Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live like an Eskimo?
The Iglu-Dorf hotel chain can give you a feel for it – because it runs five igloo holiday ‘villages’ in the Alps made entirely of snow and ice that are rebuilt every year.
Temperatures inside are chilly – between -2C and +2C – and even the beds are carved from snow. But guests are kitted out with expedition sleeping bags that’ll keep them snug down to temperatures of -40C and the rooms feature thermal mats, electric lights and USB power connectors.
They can also warm up in an outdoor whirlpool.
There are three igloo villages in Switzerland, in Davos (2,500m above sea level), Gstaad (1,900m) and Zermatt (2,700m); one in Austria, in Innsbruck (2,000m); and one in Germany, at Zugspitze (2,600m).
The igloos are all connected by a corridor system that provides shelter from the elements – and the structures are so sturdy that ‘you could drive a snow groomer over them and nothing would happen’.
The Iglu-Dorf hotel chain runs five igloo holiday ‘villages’ in the Alps made entirely of snow and ice. There are three igloo villages in Switzerland, in Davos (2,500m above sea level), Gstaad (pictured above, 1,900m) and Zermatt (2,700m); one in Austria, in Innsbruck (2,000m); and one in Germany, at Zugspitze (2,600m)
Temperatures inside the Iglu-Dorf hotels are chilly – between -2C and +2C – and even the beds are carved from snow. But guests are kitted out with expedition sleeping bags that’ll keep them snug down to temperatures of -40C. Pictured left is an eye-catching suite, and on the right is the ‘classic’ fairytale igloo option
They’re easy on the eye, too, with the walls decorated with intricate sculptures created by international artists.
Guests, from solo travellers to families, can choose to stay in a ‘classic’, fairytale igloo away from the main complex, or splash out on a suite that comes with a private toilet and whirlpool, and Champagne and aperitif trays.
No matter the choice, everyone gets tea delivered to their sleeping bag in the morning.
The sites also feature restaurants and bars serving mulled wine, fresh fondues and ‘various snacks’; saunas; and at Davos, Gstaad and Zermatt, there are ‘cosy kotas’, wooden huts with open fires.
There are no showers at any of the villages, though.
The walls are decorated with intricate sculptures created by international artists
Guests can enjoy a tipple in the ice bar, pictured, that’s sure to stay chilled
The igloo villages feature whirlpools (left) and saunas (right)
The sites feature restaurants serving fresh fondues and ‘various snacks’
Iglu-Dorf also offers activities for guests, including skiing, snowshoe treks and a mystery igloo adventure, where up to 12 people can piece together clues found dotted around the village.
What do guests say? Tripadvisor users generally agree that the experience of staying at an igloo village is unforgettable, but warn that you have to be prepared for a lack of creature comforts – and the very chilly temperatures.
For example, user ‘thaisfuncia’ said: ‘It’s an amazing experience, but not at all comfortable. But I must say it’s an experience!’ While ‘Nytrydr’ remarked: ‘So, so cold. I know it’s an igloo, but even so, it was uncomfortably cold to sleep there.’
Iglu-Dorf says: ‘Enjoy some downtime! The five igloo villages nestle among the mountains, where a night in the snow becomes a unique experience. The snow hotels offer comfort in the lap of nature with a restaurant, bar, whirlpool/sauna. Ideal for lovers, families and friends – relaxation is guaranteed.’
Rooms cost from around (£475/$600) per night. Visit www.iglu-dorf.com/en.
