A visit to the ski hut is as essential as the skis themselves. But they have long been more than just a place to warm up and grab a quick bite. They've become a destination for gourmets, for romantics and for everyone in search of rustic, timeless, cozy charm. And in the case of these four entries, a certain something extra.

TOM Almhütte

TOM stuns with its chic design. © edertom GmbH & CoKg

This hut in Maria Alm, Austria prides itself on its regionality. The meat, for example, comes from the organic farm around the corner, and the wines come from two local wineries. Their pug Choupette serves as the hut's mascot, adorning the decor all around. Modern architecture meets alpine flair and the mountain panorama with a view of the Hochkönig could not be more spectacular. An online store with wine, Choupette merchandise and textiles was recently opened.

TOM Almhütte
Natrun 50, 5761 Maria Alm, Salzburg, Austria
Web: edertom.com
Tel.: +43 676 353 50 45

ice Q

The modern hut is as spectacular as the mountain view surrounding it. © ice Q

To call the ice Q in Sölden a "ski lodge" is almost sacrilegious. After all, the stop at the summit of the Gaislachkogl mountain at over 3,000 meters is a true gourmet destination. And an architectural dream made of glass. In addition to award-winning cuisine, there's a café and a good portion of Hollywood flair with the adjoining James Bond experience world 007 Elements. The ice Q made its big debut in 2015's Spectre, starring Daniel Craig.

ice Q
Gaislachkogl Mountain Station Dorfstraße 115, 6450 Sölden, Tyrol, Austria
Web: iceq.at
Tel.: +43 664 9609368

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Hendl Fischerei

Champagne with a view – we wouldn't have it any other way. © mama thresl/guenterstandl.de

Austria seems to be a good place for unusual ski lodges. Hendl Fischerei in Leogang, Salzburg, is another stunning entry. What makes it so special? The menu. In addition to smoked shrimp on a bed of arugula, they offer Sylter Royal oysters, truffled Vacherin Mont-d'Or and Tegernsee-style bouillabaisse.

Hendl Fischerei
Pirzbichl 21, 5771 Pirzbichl, Salzburg, Austria
Web: hendl-fischerei.at
Tel.: +43 6583 20800800

Las Vegas Lodge

The name says it all: what happens at the lodge, stays at the lodge. © Las Vegas Lodge

The name alone is extraordinary. But what does a mountain hut at over 2,000 meters in the middle of the Dolomites have to do with the gambler's paradise in Nevada? Operator Ulli Crazzolara wants to make sure his guests are entertained – and then some. So after dinner, they race down to the valley on a snowmobile. A red carpet leads to the hot tub with a view of the mountains. And wood barrel saunas make for a steamy good time indeed.

Las Vegas Lodge
Strada Piz, Str. Sorega, 15, 39036 San Cassiano BZ, Italy
Web: lasvegasonline.it
Tel.: +39 0471 840138