Next Stop, Courchevel 1650!

It’s like coming home – that is the feeling you get on arriving at the beautiful Portetta Mountain Lodges. After winding your way up the mountain to the exclusive Belvedere area of Courchevel 1650, you are greeted with a warm welcome into these fantastic chalets.

 Set along the piste – all are either ski in/ski out or piste facing and just a couple of steps from the slopes – the quiet enclave is just one row of chalets nestled onto the slope. The sense of space and privacy is peaceful and unusual in chalets of this calibre, with space at such a premium in the best resorts. 

The Lodges are 4 chalets, each named after a local animal – Chamois, Blanchot and Marmotte, and not forgetting the delightful PetiteMarmotte. With a range of sizes from the 7 en suite bedrooms in Chamois to the romantic one bedroom Petite Marmotte, there is a chalet for every party! The chalets’ decor has an emphasis on local woods and stone, with the theme of the chalet name running throughout – chamois print cushions on the sofa in Chalet Chamois and rabbit carved legs on the dining table in Chalet Blanchot – and showcases the owner's love of taxidermy; artworks in themselves.

Everything has been thought of here; each chalet has its own outdoor hot tub, and with the exception of Petite Marmotte all have a sauna, massage bed and cinema room. The mezzanine of each chalet is a dedicated children’s area, with two single beds for the little ones and a selection of toys and books, all themed with the chalet. On each child’s bed is a handmade toy in the shape of the chalets namesake – a wonderful touch.

What really stands out at these chalets though is the service; nothing is too big or small a request. The staff are fantastic, anticipating your needs and going above and beyond to make your stay outstanding. With chefs trained in some of the best restaurants in the world, the food is exceptional as well!

To top this all off, when we arrived the snow finally started falling – and it didn’t stop! It was a shame not to be able to enjoy the beautiful views, but it’s a small sacrifice to make for the powdery ski days!

To book one of these fantastic chalets contact our experienced team at Elegant Address Ski today:

ski@elegant-address.com 

+44 (0) 1244 629 963 

Top 6 activities for non-skiers in ski resorts

So you’ve booked your dream stay in the Alps and can’t wait to hit the slopes to shred the snow…But when there are some members of your party who do not ski. It can be a stressful thought to try and come up with ways to keep them occupied whilst you make the most of your time in the mountains.

Don’t worry! There are plenty of activities to keep even the most discerning traveler entertained and occupied...Especially with the help of our award-winning ski specialist team and concierge! To get an idea of the wonderful things that you can enjoy without skies strapped to your feet; we have compiled a list of our top six activity recommendations for non-skiers whilst staying in the resort.

Dog Sledging

Explore the mountains and plough through fresh powdery snow with a team of incredible Alaskan huskies. Whether you prefer to wrap up warm in a cosy blanket snuggled up to a love one on a sled, or taking control and standing up to drive and mush your powerful pups through the alpine countryside. Dog sledging is a fantastic experience for all ages and there is no experience necessary! 

Horse drawn carriage

Feel like you are living in a fairy-tale as you snuggle down under a cosy rug, riding through the beautiful, snowy countryside of St Moritz on a romantic horse drawn carriage ride. This is the perfect way to spend some quality time with your loved one, taking the breathtaking views of the mountains and alpine scenery whilst cuddled up and warm whilst listening to the gentle tap of the majestic horses feet in the snow.

Snow mobiling

Looking for something a little more fast paced? Discover a different side to the mountains by exploring the terrain by snow mobile. Take advantage of the emptying evening slopes and open space in Morzine by taking a tour at dusk to adventure into the valley. Great activity to do with friends, family or even by yourself!

Snow shoeing

Not the most stylish of ski wear on the slopes but this is a fun, active way to explore the mountains! Simply strap on two tennis racket like shoes and walk, run and jump around in the snow till your hearts content. You can book an off-piste a nature tour or just follow the signs and make snowy trails as you adventure around the white, powdery countryside.

Helicopter ride

One of the most incredible activities to experience and enjoy whether you are a skier or not! Take in the sensational, birds’ eye view of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and alpine forests as you fly elegantly across the Alps. For those a little more adventurous or wanting to celebrate a special occasion, why not stop off on top of a mountain for a bespoke luxury lunch on a table carved from the fresh snow? We highly recommend a helicopter ride in Verbier, Switzerland.

Spa Day

Annnnd relax! Take a break from outdoor activities and spend a well-earned lazy day in the spa. The perfect cure to relieve all of the stress from everyday life, heel sore muscles or just indulge in a fabulous pamper session. The French and Swiss Alps have some of the best spas and wellness areas in the World. Treat yourself to a range of luxury treatments, experience a traditional Turkish hammam and lounge in the Jacuzzi for a day of pure relaxation. One of our favourite spas is La Prairie spa in Le K2 5* hotel in Courchevel.  

At Elegant Address Ski, we are dedicated to finding your perfect, luxury ski chalet and creating your dream ski holiday experience. We are able organise and book a large range of incredible activities to make sure every member of your party has the most amazing holiday in the mountains. Get in touch today to talk to a ski expert to discuss how we can make your ski trip truly unforgettable.

The Best Chalet Pools In The Alps

Chalet Marco Polo, Val d'Isere

One of our favourite, most eccentric pools - Marco Polo is the oozes luxury. This pool is decorated with gold leaf, has a fantastic pull down projector to watch films as you swim and a goddess mural designed by famous fashion icon Christian Lacroix. See more of this chalet here. 

Chalet Edelwiess, Courchevel

Chalet Edelwiess is one of the most expensive properties in the Alps and definitely lives up to its reputation! This is not just an indoor pool...this is a top of the range luxury spa area with large jacuzzi, heated pool, sauna, massage rooms,star lit ceiling and spacious relaxation area around the pool. We think it is the perfect spa retreat! See more of this chalet here. 

Chalet Ma Datcha, Megeve

In one of the most sort after addresses in Megeve, Chalet Ma Datcha has an incredible outside mini spa area with a dazzling outdoor heated pool. The pool is set amongst plush gardens on a large terrace that also boasts an outdoor hot tub, gym, sauna, hammam and massage room to ensure maximum relaxation. See more of this chalet here.

Chalet L'Hotse, Val d'Isere

The relaxation zone at Chalet L'Hotse yet beautifully designed with all natural luxury materials such as oak, fur throws and high quality granite. We love the candle lit edges of the pool making this a haven of relaxation and serenity, giving it a warm and cosy atmosphere with the fur loungers. This room has Turkish baths and solarium as well as there being a state of the art cinema screen over the pool to watch your favourite shows or films. See more of this chalet here.

Le Grande Roche, Courchevel

This funky, bohemian style pool area is a fun and chic addition to Chalet Le Grande Roche. Who wouldn't want to go on that swing?! Modern and colourful decor with comfy lounge areas, TVs and steam room. See more of this chalet here.

Chalet Le Chardon, Val d'Isere

Although it is not 'technically' a swimming pool we could make this this list without the incredible, HUGE jacuzzi at Chalet Le Chardon. Best enjoyed with a champagne on ice - This amazing hot tub, embedded in a snow filled wonderland, is the biggest in the Alps. It looks like pure perfection! See more of this chalet here. 

Le K2 Chalet, Courchevel

One of the coolest looking pools in the Alps - the ultra modern swimming pool at the luxurious Le K2 Couture chalet in Courchevel. Cool hang out areas, decorative silver spheres in the pool and a huge cinema screen to watch from the pool or hot tub. This is definitely a fantastic modern take on luxury chalet interiors! See more of this chalet here.

Why book your winter ski trip now for 2016/17?

Every year we receive last minute calls from our clients, explaining their disappointment in losing out on their dream chalet from trying to book too late. Our most in-demand luxury chalets often get booked for peak weeks as early as the end of August!

Chalet Maria, Courchevel

Booking early and getting ahead of the game means that you will have prime choice of the most incredible properties, including some of the World’s best ski chalets. We can also easily match you with the most perfect chalet for you and your group’s requirements and any special requirements!   

Le Chardon, Val d'Isere

Abi, one of our fabulous ski specialist’s comments, “Now is not a natural time to start thinking about winter and definitely not natural to try and think about a snowy Christmas! But I can’t urge enough that it pays off to be organised when booking your ski trip this year. I always have a number of clients that try to book last minute but due to popular peak weeks being booked, they have to sometimes compromise. They are always the first to call to book their ski trip the following year!!  At this time of year availability is good, there is a large selection of beautiful chalets for you to see and we have plenty of time to organise your perfect luxury ski break.”

Abi on her fam trip to Meribel last season

It always feels good to be organised (and slightly smug) when it comes to booking holiday’s. Imagine just sitting back and relaxing for the rest of the year, not worrying about a last minute search but knowing your perfect chalet is waiting for you and your guests.

Chalet Le K2, Courchevel

To get started on the search for your dream luxury chalet for this winter, contact us today. We also have a selection highly private VIP chalets that are not on our website, get in touch for more details.

Our Visit To Chalet Rock N Love!

When I first heard the name of this unusual new chalet, I wasn’t sure what to expect - so I was very excited to have the opportunity to stay there and try out this exciting property! Newly completed in the charming resort of Tignes Les Brevieres, from the outside it looks like a typical modern Savoyard chalet, perhaps a little more contemporary than most, but when you walk in the front door – what an experience!

You are greeted by an old petrol pump and open steel stairs, with an indoor pool on your right with bold artwork along one wall and windows down the other. Go up the stairs and the theme continues – a pool table made from a Mini Cooper, a Wurlitzer jukebox and touches such as working gumball machines and a vintage Coca Cola machine create a really funky 1970s Americana vibe. The floor tiles have been etched with a unique and now-copyrighted pattern that weaves paisley patterns into skulls on the floor in a beautiful way that rings very true to the chalet’s personality.

The four main bedrooms are themed by colour – yellow, blue, purple and red – and all feature a striking coloured glass bath to match the theme, and views across the mountains. The children’s bedroom upstairs though, was definitely my favourite for its unusually imaginative finish. Two Volkswagen campervans and a Jeep painted in bright and clashing colours have been converted into three double beds, sharing a bathroom on the same floor. They were airlifted in before the roof was put on, and some of the doors still work – a little boy’s dream, to have a full size toy car that is also a bed, complete with personal TV!

With an open kitchen, you can watch the team at work preparing your meals – from freshly made bread and croissants to vegan meringues (who thought it was possible) – which creates a warm and fun atmosphere in the open plan living areas.

The chalet team of Claire, Ella and Ollie, were fantastic throughout our stay; nothing was too much trouble. Ollie’s food was superb – the menu was bold and unusual, and excellent throughout – some very memorable meals!

Overall Rock n Love is most definitely striking, but most of all it is so much fun as a chalet. The décor is playful and bold, and the theme runs throughout with old records used as place mats and a full-size statue of a French superhero standing sentinel near the stairs to the bedrooms. With a sauna, hammam, indoor pool, gym, hot tub on the balcony and a state of the art massage bed as well, it is difficult to find something missing in the chalet! A truly funky haven in the heart of Tignes Les Brevieres.

If you would like to know more about this chalet or would like to book your stay, please contact our award-winning ski specialists who would be delighted to help.

T: +44(0)1244 629963

E: ski@elegant-address.com

Royal Trip to The French Alps

It was announced yesterday that Prince William and Princess Kate enjoyed a fantastic looking family ski trip to The French Alps (rumoured to be in Courchevel Resort) last Wednesday with the adorable 10-month old Princess Charlotte and 2 year old Prince George. 

Unlike traditional royal holidays, the Cambridge family only invited one trusted photographer with them on their trip to capture some beautiful family moments away from a mass media. 

Here are the brilliant pictures taken just minutes after little George was introduced to snow for the first time on Thursday. 

Image courtesy of DailyMail

Image courtesy of DailyMail

Image courtesy of DailyMail

Image courtesy of DailyMail

View our fabulous luxury Chalets in Courchevel fit for royalty.

Contact our award-winning, dedicated ski specialists today on +44 (0)1244 629963 or send your request to ski@elegant-address.com

The Snow Has Arrived!

The scenes in the Alps right now are incredibly exciting, we can't stop looking through the internet and live webcams! Unfortunately throughout December the snowfall was running late with unusually green scenery for that time of year, making ski enthusiasts a little nervous. 

The snow may have been later than expected but its definitely made up for it now!! With up to a metre of snowfall each night this week, the mountains have been truly transformed and brought back to life into a into a Winter Wonderland!

Here are some snapshots of the slopes this week and the weather forecasts across the alps to get you excited for your trip or finally tempt you to get your skis packed and head over to the snow!

Val d'Isere looking beautiful this week

Sunshine and snowy pistes on a lift ride in Les Gets

View from a balcony in Val Thorens

Zermatt looking as perfect as ever, wish we were there!

Courchevel 30cm dump in one night

Meribel getting 50cm of snow overnight!

European Ski Weather This Week 

French Alps

Swiss Alps

Austrian Alps

Wanting to head over to the alps to enjoy the amazing, fresh powdery snow and sunshine with your friends or family? Our award winning team of dedicated ski chalet specialists would be delighted to help you discover your perfect luxury chalet. 

To start your search or for more information call (UK) 01244 629963 or send us a message today!