An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From £8000 exclusive chalet per week
Traditional Chamonix chic
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Built early last century and bucking the trend to renovate, this lovingly cared-for chalet lives on in all its original Savoyard splendour. Les Mazots is all about old-fashioned charm, its interior adorned with Alpine memorabilia that oozes the history of the Chamonix Valley. Couple this rustic elegance with the first rate service offered, and you can really kick back in grand old style.
location
Les Mazots is south facing, perched slightly above and overlooking Chamonix town centre – it’s a short ten-minute walk – in an old secluded quarter with fabulous views that include the Aiguille du Midi, the Boisson Glacier and Mont Blanc. The nearest ski lift is the Brévent bubble, ten minutes on foot up the hill behind the chalet, while the famous Aiguille du Midi lift is across the other side of town and will take about 15 minutes to reach. The rest of the ski areas can be accessed within 15 minutes by vehicle.
style
There is an infinite sense of warmth and of times gone by as you enter Les Mazots. It is everything that a well cared-for Savoyard family home should be – the creaking stairs, the book collections, the tasteful old furniture and the décor representative of the various generations that have lived under its roof. Old photographs, vintage prints, paintings and maps – much of the subject matter relates to the Alpine history of the area – hang from the walls. You can feel the chalet’s history literally seeping from the dark wood panelling.
The lounge area boasts a monster open fireplace at its heart surrounded by sofas and deep leather armchairs. An annex with more comfy sofas and TV makes an ideal space for those who may want to play games or watch the box. Dining feels like a somewhat formal affair, with the domineering presence of a grand old sideboard, but the overriding feeling of rambling family home wins through and makes for a wholly relaxed experience. The chalet has wood and glass panelled doors that open to the garden – great for those warmer late season sunny days. ^
rooms
It’s a bit of a maze on the upper floors; with eight wooden panelled bedrooms of varying shapes and sizes, and with bathrooms and toilets, both en suite and communal, built into convenient spaces, it is sometimes hard to remember when you first arrive which was the door to your bedroom. But that really is part of the charm of the chalet -- the owners have preserved authenticity and the character of the bedrooms hasn’t been compromised by forced-in en suites to satisfy modern demands. Four bedrooms are, nevertheless, en suite and some have balconies. All have stylish old-fashioned hand basins. The toiletries are supplied by L’Occitane. ^
food & drink
The company that runs Les Mazots takes food seriously, ‘borrowing’ their chefs from the Michelin starred restaurants of Europe. The chef at Les Mazots did not have a fixed menu and was quite happy to create meals to suit our tastes, using top quality locally sourced produce. Dishes ranged from the classic Alpine, such as a salad of warm goats cheese, to the Asian influenced seared breast of duck, fried egg noodles and oyster mushrooms. Good complimentary house wine was served, too, but you also have the option to upgrade and buy from a carefully selected wine list. The chalet does not cater on two evenings each week, providing the opportunity to sample some of Chamonix’s many excellent restaurants. ^
service
The service is relaxed and friendly, which rather suits the rambling style of the chalet. That, however, is not to say that it lacked in any way – all our requests and queries were efficiently dealt with and to our satisfaction. ^
spa facilities
The spa facilities are limited, but there is an outdoor Jacuzzi and massages can be organised at the chalet in people’s rooms. ^
children
Les Mazots can arrange childcare and babysitting for those that require it. They also supply cots, highchairs, buggies and car seats, and are happy to provide early supper for the children. There is even a supply of toys. They have contacts with some private instructors who are brilliant with little ones, and can arrange lessons with them for half or full days. The instructors come to the chalet to pick the children up in the morning or afternoon, and bring them back to the chalet afterwards or meet you on the slopes. ^
extras
There is the outdoor Jacuzzi for a relaxing soak and a dedicated ski and boot room for all your kit after a day on the slopes. The chalet has flat screen TV with Sky and freeview, wifi and a CD player. For corporate or business groups, meeting rooms and equipment can be organised. There is plenty of space for parking. ^
for skiers
Where better than the Chamonix valley, which has something for all levels? Jean-Marie Olianti, the husband of Colleen, the Chamonix-based director of the company that runs Les Mazots, is an experienced guide and member of the prestigious Compagnie des Guides. He skis with many of the clients. Given Colleen and Jean-Marie’s contacts, guests have access to extensive local knowledge, top guides and the ESF – the chalet has no difficulty arranging bookings, even at the last minute. ^
for non skiers
Being near the centre of Chamonix is ideal because it has huge amounts to offer the non-skier. It was a town before a ski resort, so it has a cultural legacy as well as shopping opportunities for visitors. The shops include Chanel, Patagonia and Helly Hansen, while there is also the Michelin starred Albert 1er restaurant, a cinema, a bowling alley, casino, ice rink, modern sports centre with a pool, gym etc and tennis and squash courts. An Alpine museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of the valley in both geological and human terms, while a bustling open-air market on Saturdays shouldn’t be missed. ^
best thing
The great old-fashioned radiators pumping out the heat and keeping the chalet gorgeously warm. ^
worst thing
The chalet only offers a minibus shuttle service to the slopes once at the beginning and end of each day, so if you fancy skiing more than one area you’ll have to rely on the free bus service. You usually don’t have to wait more than 10 minutes, but one day we waited an irritating 45. ^
getting there
The nearest airport to Chamonix is Geneva, which is around an hour away. Les Mazots lays on return transfers, which are included in the price. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged, at around 1600 euros for a maximum of six people one-way, and the journey takes 30 minutes. ^
bottom line
The chalet sleeps 12 and prices start from £765 per person, based on 12 people sharing. For family groups with children the chalet will take 14 people. There is a reduction of between 15 and 20% (depending on their age) for children under 12 years. ^
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 - 7
Service - 8
Room - 7
Food & Drink - 8
Luxury - 7
Engage the services of Jean-Marie Olianti!, the chalet company director’s husband, for the insider’s guide to the best skiing in Chamonix.
Quickfinder
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• Spa Facilities
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• Getting There
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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
"Our recent corporate trip to Chamonix with clients was superb. Delicious and flexible cooking from the chef and expert guiding to unique areas of the mountains from Jean-Marie, our every need was expertly catered for. Les Mazots itself contributed enormous charm, comfort & authenticity to the spectacular scenery and challenging terrain.”
"From beginning to end this was a great experience and team, thanks to all – Chalet 'Awesome'."
"We had a fabulous few days in this chalet, first class food served by our chef. Very comfortable and a lovely bedroom with stunning views from the balcony. Excellent location, an easy walk into the centre of Chamonix."
summeR
Priced from €2000 per week early June to €3450 in mid August. ^
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