Arriving via the Austrian village of Lech, we were quickly chauffeured to our secluded mountain retreat. Surrounded by lofty white peaks meeting fluffy clouds, we were in a 360-degree winter wonderland. The Arlberg panorama is breathtaking, and hints of blue sky and sunshine reflect the landscape. I see why these vast, colossal slopes are dubbed the birthplace of modern skiing.

As our Mercedes van slowly pulled into a large underground garage (the very space that casually transforms into a nightclub at your request), we arrived at The Arula Chalets, where two luxurious chalets seamlessly interconnect.

Upon dropping our bags in the ski room, we were informed that each chalet exists in its own right — and we’d be staying in the largest of the two. Clever design features mean the chalets can operate as one entity or split into two separate spaces, hosting up to 30 guests across 13 en suite bedrooms.

Tiberio Sorvillo/Courtesy of The Arula Chalets

Each chalet is spacious and comprises its own living and dining areas, entertainment rooms, terraces with a hot tub and comfortable seating, a ski room, and a cinema. Identical in amenities, both have a spa area, including an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam bath, gym, relaxation area, treatment rooms, vital bar, and more.

The defining difference between the two chalets at Arula is the size. Arula Chalet 1 hosts up to 22 guests and consists of one primary bedroom, a family suite, a bunk bedroom for four kids, and six spacious deluxe double rooms. Arula Chalet 2 hosts up to eight guests in one primary bedroom and three spacious deluxe double rooms.

Austria’s Arlberg region is quickly becoming a hot ticket for avid skiers. Being the largest ski area in Austria, it offers 189 miles of ski trails and 124 miles of high alpine deep powder snow runs. The region starts to morph into a snow globe around early November and is guaranteed fresh powdery snow until the end of April.

I have to admit, one of the best things about our Arula stay was the in-house ski concierge, which arranged activities from ski fittings in the chalet to days spent on the slopes with Austrian ski champions — hello, Franz Klammer and Nadine Wallner! Whether you’re eager to be put through your paces or happy to go slower, staying at Arula would be incomplete without tapping into the expert ski guidance. I’m an entry-level skier, yet I felt like a pro after two days here.

Rest and recoup are the number one priority after a day on the slopes, and a party size of 22 can take full advantage of the ample space to relax. Spread out over three floors, guests can relax in the library by an open fireplace, get competitive in the games room, or hop between various saunas. Whatever you choose, the facilities are plentiful and open for use every day. I’ll admit I felt like a kid in a candy store. With so many opportunities to relax, I had serious FOMO if I didn’t reach the heated pool or the terrace hot tub. (Making time to fill your cup with the spa treats should be a priority every single day.)

Stacey Wreathall/Travel + Leisure

Evenings at Arula are fun, as well. When we weren’t sampling fine wine or snuggled up in the cinema room, head chef Kevin Batzov served a storm for dinner. Using seasonal local produce and ingredients, each night offered something unique. The menu highlights were the cheese fondue and wiener schnitzel. However, I particularly loved how meal time could effortlessly be what you wanted it to be, from fine dining to family-style plates; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all personalized to your needs. With a full stomach, the shuffleboard called. 

Chalet 1 starts at 18,500 euros per night, while Chalet 2 rents from 7,000 euros per night. Both chalets are available from 25,500 euros nightly.