'Ski by Small Luxury Hotels of the World' Offers an Infinite Array of Snow-Filled Getaways This Season

9th October 2008 – Whether you are an incredibly accomplished skier who seeks out the most challenging of slopes each season, or more of an 'armchair skier' lured by the appeal of the après-ski rather than the number of 'black runs', be sure to experience one of Small Luxury Hotels of the World's luxurious ski retreats this winter.

From the rustic charm of New England to the sophistication of Italy, the vibrancy of Spain or the uniqueness of China, Ski by Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers you some of the most inspiring choices. From chic, contemporary lodges to cosy chalets dotted throughout the world's most renowned ski resorts, there is something to suit everyone, regardless of how proficient a skier you are. Reservations for any one of 'Ski by Small Luxury Hotels of the World' experiences can be made by calling the SLH toll-free number 00-800-525-48000 or by visiting www.slh.com/inspirations.

With over 20 exclusive ski properties in both the northern and southern hemispheres, Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers ski aficionados a wealth of options throughout the year. Here is just a sample of what you can experience this ski season:

North America is undoubtedly home to some of the world's best ski terrain. In New Hampshire, The Manor On Golden Pond (www.slh.com/goldenpond) is putting a slightly romantic twist on its ski experience. In addition to three nights' accommodation in a luxury chamber on a full-board basis, a two-day ski pass and private lessons with an expert, guests can enjoy a gourmet ski picnic on the slopes and then return to the hotel to indulge in afternoon tea and chilled champagne, followed by a relaxing spa treatment of their choice (up to the value of US$110). The package is valid from 1st December 2008 to 27th March 2009, with prices starting from US$780 per room per night (excluding tax).

In Vermont, close to the Stowe Mountain Resort and Spruce Peak, is The Trapp Family Lodge, (www.slh.com/trappfamilylodge) where guests can look forward to an authentic Austrian experience with sing-a-longs and live musicians reminiscent of The Sound of Music's von Trapp family, whose history is in fact connected to this Vermont gem! With over 100km of snow trails in the most picturesque of settings this is the perfect ski retreat. The hotel is offering a two night package, including daily cross country ski rentals, a one-hour private cross country ski lesson, a three course dinner and daily breakfast, as well as a 20 percent discount on skis, boots and poles in the ski shop. The package is valid from 4th January to 14th March 2009, with prices starting from US$1,010 per room per two-night stay (including tax and service charges).

Set amidst the Adirondack Mountains on the shores of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, is the old world charm of Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa (www.slh.com/mirrorlake). There is a relaxing atmosphere here with a choice of rooms and suites in five idyllic lodges, all with stunning lake views and many with snug fireplaces and balconies. This ski season, the hotel is offering an overnight package, which includes breakfast and a one day lift ticket to Whiteface Mountain. The package is valid from 30th November 2008 to 31st March 2009, and prices start from US$320 per room per night (excluding tax and service charges).

However, if your preference is to stay a little closer to home, then Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides skiers with the perfect opportunity to make the most of Europe's deep snow covered valleys, high altitude resort towns and endless choice of ski fields.

Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa in Bulgaria (www.slh.com/yastrebets) is set on one of the country's best and most picturesque ski runs. Here guests have a delightful choice of rooms, apartments and Finnish lodges surrounded by mountain pines. Choose the seven night package, which includes daily breakfast and dinner, a six-day ski pass with rental equipment for two people and use of the small ski lift in front of the hotel. Following a full day on the slopes, guests can relax with a glass of hot wine before unwinding at the hotel's 'thermo zone', which offers herbal and steam baths, sauna and Jacuzzi. The package is valid from 15th January to 3rd March 2009 and prices start from EUR240 per room per night (inclusive of all taxes).

Nestled at the foot of the Mont Blanc mountain range in Italy there is a cluster of pretty wood and stone chalets, which make up Mont Blanc Hotel Village (www.slh.com/montblanc). Surrounded by the most awe-inspiring mountain peaks, the hotel has excellent access to the Courmayeur ski resort. This winter the hotel is offering a three-night retreat in a deluxe room with daily in-room breakfast, a degustation dinner with a bottle of Metodo Classico white wine, a two-day ski pass, shuttle service for Courmayeur and La Thuile ski resort areas and unlimited spa access where guests can unwind in the hotel's steam grotto. The package is valid between 5th and 19th December and then from 11th January to 30th April 2009, with prices starting from EUR1,000 per room per three-night stay (inclusive of tax and service charges).

An equally appealing Italian ski option is Alpin Royal Wellness Refugium & Resort Hotel (www.slh.com/alpinroyal), located in the beautifully unspoilt, alpine landscape of the Ahrntal in South Tyrol. For those seeking something a little more exhilarating, the hotel's seven-night package includes tobogganing on South Tyrol's longest night-time toboggan run. The inclusion of an Ahrntal Wintercard provides guests with discounts on ski passes and ski rentals. Then, at the end of an exhausting day of the slopes, head to the hotel's spa where gentlemen will receive a full body massage with aromatic bath oil, while the ladies will be treated to a gentle body peel treatment and facial. The package is valid from 31st January to 13th April 2009, with prices starting from EUR 1400 per room per seven-night stay (inclusive of tax and service charges).

Tucked away in Spain's Baquiera-Beret ski resort is La Pleta Hotel & Spa, (www.slh.com/laplenta), an exclusive mountain spa retreat where every room has incredible vistas. The hotel's seven-night ski package includes daily breakfast, La Pleta ski bag, lip balm and face balm, a bottle of Spanish Cava and hot drinks in the afternoon. Ski rental and lessons with an instructor are available for a nominal charge. The package is valid from 4th December 2008 to 19th April 2009, with prices starting from EUR1903 per room per seven-night stay (inclusive of tax and service charges)

For something a little off the beaten track, Small Luxury Hotels of the World welcomes China's first village-based mountain ski resort at the end of this year. Sun Mountain Lodge makes its debut this December with a special three-night ski experience, complete with daily VIP ski pass with rental equipment, a 90-minute Elements spa treatment, daily breakfast, roundtrip deluxe train ticket to/from Harbin Train Station and roundtrip transfers to/from Harbin International Airport to the train station. The package is valid from 20th December 2008 to 31st March 2009, with prices starting from RMB 10,186 per room per three-night stay (excluding tax and service charges).

When the melt has begun on the northern pistes, ski addicts still have numerous options with Small Luxury Hotels of the World's southern hemisphere ski properties, where the season runs from June to October. For full details visit www.slh.com/inspirations or www.slh.com

(All offers are subject to availability)

About Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is an exclusive brand of more than 480 luxury, independent hotels offering an infinite variety of memorable experiences in over 70 countries. Whether you are seeking a blissful spa retreat, the rustic charm of a country villa, a secluded beachside resort, the refined splendor of an old English country house or a sanctuary hidden amid the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling city centre, with Small Luxury Hotels of the World you will encounter only the very best. Reservations can be made at any Small Luxury Hotels of the World property by calling 00-800-525-48000 or via the Internet at www.slh.com. Travel agents need only remember the GDS code LX for LuXury. Hotels interested in applying to be part of the brand of Small Luxury Hotels of the World may visit www.joinslh.com for further information and details.

Media Contact:

Anna Rajah
Director of Corporate Communications
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Tel: +44 1372 224 618

Email: anna.rajah@slh.com