for those cheese lovers who can’t go without a fondue at the end of the day!
The lounge area was very Nordic Chic in décor, in harmony with the setting; natural materials such as wood and stone, several open fires, wooden chandeliers and giant wooden snowflakes carved into the wood work alongside large French windows with more stunning views.
We loved the quirky old “bubble” taken from a disused ski lift, inside of it was a computer where you can take a picture of yourself and email it to your friends or allow it to be displayed on screens within the hotel.
At sunset the south facing terrace was the ideal place to have an après ski drink and admire the panoramic beauty of the sky and the changing colours.
The best parts of the Altapura were definitely the spa and having the best views in the house from there! I’d highly recommended it to those who ski, those who don’t and those who want to learn. The slopes in Val Thorens are perfect for all levels.
