Hotel Mil8: A Chic New Ski Pad opens in Avante-Garde Avoriaz

Fans of urban architecture and skiing will love the latest hotel to open in the French ski resort of Avoriaz. Named after the altitude of the ski resort created in 1966 as a fantasy-inspired mountain retreat, Hôtel MiL8 opens this month in the highest and most snow-sure village in the Portes du Soleil area. I’m not a skier but it’s still got me interested. 

Taking its lead from the surrounding buildings, local architect Hervé Marullaz designed a butterfly-like structure clad in pale grey larch to reference the alpine-style properties in the area. A boutique number of rooms and suites - just 42 - are individually designed to be snug and cosy with cute porthole-style windows and a decor that blends warm wood, leather and wool with raw, urban concrete and steel in soothing shades of grey and mustard.

The glass-fronted four-level spa looks out across the resort and pampers guests with an infinity pool, sauna, gym and massage room. The spa uses organic skincare brand SNÖ eternelle, created by Olympic Silver medallist skier Raphaëlle Monod in response to her own skin needs (presumably weathered after spending hours in the cold). 

Restaurants include a ski-in-ski-out dining room for lunches and families are catered for in all ways, from seasonal, healthy and appealing menus to cots, baby baths, thermometers, bottle warmers, changing mats and mountain strollers on request. The resort is also family-friendly in that it’s car-free, so the only way to get around is on foot, in horse-drawn sledges or on skis. Hôtel MiL8 partners with ESF ski school to organise ski lessons and ski hire for guests. 

The hotel is two hour’s drive from Geneva International Airport and 90 minutes from Geneva train station. easyJet has return fares from London Stansted to Geneva from £78, easyjet.com

Doubles from €250 per night, hotelmil8.com