There’s a certain stillness in the air, with each fog of warm breath evaporating into the cold atmosphere. A whistle of wind passes, snow crunches beneath snow boots, but it fades away, replaced by silence. In the Swiss Alps, it’s like each moment is frozen in time, stuck peacefully in a loop of fluttering snowfall and two-dimensional mountains. But then, the lift off happens. The roar of the helicopters’ arms cuts through the crisp air, awakening this serene landscape and replacing feelings of tranquility with a rush of adrenaline. Far below, the bustling village of Verbier Switzerland lights up against the pearly snow as the helicopter makes its way to the mountain’s peak. From there mogul chasers will begin their descent down this mountain famous for off-piste skiing. Heli-skiing is just one of the alpine adventures available for guests at Sir Richard Branson’s The Lodge Verbier. In the heart of this winter wonderland, this mountain retreat is an intimate and inviting place to stay. As the perfect place to retire to after a long day of hitting the slopes, The Lodge Verbier has earned a reputation as the ultimate home away from home.

With a wooden exterior and balconies fashioned out of logs, this ski chalet radiates a rustic charm. Yet upon entrance, guests are met with minimalist and modern designs that incorporate just a touch of nature. Wooden beams stained in gray frame the open concept living room and dining room, giving this retreat a homey feel. With photographs of Sir Richard Branson’s family throughout the resort, visitors feel as if they are truly staying as a guest in his own house. A staff of fourteen people, including Michelin star trained chefs and a masseuse, cater to any wants or needs, turning this home stay into a luxurious retreat. The Lodge even has its own pet dog, named Pebbles, for added comfort and familiarity for its visitors.

During the winter, The Lodge Verbier is booked in its entirety for at least one week, allowing travelers to come with a group of their closest friends or family. With nine bedrooms, The Lodge can accommodate up to eighteen adults and six children. Summer at the lodge allows guests to book individual rooms. With communal dining, travelers get to mingle and make new friends over the gourmet cuisine. This sense of intimacy is exclusive to The Lodge, where after a day of skiing in Verbier, guests can relax in a house that they can call their own.

As a British billionaire, Sir Richard Branson seems to have his hand in almost every industry. But to most people, he is known for his influence in the travel sector. From airlines, to cruiseships, ski lodges to private islands to safaris, Sir Richard Branson has luxury retreats all around the world, handpicked by him personally for being the best. The Lodge Verbier is just one of seven properties included in the Virgin Limited Edition collection. For this collection in particular, Branson looks for resorts that can be a home away from home, offering a certain level of exclusivity and luxury to treat guests with the utmost respect.

With a ski season lasting until the end of April, Verbier Switzerland is a hotspot for avid skiers. There are 195 km of pistes surrounding Verbier, assuring skiers never run out of trails to glide down. For those looking to advance their skills, there are various training clinic available. Between a piste performance clinic and a mogul clinic, skiers are sure to get the most out of their time on the mountain. Guests can also sign up for video feedback and an analysis of their performance. Sitting in front of a large screen, and sipping on beer or hot chocolate, skiers are comfortable as they receive feedback from experts on how to improve.

After a day of hitting the slopes, guests find themselves relaxing in their suites. Each room at The Lodge Verbier is decorated uniquely, displaying a coziness that is only felt while staying at a house rather than a hotel. A rich jewel tone is brought into the room with a velvet purple couch, and a coffee table crafted from a tree stump shows nature as a key design influence at The Lodge. One bedroom in particular features a second floor, where guests climb up a handcrafted wooden ladder to reach a luxurious soaking tub. It’s the small touches of nature in the design that remind guests that this luxurious mansion is sitting at the base of a mountain.

In the master bedroom, a double-sided fireplace immediately grabs guest’s attention, allowing them to relax by the fire from the plush couches in the living room or from the king-sized bed. Sleek furniture is styled throughout the room, with abstract artwork and modern vases that bring elegance into this chalet. For larger parties, the two master suites can be connected using a secret door inside the bookcase, adding a hint of mystery to The Lodge. With a large balcony overlooking the Swiss Alps, visitors can sit outside and watch as the sun sets over the mountains before heading down to dinner.

The kitchen at The Lodge Verbier is equipped with Michelin trained private chefs who cater the menu to guests’ dietary preferences. Preparing a mix of Swiss and international cuisine, the main focus of the kitchen is sustainability. With just one bite, guests can taste the freshness of the ingredients, especially from the herbs harvested from The Lodge’s private garden. The fish and meat are locally sourced from neighboring towns, and the cows that graze the mountains during the summer produce milk for all the chalet’s needs. Known for the famous Raclette cheese, local cheesemakers Roger and Marc Dubosson partnered with The Lodge to serve this melted delicacy as a popular après-ski snack.

Verbier Switzerland is known for the après-ski experience, and The Lodge Verbier certainly does not disappoint. The party room on the first floor of this retreat is where visitors unwind after a long day of hitting the slopes. With a self-service full-sized bar, guests are free to make their own drinks using premium brands of liquor or order a cocktail from the kitchen. On a calmer night, guests can select a movie from the large selection of films and relax with their friends.  But this room is called the “party room” for a reason. A disco ball sparkles over the wooden floor, perfect for dancing along to the music, and a pool table makes for the perfect party game. Just when guests are starting to wind down, the shot ski appears to make this a truly unforgettable night.

As one of the most luxurious towns in the Alps, Verbier is the mecca for outdoor adventures. Between paragliding, mountain biking and hiking, this village offers plenty of excursions even when the mountains aren’t coated with snow. From the sky, travelers are awestruck by the verdant Alps as they hang from a paraglider. The mountains that once looked so large from the ground are suddenly contained in just a panoramic view from the sky. Guests are also able to enjoy various hiking and mountain biking trails through the mountains, depending on their skill set and preferred length for the trip. After a brisk walk, hikers are rewarded with a refreshing swim in a mountain lake, letting the fresh water soothe their tired limbs.

For guests looking to combine personal comforts with luxury living, The Lodge Verbier is the only place to stay. Hand-picked by Sir Richard Branson himself, this award-winning mountain retreat provides ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors during the day before unwinding with a cold beer. Whether guests are out skiing in Verbier or biking through the mountains, they are sure to come home to the epitome of relaxation here at The Lodge.