Whitepod

Rooms

THE PODS are made of a robust steel frame clad in white canvas, which is layered with green camouflage in summer to reduce visual impact on the landscape. They are also covered in 3 layers of PVC to minimise heat loss; this, combined with the romantic wood-burners, means they’re genuinely toasty in winter. Inside, expect chairs covered in cosy sheepskin rugs, and deerskins on the floor. The furniture is unique to each pod and is mostly sourced from local flea markets and artisans. We had lovely antique wooden armchairs, and rough-hewn tree stumps for bedside tables.

You get organic luxury bedding, armchairs in front of the huge ‘window’, and panoramic wooden decks for when it’s not too chilly. Some have a mezzanine sleeping level, accessed via a ladder. The ensuite bathroom, positioned behind the bed, comes with with shower (on an eco-timer, of course), sink, loo, eco toiletries and even a hairdryer.

Family Pods have extra space for kids while Deluxe Pods have extra luxuries such as satellite TVs, Nespresso coffee machines and minibars. For the ultimate splurge, opt for one of the Pod Suites, each with their own design theme - Swiss chalet, Birch Forest, Timeless style or calm Zen.

THE CABINS, further down the slope, come with spacious living areas, kitchens, and either 3 or 4 bedrooms. We haven't stayed in them, but they look roomy and modern in a Scandi-minimalist way - think chipboard and microcement - with splashes of bright colour and top quality furniture. There's plenty of space inside and out for friends or larger families.

Wherever you stay, you're given a backpack of kit on arrival, including map, binoculars and a head torch (handy for getting around after dark), as well as a pair of crocs if you want them (sanitised for each new guest) .

Features include:

• Cots available
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Toiletries
• WiFi
• Wood-burner

Eating

Whitepod has a choice of two superb restaurants. Set near the pods with breathtaking mountain views, intimate La Tsijiri offers a "Saveur du Valais" of tasty Alpine dishes, from fondues to traditional meals such as chalet soup and rösti. Note that it's not open every evening, and occasionally it's block-booked by a group.

Pod guests can enjoy breakfast here, or Pod Suite guests can have it brought to their terrace. Expect a buffet of fresh pastries, creamy yoghurts, fruit, local cold cuts and cheeses, plus a small number of hot options. The Pod House also has an informal bar and games area, and serves a complimentary afternoon tea of hot drinks and pastries daily.

At the bottom of the slope, opposite the reception, is the main Brasserie Les Cerniers, named after the immediate area surrounding Whitepod. It serves utterly delicious, traditional lunch and dinner options such as cheese fondue and Valais cold cuts, as well as an excellent à la carte menu. During our stay we dined on a wonderfully cheesy endive tarte tatin with Roquefort, followed by possibly the best slow-cooked belly pork we’ve ever sampled, then coffee with a cute selection of mini desserts including pistachio mousse and truffles. Quite delicious. Not surprisingly, it is run commercially so non-Whitepod locals can book a table, too.

The food policy is true to Whitepod's philosophy: seasonal produce, with a preference for local suppliers (only non-Valais suppliers where absolutely necessary). Vegetarian options are available, as is ‘pod service’ (their version of room service), delivering salads and cold cuts via snowmobile. There are more eateries within a 10-minute drive.

Features include:

• Afternoon tea
• Bar
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

WINTER

• Clip on your snowshoes (which are provided in your pod), grab your walking poles, and head off into the snowy wilderness. Hire a guide if you feel you can’t navigate your way or would like on-the-hoof lessons in the local flora and fauna
  
• Try husky sledding in the pretty woods around the camp or, if you're feeling adventurous, have a go at cani-cross. This is basically snowshoeing while being pulled along by a dog (attached via a harness). Great fun
  
• If you fancy ambitious, extensive skiing, head to Champery in the mighty Portes du Soleil ski area (just half an hour away)
  
• Go paragliding - take a tandem flight with an expert, lasting 20-40 minutes (depending on the weather), and see Whitepod and its beautiful surroundings from the air
  
• If you’ve never tried cross-country skiing, this is the perfect spot. There are some lovely, unchallenging trails near the camp, and it’s the best way to enjoy the scenery while burning heaps of calories
  
• Snowscooting is a cross between biking and snowboarding; Whitepod has 6 for you to try
  
• On rainy days (in any season) try out the cinema in The Social Cabin, or the ultra-modern gym facilities
  
  SUMMER
  
• Go hiking. There are 25km of sign-posted trails in and around the camp, incorporating stunning high-mountain terrain with knock-out views
  
• Hire a mountain bike and cycle down some of the nearby slopes, as fast or as slow as you wish
  
• If you fancy a fun excursion along the mountain trails, try dog karting. This is like dog sledding but on wheels, and you have the choice of either driving the kart yourself or simply being a passenger
  
• Attend a wild-plant cooking class. Go foraging with a local wildlife expert then learn how to cook up the ingredients into something super-fresh, healthy and delicious
  
• Whitepod has open-air badminton and pétanque (sort of like French bowls, with metal balls), and who can resist a game of ping-pong? There's even a giant outdoor chess set

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Cooking classes
• Dog sledding
• Gym
• Hiking
• Hot air ballooning
• Mountain biking
• Paragliding
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Sauna
• Snowsports
• Spa treatments
• Yoga

Kids

This eco camp is perfect for a memorable family holiday - the setting is spectacular and there is heaps to do both in summer and winter. Children under 12 can stay for free in the pods; they are just charged for breakfast. There are sledges, board games in the Pod House, and a cinema room which shows films and web TV when the weather is bad. Note only one rollaway bed or cot is permitted to be added to a pod.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Family Pods can take two additional children. Kids sleep on cute, totally secure, cordoned-off mezzanine platforms on top of the pod bathrooms. The Swiss Pod Suite can also accommodate two additional children. Whitepod recommends they should be at least 8 years old to sleep there. Baby cots can be supplied free of charge for little ones, and those between 3 and 7 years are best sleeping in with their parents.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms

Distances:

• Airport: 90 minutes
• Hospital: 20 minutes
• Shops: 15 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The camp is located high on the hillside, at 1400m, in the village of Les Cerniers in the Chablais Valaisan region of Switzerland. The nearest town is Monthey, 12km away.

By Air:
Fly into Geneva (126km).

From the Airport
Train transfers are encouraged from Geneva airport. You can take a direct train to Aigle station (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes), from where the hotel can arrange a transfer. Or you can take a connecting train from Aigle to Monthey, and get a hotel transfer or bus from there.

By Car:
In the summer, most guests come by car as it is useful for exploring the surrounding area - see our car rental recommendations. In the winter, guests tend to stay in and around the camp, so a car is only really necessary if you want to venture out.

Detailed directions will be sent when you confirm your booking through i-escape.com.