Luxury Portfolio Vol. 07 Issue 02 - George Scarpias

Hiking in Zermatt, Switzerland Zermatt is a Swiss destination that lures skiers all year long with an incredible network of challenging runs yet is equally famous for its phenomenal hiking and mountaineering. Zermatt is surrounded by hiking trails of all levels starting with a 45-minute walk up to the postcard-perfect Edelweiss Hut. The Rotenboden to Riffelberg hike rewards adventurous travelers with stunning angles of the famous Matterhorn and Weisshorn peak. Stay: Hikers seeking a luxurious overnight stay in high elevations can bunk at the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat for a view of 29 mountain peaks reaching at least 4,000 meters. The hotel’s observatory in the south tower is a stargazer’s delight. zermatt.ch Bobsledding in Whistler, Canada For thrill seekers with a need for speed, the Whistler Sliding Center, the location for the bobsleigh, skeleton and luge competitions during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, is the place to be. Daring bobsleigh riders can get a taste of 75-mile-per- hour runs through twists and turns. Four-person bobsleigh rides include an experienced pilot to handle the controls. Those craving even more adrenaline can, after a safety orientation, opt for solo skeleton rides, zooming head-first down the track. When the temperatures warm, a summer bobsleigh program with wheels instead of runners, keeps the fun going year-round. Stay: Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler’s only lakefront lodge is a dog- friendly resort with a picture-perfect lakeside hot tub. The lodge also has seasonal complimentary amenities including kayaks and canoes for summer and snowshoes in the winter months. whistlersportlegacies.com Ice Skating in Sun Valley, Idaho Sun Valley is known for its legendary slopes, but it has another passion: ice skating. The Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink is one of the few year-round outdoor ice rinks in the United States and hosts ice shows all summer long to the delight of both locals and tourists alike. In the winter, the rink is the home of the hockey team the Sun Valley Suns with games every Friday and Saturday night. For even more skating adventure, visit during December through February when the massive two-acre Christina Potters Outdoor Ice Rink is open in nearby Ketchum. Stay: The venerable Sun Valley Lodge was completely renovated in 2015 with the addition of a 20,000-square-foot two-story destination spa that offers a wide variety of massages, soaks, and healing rituals designed to wash away a day of activity. sunvalley.com

A stunning view of Swiss hills from a renovated traditional villa. Web ID: GVAV88

Snowy mountains behind a cozy Canadian estate. Web ID: ZXFT88

Ice skating, legendary slopes and intimate spas add to Sun Valley’s appeal. Web ID: RHPT88

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