Cabane Tortin is a design-led ski retreat high in the Swiss Alps, built to sustainable Scandi architectural principles and featuring a cantilevered window for total immersion in the mountains. Olivia Palamountain reports

Cabane Tortin, situated 3,000 metres above sea level on Switzerland's Tortin Glacier, offers incredible access to backcountry skiing at one of the highest residential altitudes in the Alps.

The three-bedroom, exclusive-use chalet sits above the ski resort of Verbier in the Les 4 Vallées ski area, providing immediate access to pristine freeride terrain directly from its doorstep.

Built on the foundation of a former mountain hut to minimise environmental impact, the eco-sensitive lodge immerses guests in spectacular alpine surroundings while offering ski-in, ski-out access to untracked powder across expansive, ungroomed terrain.

Norwegian architect Snorre Stinessen designed the property with inspiration from the dramatic surrounding landscape.

"I drew design inspiration from the high drama of the surrounding rugged mountain range to create a comfortable place of refuge between the valley below, the sky above and the massive mountain that rises just behind," Stinessen explains.

The architect employed Scandinavian design principles with sustainability at the forefront, incorporating solar panels, a pellet stove and water sourced from a natural mountain spring. The most distinctive architectural element is the cantilevered windows in the open-plan living room, offering vertigo-inducing views directly down the glacier's steep face, alongside panoramic vistas of the French Alps.

The accommodation features three bedrooms, modern bathrooms, a living area with log-burning fireplace, open kitchen, upstairs area with double 'pod' sleeping rooms and an outside deck. Staff quarters are positioned discreetly below the main living spaces.Guests will enjoy full service from a dedicated team, including a personal chef who prepares meals and ski picnics with wine pairings from the chalet's cellar. A local mountain guide customises and accompanies ski adventures based on guests' abilities, while house guardians provide concierge services including in-chalet spa treatments and bespoke itineraries.Cabane Tortin is available from CHF60,000 (£53,300) for exclusive use for six guests, including full-board accommodation, three days of private guiding, ski equipment hire and a three-day Verbier 4 Valleys lift pass.