Travel news: ski lodges

LEAP, Mont Blanc, Italy

With the name LEAP being an acronym for Living Ecological Alpine Pod, this space-age capsule is perched at 2,835m above sea level on a rocky outcrop above the Frebouze Glacier, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc. Lifted section by section by helicopter and assembled on site, the new 30 sq m pod replaces a modest 1948 mountain shelter and was designed by Luca Gentilcore and Stefano Testa of LEAPfactory, an Italian practice specialising in ecological modular alpine pods. The Bivouac includes living and dining areas with views on the spectacular east face of the Grandes Jorasses, as well as sleeping quarters for 12 alpinists. A far cry from the original wooden version, the shelter also features solar-powered energy and internet access

Tel: 39.011 230 8042; www.leapfactory.it