Whitepod, Swiss Alps

Tucked beneath the Dents du Midi above the Swiss alpine town of Les Cerniers, the futuristic camp consists of domed “pods” made out of canvas and steel resembling roughly made igloos on wooden platforms. Each of the pods has a double bed, thick duvet, washbasin, oil lamp, a wood-burning stove and a panoramic view of the alpine peaks.

The camp was closed last winter for renovations. The new site (just a few hundred yards along from where the old site was positioned) is now open for both winter and summer, and has a total of 15 pods that are a short walk from the Chalet des Cerniers where there’s a restaurant and spa. The size of the pods has increased from 26sqm to 40sqm with a capacity of up to 4 people per pod, which the owners says is "to better suit both couples and family clientele".

Each identical pod looks like the head of a Star Wars Stormtrooper, but once you’ve got to grips with the icy outer canvas zip, inside you’ll find the attention given to the plush interior, complete with 14-tog duvet and log fire, provides about as comfortable a tent experience as you’ll find this side of the galaxy. The steel frames are built on a geodesic design, similar to that used by the domes of Eden Project, and are reputedly able to withstand winds of up to 190 miles per hour. On our second night at the eco-dome, it snowed over half a metre as the winds got up to 130 miles an hour, yet the dome hardly moved an inch.

The camp also has access to a 600m private run (with two drag lifts) else you can strap on a pair of snow shoes and explore off-piste woodland trails.

The concept is the brainchild of Sophie de Meyer, who grew up in Villars and wanted to offer people who love the outdoors a hip, eco-friendly place that was in a more natural setting than resort hotels or other ski lodges. “It’s more than just a place to stay, the idea is that you are a bit more adventurous by getting a bit closer to nature” she says. Sophie originally thought of installing Tipis or Yurts, but decided in favour of the pods as they provided the right combination of security, comfort and spirituality.

Richard HammondReviewed by Richard Hammond

"The innovative style of the pods, the hospitable comfort of the chalet and the ease with which you can ski in and out of the camp means that it offers far more than just isolated luxury camping."

Read Richard's full review of Whitepod