An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From £5,950 catered in winter,
£1,500 self-catered in summer
Immensely charming ski-in ski-out
Heidi chalet high up in Les Houches
usp
Chalet Schuss is a hugely charming chalet far removed from other chalets and sitting quite on its own surrounded by flowery meadows (in the summer) and snow-covered pistes (in the winter). It is a perfect location for either season, and the chalet is like the three bears, next to two respectively smaller buildings, one a separate self-contained mazot for honeymooners or romantic couples within the group, the other a sauna.
location
Chalet Schuss is so-called because it sits right on the legendary Kandahar red run in Les Houches, and skiers have to schuss at this point as they pass the chalet. It is properly ski in/ski out, a rare thing in the Chamonix valley, and is located high up at 1275m in its own woodland with majestic, open views down towards Les Houches in the valley below. Unbeatable.
style
The chalet is owned by its operators, a young married British couple, and is a home from home. The furnishings are beautifully understated and tasteful, far from clichéd chintz and gingham or faux fur throws. There are enormous floor to ceiling windows which make the most of the views and a large balcony, perfect for sitting out on in the summer. There are two living areas, so some can relax upstairs in front of the fire undisturbed while others (children perhaps?) watch a movie downstairs. ^
rooms
There are four beautifully fresh, generously sized en-suite bedrooms, three having both a shower and bath and one just a bath. The fourth is located separately from the main chalet, in its own little mazot. The three larger ones have zip and link beds to give guests added flexibility with sleeping arrangements. The toiletries are Molton Brown. ^
food & drink
There is a real emphasis on excellent food at Chalet Schuss and the cuisine easily matches professional restaurant standard. Breakfast consists of a choice of cooked options or continental fresh pastries and jams, followed by freshly baked cakes at tea time. Pre-dinner drinks and canapés are served each evening in front of the log fire, followed by a delicious, freshly prepared four-course evening meal. We sampled a perfect steamed asparagus starter, with quail’s eggs beignets and a wild mushroom foam, followed by roast scallops accompanied by a melting pumpkin and parmesan risotto. Next came a heavenly chocolate fondant served with homemade vanilla ice cream – simple but quite delicious.
service
The chalet is only available on a fully catered basis in the winter. It is self-catered in the summer. Staff in the winter are friendly and relaxed but impressively keen to look after you and make your holiday perfect. ^
spa facilities
Chalet Schuss has its own sauna, located in an individual, separate mazot, plus an outdoor hot tub with fabulous views and a dedicated massage room. ^
children
The chalet is a wonderfully safe spot for children all year-round. It is fully equipped with cots, high chairs, car seats and toys, and a nanny service can be provided with a local agency if necessary. ^
extras
There is a separate TV and games room, handy for dedicating to the children in your group. Chalet Schuss also comes with a chauffeured in-resort minibus service from 8-10am and 4-9.30pm plus one midday pick up-drop off. There is also a guest computer with free wifi. ^
for skiers
Les Houches is the softest, least gnarly, most family-friendly ski area in the Chamonix valley. It offers charming tree skiing (prettier than the other higher slopes further up the valley and nicely sheltered in bad weather) plus slopes for all members and levels of the family. Read the Chamonix resort guide for more information on sking in the Chamonix Valley. ^
for non skiers
Non-skiers are spoilt for choice. They can either just sit back and enjoy the staggering views, use the hot tub and sauna, or go into Chamonix where there are plenty of shops and a local Alpine museum. There is also a sports centre with a swimming pool, bowling, ice skating, and even a thrilling luge which is open both summer and winter. ^
best thing
The ski-in ski-out location. ^
worst thing
The chalet is in Les Houches and not the main bit of the Chamonix valley. That said, there is still easy access to all the other ski areas, and Les Houches is perfect for families and intermediates. ^
getting there
The nearest airport is Geneva, just under an hour away. Transfers are not included in the price but the chalet can recommend companies. ^
bottom line
In the winter Chalet Schuss costs from £5950-£8450 for the whole chalet on a fully catered basis. In the summer it costs from £1500-£2000 on a self-catered basis. ^
bookings & enquiries
If you would like to make an enquiry or a booking, please email enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk. Remember, we have visited all the chalets we feature so can give you totally unbiased, independent advice on all of them. The prices we quote are also the list prices quoted by the chalets themselves, so there is no advantage in going to the chalets direct.
Chalet - 8
Service - 8
Room - 8
Food & Drink - 8
Luxury - 8
Don’t miss out on the famous Kandahar red run descent to the chalet front door, but remember not to schuss down too far or you will overshoot.
Quickfinder
• USP
* Location
• Style
• Rooms
• Food & Drink
* Service
• Spa Facilities
• Children
• Extras
• Skiers
• Non Skiers
• Best Thing
• Worst Thing
• Getting There
• Bottom Line
• Bookings & Enquiries
• Summer
• Weekends and
short breaks
• Other chalets in Chamonix
CHAMONIX
RESORT GUIDE
The Chic Chalet Guide to Chamonix
how to book
Email: enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk Telephone:
+44 (0)7772 853996
guest book
"This chalet is wonderful. Everything you need and more. The staff go the extra mile. This is the best holiday on the slopes with friends I've ever had. I would love to return."
"We all had an amazing time, the staff couldn't do enough for us, even sourcing a surprise birthday cake for me. Everyone who came with us is already talking about returning next year!"
"Thank you for the most amazing Christmas ever! You were the most fantastic hosts. The cooking was out of this world, the quality of food and variety in the menu was second to none. The chalet has been a great base with views that I never could have imagined. You have also been fabulous with the children, I don't know how we would ever have managed getting them all into ski school each day without you. I cannot thank you enough. The memory will last for ever."
summer
Open in the summer and costs from £1500-£2000 on a self-catered basis.
See which other luxury ski chalets are open in the summer.
weekends and short breaks
Chalet Schuss does not offer weekends or short stays.
See which other chalets do offer long weekends and short breaks
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