Pashmina le refuge ★★★★★ made in Val Thorens

Life’s a bit like mountaineering – never look down… – Edmund Hillary

Explorers have a unique perspective on life. For them, life-risking adventure offers its own reward, that of exhilaration and a sense of achievement. Ask any real adventurer, and he will tell you that you don’t have to climb Everest or trek the Gobi to experience adventure, as life itself offers excitement at every turn. Get out of your comfort zone, go somewhere new, try something different, and reap the rewards. This exhilarating way of life is woven into the very fabric of the Pashmina. Created by the Gorinis – a family of skiers, climbers, trekkers and you-name-it-they’ve-tried-it outdoors enthusiasts – this hotel is the newest project in their slow but determined, journey to create the best mountain experience ever.
It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves…

Located in the fantastic resort of Val Thorens, the Pashmina is ideally situated to offer all manner of exciting challenges, from beginner skiing to intrepid ice climbing. This station offers year-round activities and excitement for all levels. The ski domain itself holds everything from beginners’ slopes to tough double-black-diamonds, and opens up onto the largest skiable domain in the whole world: Les 3 Vallées. The hotel itself rivals even this level of excitement, though. Here, you can get a real mountaineer experience by staying a night in one of their IglooPods. These polar-expedition tents were designed for explorers tackling the freezing temperatures and harsh winds of the Arctic and, thus, provide extreme warm comfort in a sort of cocoon, keeping the cold out, yet offering an unparalleled experience of sleeping among the highest peaks of Europe under the cold starry sky…

People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.

And the Gorinis have certainly achieved an extraordinary space. This hotel is all about showing off the vast natural beauty of its surroundings. All the décor is carefully crafted in natural woods, wools and earthy colours, while that breathtaking vista of mountain peaks is visible at every turn, from the multiple windows in each room to the vast panoramic terrace at the top of the hotel. The spa itself is an incredible achievement, rivalling any five-star hotel spa, and all at the top of a mountain range, making it one of the highest spas in Europe!

There is something about building up a comradeship – that I still believe is the greatest of all feats – and sharing in the dangers with your company of peers.

There is a true sense of mountaineering community at the Pashmina hotel. With all of its five-star luxury, you never lose the feeling of being in a mountain-top refuge, where expertise is always at hand, and old mountain explorers swap stories by firelight in the cosy lounge. For your ski hire needs, the Goitschel ski shop is here to help, with its experts always on hand to offer advice before you ski right out of the shop, all kitted up for a day on the mountain. The “cosy home” concept only furthers this atmosphere, offering apartments of two or three rooms, surrounding a large lounge and dining area with an open kitchen, creating a veritable luxury base camp for the entire family. You don’t even really have to cook for yourself, as you can even order in from one of the hotel’s two fabulous restaurants!

Set off on your next adventure in style with a stay at the unique Pashmina Hotel!