Whitepod Review

We like:

That you're snug as a winter bunny inside the wood-fired pods; the awesome views of the Alps; that it's a genuinely green alternative to traditional ski resorts

We don't like:

That the outer zips of the pod entrance can freeze in icy conditions; that it's half an hour drive from the nearest train station

SmartPlanet judgement:

The space-age pods are even more surreal in reality than they look in photos, but we were fabulously pleased we put our curiosity to the test. The pods are surprisingly warm and comfortable, the food was great and we really enjoyed the proximity to the snow, especially the torch-lit snowshoeing over the mountain at night. The private piste has little to tempt experienced skiers looking to carve up the mountainside, but that's not the point of Whitepod -- come here to enjoy the mountains, the views and the fresh air, away from the crowds. It is a bit pricey, but as long as you don't expect all the pampered trappings of a chic ski lodge (there's no mini-bar or ensuite bathroom), it is worth every penny.

Whitepod comprises a chalet-style lodge and nine 'pods' high up on the slope of a mountain with fantastic views over the Alps. The futuristic pods have steel frames modelled on a geodesic dome design that's also used at the Eden Project, and they're rock solid. On our second night, the winds reached gale force but the pod frame didn't move an inch. Continue reading...