Iglu-Davos

The Iglu-Dorf in Davos is a village of snow and ice houses built every winter on the high slopes near the Parsenn ski area, above the town of Davos in Graubünden. It is a seasonal attraction, rebuilt from scratch each year, and the combination of rooms made of compressed snow, ice sculptures and a restaurant and bar makes it one of the more unusual places to spend a night in the Alpine winter. The village is built in early winter and lasts until the thaw, so it is only available in the cold months, and its exact season depends on snow conditions.

The igloos are built by a team of specialists, who shape the snow around inflated forms, let it harden and then remove the forms to leave domed rooms. Inside, guest rooms have thick walls that keep the temperature around freezing, and visitors sleep on beds of snow and ice, covered with insulated mats and warm sleeping bags. The experience is not luxury but adventure: it is cold and quiet, with the creak of the snow outside and a clear view of the stars if you step outside. The sleeping bags provided are designed for very low temperatures, and guests are advised to wear warm base layers.

There is more than the sleeping rooms. The village has a restaurant, usually in a larger igloo, where guests eat cheese fondue and other warm dishes by candlelight, and a bar where drinks are served on tables made of ice. Some igloos are decorated with elaborate carvings, which change each season, and the whole place has a theatrical feeling in the evening, with lights and music. Day visitors can often tour the village and eat or drink without staying overnight, and some operators offer guided visits. Access is usually by cable car and a short walk on snow or by a guided trip on snowshoes, depending on the arrangements, so check how to reach the site before you book.

Because the structure is made of snow and ice, it depends on the weather, and bookings can be affected by storms or warm spells. Prices and conditions change each season, and advance booking is advisable. The site is high, so altitude, wind and cold are real factors, and visitors with health concerns should seek advice before going.

The Iglu-Dorf suits couples, families with older children and groups who like unusual experiences. Combine it with a day of skiing or snowshoeing in Davos, or with a visit to the Kirchner Museum or Lake Davos in the valley below.