Ice Hotels – with a difference
Most of us are aware of the various Ice Hotels throughout the world – which are truly amazing but - IGLU DORF (Igloo Village) – takes the experience to another level (or depth) depending on your point of view. There are 6 igloo villages - all in Ski resorts, four in Switzerland, one Germany, and one in Andorra.
What’s on offer, and how are they constructed?
Each village is constructed from scratch each year. Enormous balloons are inflated (not by blowing into them!) they are then covered in snow. All the igloo’s are connected by tunnels, viewed from the outside the village gives the impression of just being a huge pile of snow with a few entrances.
Atmospherics and nature can change the size of the construction during the season. But the measurements are 8-10 metres for the guest activity areas, and the sleeping igloos are 4 metres high and 4 metres in diameter. Have no fear that you igloo may collapse with you inside it; the building technique ensures they are totally stable and health and safety checks are made continually! Air circulates through out the structure – the snow itself contains a lot of air, and the rooms being very high ensures they are very comfortable. Expedition sleeping bags are provided (designed to withstand minus 32 C) – plus inner liners for hygiene. You will be sleeping on snow bed with 8cm of insulation and foam. Blankets are also provided in the standard igloo’s – and sheepskin rungs in the ‘Romantic’ ones! The temperature is a ‘chilly’ 0-5C, though it does warm up when meals are being cooked.
Comfort breaks! There are toilets available – the romantic and romantic plus suites have their own, plus toilets at the nearby restaurant. No showers are available – use the snow! There are showers in the resorts that have restaurants,
What will you get to eat…..Fondue is the main offering – if you don’t like fondue you can have goulash or spaghetti, washed down with teas, punches and mulled wine. Breakfast is taken in a nearby restaurant.
What to do;
Take a Jacuzzi – extra heating takes it to 38-40C
No planned activities, just enjoy the company of other overnight residents, enjoy a drink or playing games – you are free to take walks in the snow!
Where are they?
Andorra; set between France and Spain, this is shoppers’ heaven! Built at 2300metres above sea level with fantastic views. Husky sleigh rides and snowmobile rides are available here.
Davos – Kloisters; in the holiday area of the Grisons with towns. A sauna and whirpool at 2620 above sea level is on offer here.
Engleberg – Titles; wild romantic scenery is the setting for this village with stunning views of mountains.
Gstaad; in south west Switzerland bordering the French speaking part of the country, with views of Bern, Fritbourg and Vaud Alps.
Zermatt; at the base of the Matterhorn with magnificent vista’s.
Zugspitze Germany; a village high in the clouds with views of four countries.
This is a fascinating concept – for one or two nights as part of your skiing holiday…I don’t think I’d want to stay for two weeks.
Do let us know if you have stayed in one of the Igloo’s, we’d be interested in your opinions.
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