Skiing is the type of holiday pursuit that will instantly conjure images of luxury and glamour in the layman’s eyes. James Bond, log fires and sweeping mountain vistas all come to mind when alpine pursuits are mentioned. The initiated know only too well that it isn’t always so. Pulling on a big pair of plastic boots and traipsing through a seventies architectural nightmare each morning to the slopes, doesn’t exactly fit in with peoples’ romanticised ideals. Don’t misunderstand me, skiing is a wonderful leisure activity and ski holidays can be blissfully relaxing and self-indulgent, but it’s important to choose your resort and accommodation carefully, if high-end luxury is what you have in mind.
Chalet holidays offer the kind of comfort and relaxation that make it so much easier to cope with the high-energy demands of a week on the slopes. Having a dedicated team of staff looking after your every need leaves you free to relax and recuperate, ready to hit the slopes fresh and revived at the start of each day. Added to this, many chalets offer ‘ski-in, ski-out’ which eliminates the, often arduous, hike to the lifts, as mentioned above.
Below is a selection of chalets and resorts that will ensure your skiing holiday lives up to your most extravagant expectations.
Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère is one of the older, more established skiing destinations and was first skied in the 1930s. It has grown in popularity ever since and the resort now features four 5 star hotels and many high-end chalets, one such being ‘Chalet Apeloosa’ complete with its own hammam and jacuzzi.
Les Arcs
Les Arcs is a series of purpose-built resorts with access to over 400km of ski runs in the Paradiski area. Chalet Eagle’s Nest, in the Peisey-Nancroix area of Les Arcs, is a traditional, alpine wood and stone chalet, walking distance from the nearest lift. Decked out inside with antique timber and wooden beams, Eagle’s Nest is favoured by stunning views of the surrounding Tarentaise valley through panoramic windows. It also has its own private sauna and steam room and there is scope to enjoy the view outside from the hot tub on the south-facing terrace.
La Plagne
La Plagne is linked with Les Arcs to form the Paradiski area, one of the largest in France. The resort comprises four conurbations in; Aime, Bellentre, Champagny-en-Vanoise and Mâcot-la-Plagne all with their own unique character. The Lugano Suite in ‘Plagne Centre’, benefits from a piste-side place. The décor is less alpine chic and more boutique hotel, so the experienced luxury traveller will be accommodated in the style to which they are accustomed. This isn’t to say that the Lugano isn’t cosy, the traditional log fireplace should certainly see to this. Less traditional, but equally luxurious, the private beauty treatment room will mean you’ll never have a hair out-of-place as you relax on the balconies overlooking the spectacular Grand Rochette.
Les Coches
Les Coches is a part of the La Plagne/Paradiski area and was founded in its present form around 40 years ago on the edge of alpine forest, it’s known for its cobbled streets and wood, stone and slate chalets. Chalet Pisteside is a lavish ski-in, ski-out lodge, you can ski up to the front door. The chalet’s features begin before you’ve even crossed the threshold, with the 7-seater hot-tub on the balcony with spectacular views of Mont Blanc. All 9 bedrooms benefit from marble lined en-suite bathrooms and picture-windows with views of the Isère valley.
Sainte Foy
The resort of Sainte Foy is based around an old farming hamlet high in the Tarentaise region of the French Alps. Unlike many modern ski resorts, Sainte Foy has managed to keep its rustic charm and feels like a real mountain village. This in no ways means sacrificing modern-day luxuries however, Chalet Shanti provides this in spades. 100 metres from the slopes, the warm and cosy décor, teamed with log fire and comfy sofas make it the perfect place for resting those weary legs. If that doesn’t do it for you, the hot tub, sauna, wet area, spa treatment and massage room will certainly help. It also adds that extra level of opulence. Watch your own private chef prepare your meals as you sip champagne and admire the amazing mountain views.
Rental Republic operate in resorts across the Alps, covering La Plagne, Les Arcs, Val d’Isère, Tignes, Sainte Foy and La Rosière, offering the highest standard equipment available with ski and snowboard rental and an in-chalet fitting service.
