Words: Russell
There are ski chalets and then there ski chalets. As far as we’re concerned, alpine architecture is at its best when designed with a no-holds-barred attitude, and gives off a sense of grandeur to compliment the peaks surrounding it.
We scoured the mountains to find the very pinnacle of ski chalets, to help you make the most of your next trip.
Chalet Bioley, Verbier
A stunning standalone chalet, this is one that has been almost purpose-built to help families make the most of the slopes and views only Verbier has to offer.
With room for ten adults and three children, this brand new house for the 2018/19 season is located a stone’s throw away from the beginner piste at Moulins. The chalet itself comes equipped with a fully stocked bar and plush green velvet stalls. This is a chalet that has been designed for entertaining everyone.
Art Chalet, Courchevel 1850
If you’re into fine art — as well as the other finer things in life — then this is, by far, the chalet for you.
With artworks from the likes of Picasso and Warhol dotted around the 8 bedroom property — not to mention the grand piano located in the living area — there is plenty to help channel your creative output. To get around, you can take the glass elevator from the top floor to the private basement nightclub with professional DJ equipment, sound system and lighting. You might even forget about the incredible runs outside…
Chalet N, Lech
There is room for your friends and family, and even their friends and family in Chalet N. With its 10 bedrooms, it can sleep up 22 people. And, boasting various entertaining spaces, there is something for everyone within the solid stone walls of this retreat.
Step inside and you’ll find that no expense has been spared. There’s an ice bar, where you can enjoy a perfectly chilled glass of cognac, and a Finnish sauna that has been finished off with a Swarovski shower curtain. But the standout feature for us must be the attentive staff that will wait on you — hardly noticed, but always there when you need them.
Chalet Marco Polo, Val d’Isère
This is the award-winning chalet among our collection — having won ‘Best Ski Chalet in France’ in 2018, 2014 and 2013. It’s truly hard to beat Marco Polo.
Sometimes, the only thing that will warm you up after a hard day skiing is the perfect cheese and wine pairing. Thankfully, Marco Polo has a wine cellar and fromagerie that has been specifically designed for this very moment. There is also an entire floor dedicated to health and wellbeing — including a gold leaf-covered swimming pool and three massage and treatment rooms. The perfect chill-out after a cold day on the slopes.
Chalet Grande Corniche, Les Gets
Fancy being chauffeur driven straight to the ski lifts from you chalet in a luxury 4×4? Then it’s time to book out Chalet Grande Corniche to get the best slope experience imaginable.
As you wake up in the master bedroom, you’ll be greeted with the unbeatable view of Mont Blanc, which you can also see from the open plan living and dining area. Relax in multiple outside bathing options — from the glass pool to the jacuzzi — or, if you find yourself at the top of the chalet and need to be in the basement games room sharpish, you can always take the slide down. That’s right, there’s a slide.
Chalet overlooking Verbier
If skiing isn’t enough sport for you in one holiday then this chalet comes equipped with Verbier’s longest swimming pool.
With an ideal spot in the snowy town, the impressive chalet commands views from Pierre Avoi to Les Ateles. You’ll be able to enjoy these views from the 25m pool, along with the spa and relaxation area with steam bath and jacuzzi. You’ll also be able to enjoy a magnificent open plan living and dining area that serviced by the professional kitchen.
You can actually buy this chalet through Knight Frank if you’re looking for a more permanent spot to escape to in the mountains.
Chalet du Crêt, Val d’Isère
Located in a quiet corner of the village, this comfortable chalet will house 12 of your nearest and dearest in a more than luxurious setting.
Having recently undergone refurbishment, Chalet du Crêt is finished to one of the highest standards we’ve ever seen. Not only is inside impressive, but the private garden is perfect for some family fun and, when it gets too cold, the kids can move inside to the den with faux grass and climbing wall. Did we forget to mention that it’s just a three-minute chauffeur-driven ride to the main ski lifts of Val d’Isère?
Now find out where the super rich spend Christmas…
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