Chetzeron, Crans-Montana, Switzerland

Swiss Lebanese hotelier Sami Lamaa has breathed new life into an abandoned cable car station atop the snow-laden slopes of Crans-Montana. With the help of Lausanne-based architects Actescollectifs, the austere concrete and stone structure has been transformed into hotel and restaurant, Chetzeron. The cavernous mouth of the station has been closed off with glass and panelled with oak, to form an airy lounge area with breathtaking views. 16 rooms and suites, appointed with luxurious bespoke furnishings, stand in elegant contrast to the rugged Alpine landscape beyond their windows. An eponymous restaurant serves up a refined take on local dishes, made from seasonal ingredients and paired with Valaisian wines. The true scene-stealers are the expansive terrace areas, overlooking the Rhone valley; fitted out with picnic tables, loungers and sheepskins and even a pool, they are the perfect spot to laze away a sunny day. At 2112m above sea level, Chetzeron can only be reached on foot, by snowmobile or on skis, but its many attractions are bound to keep guests flowing in.