An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From £5100 exclusive chalet uncatered,
£11880 catered
Gorgeous modern Alpine
chalet in world class resort
usp
Chalet Rosana is a beautifully renovated four-floor contemporary chalet that offers all the conveniences of modern living. It ticks all the boxes for a relaxed and supremely comfortable chalet holiday, and is also nicely flexible in that guests can choose between a fully catered VIP package and a self-catered package.
location
Located on a generous garden plot in Les Pelerins, a quiet area three minutes drive from Chamonix, Chalet Rosana is fabulously positioned for expansive views of the Boisson Glacier, Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc. There are also views of Brévent on the other side of the valley. Of the five main skiing areas in the Chamonix valley, Brévent, the nearest, is a 5 minute drive – as is the Aiguille du Midi lift, which gives access to the famous off piste Vallée Blanche. The remaining ski areas are all less than 15 minutes away.
style
The renovation of Rosana was a two-year project for the owner and his vision shines through in the consistency of design and attention to detail. The space is modern and uncluttered but not clinical. Slate floors, white walls and an extensive use of natural timbers – wooden beams, hand built stairs, planked ceilings and walls – blend tastefully. Sharp modern edges are softened with throws and cushions in warm textured fabrics. Large windows and a double height ceiling in the lounge draw in the mountain views, while the doors open out onto wooden decks that extend the sense of spacious living further. ^
rooms
There are six comfortable bedrooms, and again the emphasis is on the modern and uncluttered. An abundance of rich wood grain contrasts against bright white walls. A series of beautifully simple paintings of clasped hands, the featured theme for the bedrooms, are rendered in soft earthy colours. On the top floor, skylights and large windows create light airy rooms where you can lie back on the bed and watch the expanse of sky and mountains. All bedrooms are either en suite or have their own adjacent bathroom. There are complimentary bathrobes and toiletries from L’Occitane, as well as iPod docks, TVs and integrated sound systems, while the bathrooms feature sleek slate tiles, plenty of sparkly chrome and more warm wood. ^
food & drink
The operators of Chalet Rosana 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. The chef sources fresh local produce where appropriate. The house champagne, Champagne De Gastinière, is served with pre-dinner canapés, and the wine accompanying dinner includes carefully selected regional whites and reds. A comprehensive a 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. Breakfast again is down to guest choice, but fresh fruit smoothies and pancakes are favourites. For the slopes, a daily ski pack of bottles of water, chocolate and tissues is provided and when you arrive back from skiing, afternoon tea with freshly baked cakes awaits you.
The chalet also offers a non-catered package which includes a champagne reception on arrival, and you can also opt to have the fridge stocked for you prior to 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
There is an outdoor Jacuzzi, a sauna area with shower and treatment room with two massage beds. An extensive range of beauty treatments and types of massage are available, from reiki to reflexology, hot stones to yoga and 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
The chalet has plenty to keep children occupied and the option for them to escape downstairs to a TV room or games room. There is Wii and PlayStation too. 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 as well as 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 catered VIP package, while children aged three to 12 can have free ski school. ^
extras
Rosana is well equipped for entertainment. There is a TV room featuring a bar and comfy sofas, a games room with pool table, a gym, and in the living room a cinema screen and projector that drop down from the ceiling, enabling everyone to watch a film together. For music lovers, the state of the art sound system is fitted in almost every room of the chalet. Sky is available on all televisions except those in the bedrooms. There is wifi throughout and secretarial services can even be arranged. The VIP package comes with dedicated luxury chauffeured transport at your disposal, daily and in the evenings. Should you need it, there is parking for three cars too. ^
for skiers
Chamonix offers a great range of terrain for all levels of skier but is a mecca for the more experienced skier who wants to access its vast areas of off piste. Rosana 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
All sorts 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.
However, with the variety of entertainment and spa facilities available in Chalet Rosana, there may be little reason to venture out other than for a bit of fresh air and a meander through Chamonix’s cobbled streets.
The town is charming and full of Alpine history; it boasts designer boutiques, an Alpine museum, cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, a casino and a Saturday market that should not be missed. Later in the season, with the arrival of warmer spring weather, take a short 5 minute walk to Les Gaillands, Chamonix’s most popular climbing crag set in idyllic surroundings. It’s the perfect place, next to a lake and a forest with walking paths, to while away the hours watching climbers on the sunny south-facing wall, or have a go yourself – the chalet staff can help arrange tuition and equipment. ^
best thing
State of the art, fully integrated sound system. ^
worst thing
For the less technically minded, operating this state of the art, fully integrated sound system. You need not worry though, as staff are on hand to help. ^
getting there
Private transfers to and from Geneva airport, just over an hour away, are included with the catered VIP package price. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged and the journey takes about 30 minutes. ^
bottom line
Rosana sleeps up to 11 and is only available as a full chalet let. Prices start from around £1067.30 per person per week for the catered VIP package. The chalet is also offered on a self catered basis and prices start at £466.40 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 - 8
Food & Drink - 8
Luxury - 8
Take your favourite music – you’ll want it to play on the hi-tech integrated sound system. The top floor bedrooms are the best, with skylights and great views.
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
• Ski Weekends
• Other chalets in this resort
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
"We had a great time in Chamonix. The team was excellent, they did everything to make the trip comfortable for us. The chef was exceptional and tried to accommodate our dietary needs (kosher) in every way. Thank you for such a good job."
ski weekends
Three or four night stays with the fully serviced VIP package are offered as standard. Contact us for prices.
St Anton | Les Cerniers | Chamonix | Courchevel 1650 | St Gervais | Les Gets | Laax | Lech | Megève | Méribel | St Martin de Belleville | St Moritz | Nendaz
Portes du Soleil | Sainte Foy | Sierre-Anniviers | Tignes les Brévières | La Tzoumaz | Val d'Entremont | Val d'Isère | Verbier | Veysonnaz | Zermatt