An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From £3500 exclusive chalet per week,
£9040 catered
Contemporary boutique apartment
in superb central location
usp
With a fabulous location right in the heart of Chamonix itself, this recently renovated, properly chic, apartment makes the ideal pad for those who enjoy being based in a lively ski resort town. The level of service and luxury can be tailored to suit too, from an uncatered package through to the fully catered ‘VIP’, with the option to add extras to either.
location
Cloud Nine is on the third floor (with lift) in a classic traditional French apartment block. It is set in a pedestrian-only area with restaurants, bars, shops and the Chamonix tourist office literally on the doorstep. The apartment has views across the town to the rugged glaciers and peaks beyond, including Mont Blanc. Of the five main skiing areas in the Chamonix valley, Brévent is the nearest and can be reached on foot in ten minutes, but beware, the hill up to the bubble lift is steep and you might just want to take advantage of the dedicated chauffeur service. The Aguille du Midi lift, which gives access to the famous off piste Vallée Blanche, is also about ten minutes’ walk but without the steep incline. The remaining ski areas are all a short drive away, with Flégère at five minutes, the Grand Montets 10, and Le Tour and Les Houches both 15.
style
While the building in which the apartment is situated is traditional, the Cloud Nine accommodation within is anything but. Owners Dean and Serena have created a contemporary, sleek, interior featuring chrome, black marble, light wooden floors and modern furnishings including cream leather with lime touches. The clean lines are accented with clever and funky lighting, such as the twinkling floor-level blue lights that guide you along the hall. There are tall windows in the open plan living/dining/kitchen making for a light airy space, and a couple of small balconies from which you can either drink in the stunning Aguille or watch the bustle of town life below. ^
rooms
There are four compact en suite double rooms, all of which are cleverly designed featuring bespoke built-in furniture to maximise the limited space. There is plenty of storage. Each room has its own subtle theme – leather, fur or satin – plus flatscreen TV, iPod dock, and PlayStation. The master bedroom is slightly more spacious and has the benefit of a small balcony. The bathrooms are surprisingly luxurious for their size. Toiletries are from L’Occitane and complimentary bathrobes and slippers are provided. ^
food & drink
The operators of Cloud Nine encourage a pre-arrival menu consultation with the chef to ensure all tastes are catered for, with bespoke menus of four to six courses devised in advance. Almost any gourmet whim can be catered for, from a sushi banquet to traditional Savoyard fare. Fresh local produce is used where possible. Presentation is impeccable and the food is excellent.
Pre-dinner canapés are accompanied with the house champagne, Champagne De Gastinière, and the wine served with dinner includes carefully selected regional whites and reds. A comprehensive à la carte menu of international wines is also available and a wine tasting can be arranged. An open bar operates with a range of spirits, beers and soft drinks.
The non-catered ‘freedom to choose’ package includes a champagne reception on arrival. You can also opt to have the fridge stocked for you prior to your arrival. ^service
The staff are friendly and attentive but when guests want their own space they are unobtrusive in carrying out their duties. They take guests’ demanding requests in their stride and usually have an array of alternative ideas and options where requests can’t be met. ^
spa facilities
Cloud Nine boasts both a steam room and Jacuzzi, albeit compact, and each featuring the hallmark designer lighting found elsewhere in the apartment – miniature lights twinkle through a range of soft colours as you lie back and relax. There is a treatment room with a full range of beauty therapies and types of massage on offer, from Reiki to reflexology, hot stones to yoga pilates. There is also the chance for additional mini pampering for under 16s so younger members of your family can enjoy some me-time too, including soft relaxing treatments such as a half hour mini facial or a soothing half hour back or neck and shoulder massage followed by nails and toe painting from a range of fun colours. ^
children
There is a good choice of toys and games available but no separate TV/playroom where children can escape the adults. However, with PlayStation in all bedrooms some kids may be happy to retreat to their rooms. The chalet will supply cots and high-chairs, and are happy to provide lunch and supper for children at a time of your choosing. They can arrange live-in or part-time nannies and babysitting, but if you bring your own nanny and fill the chalet your nanny can stay for free. Babysitting is free on the nights you eat out. Children under 16 are entitled to free ski and boot hire as well as lift passes with the VIP package, while children aged three to 12 can have free ski school too. ^
extras
There is wi-fi throughout. Secretarial services can even be arranged. The VIP package also comes with dedicated luxury chauffeured transport at your disposal, daily and in the evenings. For the slopes, a daily ski pack of bottles of water, chocolate and tissues is also provided as you head off. ^
for skiers
Chamonix offers a range of terrain for all levels of skier but is a mecca for the more experienced who want to access its vast areas of off-piste. The staff at Cloud Nine can arrange guides to suit all levels of ability and ski instruction. You can go heli skiing across the border into Italy or take a helicopter transfer to ski and lunch in other resorts such as La Plagne, Val d’Isère, Tignes and Megève. ^
for non skiers
Cloud Nine is great for non-skiers because you are at the heart of Chamonix town with its boutique shopping and fascinating Alpine history – a visit to the Alpine Museum and exhibition centre is well worthwhile. A whole host of other activities can be arranged. There are hot springs trips through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Pré St Didier in Courmayeur, local heli sightseeing excursions, snow shoeing on the Mer de Glace, skidoo adventures and husky sledding sessions, not forgetting a breathtaking trip up the Aguille du Midi, one of the highest lifts in Europe. ^
best thing
The lively, central location, within stumbling distance of an extended après-ski session or a night out on the town. ^
worst thing
The small bedrooms which are easily trashed if you aren’t in the habit of putting your kit away. And if you arrive in your own vehicle there is no allocated parking. You will need to either pay for parking in one of the car parks or find a free space, usually around five minutes’ walk from the apartment. ^
getting there
Private transfers to and from Geneva airport, just over an hour away, are included with the VIP package price. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged and the journey takes about 30 minutes. ^
bottom line
Cloud Nine sleeps up to 8 and is only available as a full apartment let. Prices start from around £1130 per person per week for the VIP package. The apartment is also offered self catered with the ‘freedom to choose’ package and prices start at £437.50 per person. Short breaks of a minimum three days can also be booked. ^
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 - 9
Room - 7
Food & Drink - 9
Luxury - 8
When you arrive, head straight down the hall to the far room and claim the more spacious master bedroom.
Quickfinder
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* Location
• Style
• Rooms
• Food & Drink
* Service
• Spa Facilities
• Children
• Extras
• Skiers
• Non Skiers
• Best Thing
• Worst Thing
• Getting There
• Bottom Line
• Bookings & Enquiries
• Summer
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• Other chalets in this resort
CHAMONIX
RESORT GUIDE
The Chic Chalet Guide to Chamonix
how to book
Bookings and enquiries: enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk Telephone:
+44 (0)7772 853996
guest book
""We couldn’t ask for a better location than Apartment Cloud Nine. It is right in the centre of all the action and has been beautifully renovated. Thanks for a great stay.."
ski weekends
Three or four night stays with the fully serviced VIP package are offered as standard. Contact us for prices.
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