Whitepod is a collection of uber-cosy, igloo-shaped pods (tents) and spacious Scandi-style cabins, clustered around the Pod House (a central wooden chalet) and set in the pristine Swiss mountains. The camp philosophy is very much about saving the environment and getting away from it all. There are no noisy bars or busy streets nearby, nor are there crowds of speed-junky skiers; just the camp, scenic slopes and nature - lots of it. It is utterly still and unbelievably beautiful.
In the winter, activities range from gentle snow-shoe walking to husky-sledding, while in summer people come to hike in the meadows, mountain bike or spot wild flowers. Year-round, you’ll be drawn to two tempting restaurants, where tasty fondues and delicious local produce are served alongside a roaring fire. Each pod is surprisingly roomy, and there are Family Pods, too. You get a variety of luxuries inside, from a toasty wood-burning stove to a private sauna in some of the plush Pod Suites. Bigger groups (or fans of four walls) will love the chic cabins that sleep up to 8. It’s not quite 4-star but it certainly qualifies as glamping, Swiss-style.
Highs
- Gorgeous, homey pods (the Suites and Cabins have nice extras, too). Falling asleep in the warm glow of our wood-burner was heavenly
- Vast views stretch in front of every pod, across the Rhone Valley to Villars, Leysin and even Lake Geneva; at night you get a magical combination of twinkling stars and the lights of Monthey in the valley
- Impeccable eco credentials and wonderful back-to-nature activities year round
- A wonderfully romantic hideaway with a sauna, spa treatments and great food - outdoorsy couples will fall head over heels!
- And it's suited to families, too: there are mezzanine sleeping areas, and kids will love the ample, safe outdoor space
Lows
- The snowmobiles used for carrying logs and luggage can be noisy, and the pods are quite close together, so you are aware if your neighbours are in - but that’s camping
- The nearest ski slopes and store for kit rental are a 30-minute drive away
- Walking around the camp is icy in winter - you need good, grippy shoes (or you can use the snowshoes or crampons that are supplied)
- It's a 15-minute walk from reception to the camp, but your luggage will be delivered to your pod for you
- It’s not cheap and the total cost is charged upon confirmation of booking - see Rates
Best time to go
The camp is open year round. The summer months are gorgeous, luscious and outdoorsy but it is lovely to go mid-winter too, when the mountains look magical in the snow.
Our top tips
Never go out at night without your head torch. The camp is not brightly lit so it is hard, if not impossible, to find your way around in the dark without one.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Whitepod is set in the most lovely place. The views from the pods are spectacular and the whole surrounding area is magical. We were very lucky with sunny weather and beautiful snowy conditions. The village is right at the end of the road and a good way off the beaten track- a true i-escape. The Pods are a very unique experience and great to stay in. Warm and cosy with the stove, but a fair walk from the restaurant. The food delicious and a good variety for breakfast lunch and dinner. There was also a kids menu of simple pasta or chicken. For Kids - ours had the best time sledging all day, but there wasn't much else for them to do outside - unless you are in to hardcore ski touring or snow shoe walking. We had some very beautiful walks and the hotel provided the snowshoes/ poles etc... It is such a shame that the onsite skiing isn't a thing anymore. For kids I think a 3 night stay would probably be enough, having said that the gym area, sauna and cinema room were all great. It was a shame that the outside plunge pool was out of order. In the family pod the mezzanine is up a vertical quite long ladder - so not for little little kids. I would love to come back in the summer too.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape