France is the nation of the ski chalet, and as you’d expect from a country that has thousands of the things, there are some seriously swish ones out there. Acclaimed architects have devoted whole floors to spas, tiled swimming pools in gold, shipped in carved doorframes from Mongolia – one genius even installed a slide from the top floor bar to the wine cellar…
There are different levels of luxe, and not every chalet has a drop-down projector above its counter current swimming pool… Some just make ski holidays incredibly comfortable, serving excellent suppers night after night, supplying outdoor hot tubs and saunas and adding little touches like bringing you tea in bed or chauffeuring you around the resort.
The beauty of catering at the very top end of the scale is that you can have anything your heart desires: a seven-course banquet with your chosen caviar flown in from Russia or comfort food to tuck into from the sofa – there are kitchen staff on hand to create whatever, whenever you like. Some chalets come with glorious facilities like cellars for wine and cheese tasting, and fully stocked bars where mixologists shake up sheer masterpieces.
In France’s smaller – but still superior – properties, champagne and canape receptions and a carefully thought out menu ensure you’re excellently wined and dined during your stay.
For next-level relaxation, the swishest mountain homes have fully fledged spas with massage rooms, pools, hot tubs, saunas, hammams and the most incredible views of the mountains. These are yours are yours alone to enjoy – while away hours in peace and quiet or host the ultimate pool party… You’ll also find chalets with a couple of wellness wonders – like a sauna and Jacuzzi – to make guests comfortable, while some have access to shared swimming pools and spa centres.
Chalet | Resort | Favourite features |
---|---|---|
Marco Polo | Val d'Isere | Sleeps 14, award winning chalet, iconic indoor pool, spa, games room, wine cave |
Grand Corniche | Les Gets | Sleeps 15, outdoor infinity pool, grand piano, snooker room, cinema, wine cellar |
La Namaste | Courchevel | Sleeps 12, ski in/out, indoor pool & spa |
Chalet Lhotse | Val d'Isere | Sleeps 14, spa with indoor pool & projector screen, outdoor hot tub |
Shemshak Lodge | Courchevel | Sleeps 13, ski in/out, panoramic indoor pool, wellness facilities |
Chalet Le Rocher | Val d'Isere | Sleeps 14, indoor pool, spa with cinema screen |
Chalet Alpaca | Meribel | Sleeps 14, outdoor pool & copper hot tub, climbing wall, cinema & games room |
Chalet Valentine | Meribel | Sleeps 14, spa, outdoor hot tub, cinema room |
Chalet Calistoga | Val d'Isere | Sleeps 10, spa with indoor pool, children's games room |
Chalet Machapuchare | Val d'Isere | Sleeps 15, relaxation & entertainment floor with indoor pool & cinema |
We update this list often but facilities can change, so if any specific feature is essential to your trip, make sure you ask us to confirm the details before you book your holiday.