Fancy a winter getaway with a difference? Why not try living like an Eskimo for the night in the Swiss Alps.

Situated in the midst of snow-clad ski slopes, Iglu-Dorf is an igloo village that is linked by tunnels, creating the appearance of mystic caves. The igloos were built in 5 weeks using giant inflatable balloons which were covered in snow and then released to retain a round dome-shape. They are also rebuilt each season using around 3,000 tonnes of snow. Adrian Gunter, the inventor of the Iglu-Dorf concept, built his first igloo on a skiing holiday to get an early start on the slopes the next day.

Since this early venture, the company has now evolved into a small empire of igloo villages across the Swiss Alps, spanning across Gustaad, Scuol, Engelberg, Zugspitze and Zermatt. Each village accommodates about 38 guests a night from December through to the end of the season in April. The igloos range from a standard igloo costing 119 euros per night, to the “romantic-iglu plus” priced at 339 euros, including candles, carved features, animal skins, a private whirlpool and it even includes an en-suite toilet. Guests are also provided with luxury expedition sleeping bags which guarantee to keep you warm despite the icy surroundings.

Residents of the hotel can expect to enjoy sauna and Jacuzzi facilities, as well as an Iglu Bar serving traditional mulled wine and cheese fondue. You can also be taken on a guided tour through the beautiful winter landscape, throughout the day or evening. The resort provides classes in Classical Igloo Construction, honouring the craft behind their igloo empire. Priced from 70-120 Swiss Francs, participants can choose from either 1, 3 or 5 hour sessions, depending on the intensity of the training they wish to receive.

For information on how to book your igloo, visit: www.iglu-dorf.com

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