Written by Alexa Erickson
The colder months of the year certainly have more to offer than we sometimes think. The warmth of friends and family during holidays, the coziness of sitting by fires, wrapping yourself up in warm layers, and the gorgeous glow of fresh snow — these are all joys particular to winter. The chilly, if not outright freezing, air can get the best of you some days, however. When you need a reason to be reminded of the glory this season brings, check out these breathtaking eco-friendly winter resorts to get you in the spirit.
WHITEPOD ECO RESORT, SWITZERLAND
This resort is a site to behold. Located in the Swiss Alps, it has a private ski resort and mountain chalets, as well as 15 geodesic-dome pods, offering low-impact lodging. Get around on skis, snowshoes, snowboards, or even by dog sled.
VIGILIUS MOUNTAIN RESORT, ITALY
HOTEL de GLACE, QUEBEC
This temporary resort is made from snow and ice, and can only be used during the coldest months. The rooms are artistically designed, while the activities, from the indoor waterpark to the ice bar for cocktails and the ice chapel for weddings, seem endless.
MONTE ROSA HUT, SWITZERLAND
Part of the Swiss Alpine Club’s hut system, the Monte Rosa Hut runs on solar panels and is almost completely self-sufficient, too. In order to come and go from the hut, you must ski in and ski out.
ICEHOTEL, SWEDEN
IGLOO VILLAGE OF HOTEL KAKSLAUTTANEN, FINLAND
The small stature of these glass igloos allows for plenty of heat to keep you warm and cozy despite their appearance. You’ll even get plenty of star gazing in with the glass ceiling design.
MOUNTAIN HILL CABIN, NORWAY
At this incredible cabin, skiers have the opportunity to ski right down the roof and onto the mountain. The idea was to fit the abode in with the natural landscape, and so it is shielded from the weather, and allows snow and wind to glide right over it.
SKIPARK 360, NORWAY
Skipark 360 may still be in the works, but it’s definitely something to look forward to. The resort will be completely powered by geothermal, solar, wind, and hydropower. If it lives up to its expectations, it could be named the greenest ski resort on the planet.
TREEHOTEL, SWEDEN
With seven unique prefab rooms to choose from, the tree rooms are suspended 4-6 meters above the ground, and can be accessed via ramp, bridge, or electric stairs. The hotel, open year round, combines low-impact design with miles upon miles of endless wilderness to indulge in.
Images: Whitepod, Great Small Hotels, Renaud Philippe, Tonatiuh Ambrosetti, Asaf Kliger, Stay Aspen Snowmass, Kakslauttanen Resort, Fantastic Norway, C. F. Møller, Cubeme
Originally posted @ Collective Evolution
