Some ski chalets are cozy. Some are luxurious. And then there’s Cabane Tortin, a private retreat near Verbier that redefines the whole “chalet” concept. Perched 9,843 feet above sea level, this isn’t just a place to crash after a day on the slopes—it’s a high-altitude playground for serious skiers, adventure seekers and anyone ready to ditch the crowds and embrace the quiet side of the Alps.

The journey to Cabane Tortin

Getting to Cabane Tortin isn’t just a transfer—it’s an experience, and quite possibly the most exhilarating start to a ski trip you’ll ever have. Perched at a lofty 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) above sea level, this remote Swiss hideaway demands a little effort to reach, but trust us, that’s all part of the magic. Whether you’re skinning up with a guide, dropping in from Mont-Fort, or taking a more relaxed (ish) route via the lift system, every path to Cabane Tortin adds to the sense of adventure. The moment you arrive, gazing at the chalet’s sleek, understated exterior set against the wild alpine landscape, it’s impossible not to feel like you’ve stepped into something truly special. The seclusion is undeniable—this is the kind of place that makes you forget the rest of the world even exists.

To make the most of the experience, it’s recommended to spend a couple of days in Verbier adjusting to the altitude. Cabane Tortin’s three-night stay package is designed for those seeking a high-octane, once-in-a-lifetime skiing experience, so a little acclimatization beforehand goes a long way. Once you're ready, there are three thrilling ways to make your grand arrival.

First up, and our favorite, the ultimate ski tour entry. For those who like their adventures with a side of accomplishment, this option is the way to go. The journey kicks off early in Verbier, where you'll meet the Cabane Tortin team at a ski shop to get fitted with hybrid skis equipped with touring skins. They’ll take your luggage off your hands—just pack a small, soft bag with essentials for the Cabane, we’ll store your larger luggage in Verbier for your return. Dressed in ski gear, you'll meet your guide, who’ll equip you with all the essentials: a shovel, backpack, avalanche transmitter and probe. From there, it’s off for an action-packed day on the slopes with your guide leading the way.

At the end of the day you’ll arrive at Col-des-Gentianes, and you’ll have a choice: skin up the remaining 800 meters to the Cabane, snowshoe your way in, or, if conditions allow, hop in a Can-Am for a quick 10-minute ride. Whichever way you go, you’ll arrive at the Cabane with a sense of achievement—and maybe a healthy appetite for the luxurious evening ahead.

Another option, if you consider yourself an expert skier and have a flair for the dramatic, you can opt to ski directly from Mont-Fort peak to the Cabane. This route is not for the faint-hearted—when conditions are just right, it’s an exhilarating run through pristine snow. However, it’s important to note that the path can sometimes be covered in ice, with rocky outcroppings peeking through. If you're up for the challenge, this route offers a thrilling, no-nonsense approach to reaching the chalet. Just be sure your ski legs—and your nerves—are up to the task.

If you’re arriving later in the day or prefer a more laid-back approach, the lift system provides a scenic and stress-free way to the Cabane. A mix of gondolas, chair lifts and cable cars whisk you up from Verbier in about 35 to 40 minutes. Once you reach Col-des-Gentianes, you’ll have the same options to skin up, snowshoe or Can-Am—perfect for easing into the adventure while soaking up breathtaking views before settling into your mountain retreat.

No matter how you get to Cabane Tortin, the moment you step inside, it’s clear that the journey was worth every second. The chalet’s contemporary design blends seamlessly into the rugged mountain surroundings, giving you an immediate sense of escape. And that feeling of remoteness? It’s something you don’t just see—you feel it in your bones. Whether you arrived with a full day of skiing under your belt or opted for a scenic gondola ride, the satisfaction of being in a true off-the-grid sanctuary is the perfect prelude to the adventure that awaits.

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Photo credit: Aube Media

Cozy meets the coolest person you know

The moment you step inside, you realize this isn’t your typical mountain hideaway. Cabane Tortin’s interiors are a mix of understated luxury and truly jaw-dropping views. The main floor is spacious and sweeping—think roaring log-burning fireplaces, oversized windows (floor the ceiling and across the entire first floor) that frame the picturesque pistes, and furniture so plush you’ll wonder if sitting down counts as cardio (which we, of course, believe wholeheartedly).

The Cabane sits on the same footprint as the original building first opened by the Ski Club of Nendaz.. Now, the in-the-know design firm in Norway, Snorre Stinneson, has transformed it into a stunning mix of stone and steel. A perfect match for the blonde wood and Fredrik A Kayser and Le Corbusier furniture.

The common areas are designed for both après-ski lounging and good old-fashioned bonding. Whether you’re curled up with a Swiss wine in hand, battling it out over a game of cards, or debating which run was the steepest, there’s a corner for everyone. The chalet’s sound system? Top-notch. It’ll blast anything from mellow jazz to your guilty-pleasure après-ski playlist (yes, we see those 80s anthems and your one friend who has to mention Stairway to Heaven isn’t just a route on the mountain). And if you’re craving entertainment beyond Spotify, there’s talk of quiz nights and barbecues to keep the good vibes rolling.

The sunny outside deck is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the (truly, insane) views at any time or day, but don’t miss it during the sunsets. This’ll be the perfect time for an alfresco bite and moment of absolute indulgence.

Sleeping at altitude? Sweet dreams guaranteed…

The chalet can host up to six people on the main floor in the three bedroom suites, one with a king-sized bed (an ensuite bathroom) and the other two with queens (with a shared bathroom). Additional pods on the mezzanine floor that can sleep two or four more guests, depending on the configuration. The pods are closed off by a privacy curtain, suitable for teenagers or friends willing to share their space. The cellar level is home to staff quarters (your “Guardians”) and the other bits that make this Cabane tick day-to-day.

The design ethos in the bedrooms mirrors the rest of the chalet: clean lines, luxurious linens and an atmosphere so serene you might even forget about your sore quads from the day’s skiing. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the main floor bedrooms, you’ll wake up to those Alpine views that could make even the grumpiest morning person crack a smile.

When getting ready, you’ll appreciate the local Le Lab des Montagnes bath products, Haflinger slippers (to keep, of course) and Sun God sunnies for conquering another day in your own private powder.

As the sunset unfolds into dark skies, you’ll have the experience of glaring out into untouched snowy crevasses beneath a densely-filled sea of stars. You’ll want to rest up for the next day, but we won’t blame you if you do nothing but sit and stare.

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Photo credit: Aube Media

Dining in the clouds

Dining at Cabane Tortin is a fully customized experience. Before your stay, you’ll work with a team of chefs to create menus tailored to your tastes. Love fondue? Done. Craving something a little fancier? How about a five-course dinner with ingredients so local they practically skied in themselves?

For those with culinary trust issues, you can even bring your own chef. No judgment here. The focus is on high-quality, local ingredients, from artisan cheeses to Swiss wines that pair perfectly with both red meat and mountain views. And if you’re in the mood for something casual, the team can fire up a barbecue—because nothing says “luxury” like grilling at 3,000 meters while snowflakes fall around you.

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Photo credit: Yves Garneau

Wellness at the Summit

After a day of shredding powder, there’s nothing better than a little TLC for your body. Cabane Tortin has a sauna on-site, perfect for warming up and loosening those ski-weary muscles. But the real treat? The chalet offers private massage and facial services that can be arranged to suit your schedule. The therapists even stay overnight to make sure you’re fully pampered. Talk about service.

What makes this wellness experience extra special is its simplicity. It’s not about elaborate spa menus or over-the-top facilities—it’s about the essentials: fresh mountain air, spring-fed water and the kind of tranquility that only comes from being truly off the grid. And those sunrises and sunsets? Healing and worth waking up for, even if your legs are still protesting yesterday’s off-piste run.

The remoteness of this Cabane is part of its charm, but it does come with some ‘no-go’s’ to keep in mind (trust us–it’s a small trade-off for an experience like this). First, no more than 10 minutes in the sauna for your safety at this altitude. Second, the water is harvested from a local spring and stored in the cellar, so short showers are advised.

Bring your A-game for the skiing

Let’s not sugarcoat it—Cabane Tortin is for skiers who mean business. The surrounding terrain is a paradise for adventure seekers, with off-piste runs that’ll leave your adrenaline pumping and your body burning. Verbier’s extensive lift system connects you to an endless array of trails, from powder-filled descents to scenic runs that’ll make you stop mid-turn just to soak in the view (and catch your breath). Included in this stay is a mountain guide from the Bureau des Guides de Verbier, and the 4 Valleys life passes needed to trek the terrain.

Heli-skiing is also on the table, giving you access to untouched slopes and the kind of snow that dreams—and bragging rights—are made of. But don’t let the thrill fool you; this is serious skiing. Guests are advised to acclimatize to the altitude beforehand and be honest about their skill levels. The team here is about taking you to some of the most untouched snow in the world. For anyone who wants to enjoy the stay but ski in a more après-focused environment, there is always the rest of the 4 Valleys to enjoy before heading back to the Cabane!

Besides skiing, how about husky-dog sledding or snow-shoeing? Perhaps a tandem paraglider flight? Up here, the world is your oyster and no winter activity is off the table.

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Photo credit: Yves Garneau

Summer adventures for when the snow melts

While Cabane Tortin is a snow-lover’s paradise in winter, summer unveils a completely different, yet equally mesmerizing, side of the Alps. Gone are the blankets of powder, replaced by rolling meadows bursting with wildflowers and rugged peaks that seem to touch the sky. The landscape transforms into an adventurer’s dream, with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that weave through alpine pastures and rocky outcrops. Whether you’re conquering steep inclines or coasting along scenic ridges, the summer terrain offers just the right blend of challenge and reward, with panoramic views that make every climb worth the effort.  

For those who prefer their adventures at a slower pace, take an expertly guided walking tour that explores the rich flora and fauna of the region. These leisurely excursions reveal the hidden beauty of the Alps—delicate alpine flowers, elusive wildlife and the gentle hum of bees that replace the winter’s howling winds. It's an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the serenity of the mountains, learning about the delicate ecosystem that thrives at high altitudes while soaking in the pure, crisp air that feels worlds away from everyday life.

Evenings at Cabane Tortin in summer are nothing short of magical. As the sun dips behind the peaks, the chalet becomes a haven of warmth and camaraderie. Guests can gather around an outdoor barbecue, savoring locally sourced delicacies while swapping stories of the day's adventures. With no city lights to compete with, the night sky offers an unforgettable spectacle—stars so bright and numerous that it feels like you're seeing the universe for the first time. Whether you're toasting marshmallows or simply gazing up in wonder, summer nights here are all about slowing down and appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Cabane Tortin is a place for dreamers

Whether you’re soaking in the sauna, sipping wine by the fire or carving fresh tracks on Verbier’s famous slopes, this is the kind of place that makes you forget there’s a world beyond the mountains (or your vacation, frankly!).

So pack your gear, brush up on your mogul skills and prepare for a stay that’s equal parts adrenaline and indulgence. Just don’t forget to take a moment—preferably with a glass of something local in hand—to savor the fact that you’re 3,000 meters up in one of the most beautiful places, and life below has never felt farther away.