Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Richard Branson of Virgin's new Lodge in Verbier has brought new standards of luxury to the resort and still has some limited accommodation left for the coming season.

The Lodge features nine rooms and suites and a special bunkroom accommodating up to six kids. The luxurious property comes complete with indoor pool, Jacuzzis, large steam room, gym and Virgin Touch treatment room, providing sublime levels of indulgence and pampering.

The games room offers a state of the art 50-inch plasma and open fireplace - endless DVDs, CDs and Nintendo Wii. Meals are prepared by Gerwin Brand, The Lodge's private chef. His speciality is local produce.

Weeks probably still available from 13 December 2008 and from mid-March to the end of the season, excluding Easter week. Winter Season rates start from around $85,000 (£42,300) based on seven nights' exclusive hire of The Lodge for 18 guests. This exclusive rate includes accommodation with breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner. A light lunch is served at The Lodge in winter for those guests not eating on the mountain.

All drinks as well as alcoholic drinks and house Champagne are also included and there's a 24-hour driver service within Verbier. The company is now taking bookings for 2009-10.