An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
Each season we produce a prestigious Top Five Chalets list, based on a number of key factors including guest feedback and ongoing level of service and cuisine, and taking into consideration any other gorgeous new chalets which have been added to the Guide. Here is the latest top five:
1Chalet Spa
Verbier
2 Chalet de la Cloche
Tignes les Brévières
3 Chalet Kernow
Verbier
4 La Ferme de Belleville
St Martin de Belleville
5 The Lodge
Verbier
If you would like to make an enquiry or a booking, please email enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk, or telephone +44 (0)7772 853996.
To help you choose, we have put together a Best For list which shows at a glance which chalet we think is the best for child friendliness, say, or most delicious and inventive food or most fantastic location. Here are our latest best fors:
Chalet St Hubert The interior design of Chalet St Hubert in Argentiére, up the valley from Chamonix, is everything you could wish for of an alpine ski chalet – lots of wood, antique ski prints and crackling log fire. ^
More traditional Alpine chalets
Chalet Spa Verbier So many chalets in Verbier don’t have views because of the way the resort has been developed, but Chalet Spa has genuinely unimpeded panoramic vistas that stretch south west over to Mont Blanc and directly across the valley to the Bruson ski area and the Grand Combin massif. They have also cleverly positioned a glorious cedar wood outdoor hot tub in the best place to drink in this scenery. Just perfection, with the obligatory glass of fizz. ^
The Lodge, Verbier Both of the chefs at Sir Richard Branson’s Alpine hideaway have trained with Raymond Blanc at Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, and it shows. ^
Chalet de la Cloche, Tignes les Brévières This conveniently located chalet is just at the end of the home run down into Les Brévières and benefits from a lovely Brit-free, villagey feel while being totally linked into the mighty Tignes/Val d’Isère ski area. ^
Chalet Chamois, Courchevel 1650 Several of our luxury ski chalets are very close to the slopes, if not right on them, but the gorgeous Chalet Chamois in Courchevel 1650 is possibly the most properly ski-in ski-out. You just pop your skis on outside the boot room and ski off, while at the end of the day you peel off from the main home run down and have your very own dedicated trail back to the chalet door. Total convenience. ^
More ski-in ski-out chalets
The Lodge, Verbier Sir Richard Branson’s swish mountain hideaway has an almost ludicrous staff-to-guest ratio. There seemed to be a new face attending to our every whim at every turn. But the staff weren’t wooden and stiff, just observant, caring, nicely relaxed and genuinely wanting us to have the best time possible. Full marks. ^
Chalet Kernow Charlie Berman, the owner, has a temperature-controlled cellar bulging with an almost insanely ambitious collection of fine wines. There are 2500 bottles including magnum and double magnum Bordeaux and Burgundies to high-end, stupid bottles such as a Pétrus 90, priced at £3000 a shout, a Cheval Blanc 1982 (£1000) and an imperial of Margauz 1985 (£3,500). ^
Chalet Casa Prada This Flims chalet is run by family specialists Powder Byrne and, as such, can access the full PB baby crèche facilities and unrivalled children’s ski programmes. ^
More child-friendly and
family-friendly chalets
Hidden Dragon This stunningly serene and peaceful chalet is located high up at the end of a winding road through a pine forest, behind wooden gates. Guaranteeing total seclusion and privacy Hidden Dragon is just perfect for those wanting complete escape – it’s great for spa breaks, yoga retreats, or even just a lovely, uninterrupted time with your family or friends. ^
Whitepod You don’t need to be able to ski to enjoy this chic igloo camp near Villars in Switzerland. In fact, you might be frustrated if you could, since it is located so far from any ski lifts or resort infrastructure. Instead, enjoy the pristine snowy scenery via snow shoe walking, dog sledding or just sitting on your private pod terrace.
If the Whitepod's luxury camping doesn't appeal, the non- or fair weather-skier need look no further than Chalet des Drus. This seriously stylish chalet is a giant property with plenty of room for lounging about in during the day. It has breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, a big terrace and garden, and seriously gorgeous spa area with pool. You’d be mad to want to go out. ^
La Ferme du Bois This member of the Hip Chalets portfolio is a divine, family-friendly, chalet in a perfectly safe, traffic-free part of the valley. There is a great mezzanine for kids to play or watch DVDs, a giant fire for adults to gather round or dogs to snooze beside, and endless nooks and crannies for grown-ups to have a game of backgammon or children to play hide and seek. There is something for everyone. ^
More child-friendly and family-friendly chalets
Chalet Le Ti This chalet, one of the smallest we feature, is infinitely romantic. Think gnarled wooden walls, giant fur throws, warm red cushions and crackling fires. Just perfect for couples wanting to snuggle up once the children have been safely parked in bed. ^
Chalet Le Marti This chalet is an ideal spot for a corporate getaway. Centrally located in old Argentière, just within staggering distance of the village’s cute bars and restaurants, it is big and practical and has a funky central living space. It is also excellent value and close to Les Grands Montets, the best mountain in the valley. ^
More chalets to suit corporate hospitality
Chalet Spa Verbier If it’s the big wow factor you are looking for, and the most perfect location for a group gathering or party up in the mountains, look no further than Chalet Spa Verbier. It's got loads of fun stuff, from f-off gadgetry to dune buggies for mad dashes around resort, simply the best outdoor hot tub we’ve sipped champagne in and utterly knock-out cuisine. But beware: all food and drinks are extra, so you might want to be a little selective about who you invite!. ^
The Lodge, Verbier Richard Branson’s winter hideaway comes complete with its own resident canine, Bam-Bam the flat-coat retriever. Bam-Bam is impeccably behaved – totally invisible at meal-times, absent from furniture etc etc – but is there if you want to throw him a snowball, sneak him a sausage from breakfast or even take him out for a mountain walk. He is a lovely addition to the chalet if you are a dog-lover, but can be fully discreet if not.
Best for categories
• Typical alpine decor • Views
• Food
• Location
• Ski-in ski-out
• Service
• Fine wines
• Children
• Seclusion
• Non-skiers
• Families
• Romance
• Corporate groups
• Parties
• Dog Lovers
Les Cerniers | Chamonix | Courchevel 1650 | Les Gets | Laax | Lech | Méribel | St Martin de Belleville | St Moritz | Nendaz | Sainte Foy
Tignes les Brévières | La Tzoumaz | Val d'Isère | Verbier | Veysonnaz | Zermatt