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 

5 reasons to visit Val d’Isere This Season

Val d’Isere is the ideal ski resort with amazing terrain and beautiful traditional town – No surprise then that it is the UK’s favourite winter ski destination! If that wasn’t enough reason to visit Val d’Isere, we have come up with five great excuses to head to the French Alps this season to discover this fantastic luxury ski resort.

Traditional town

Starting off as just a 17^th century church and a couple of farm houses, Val d’Isere has developed remarkably whilst still keeping it’s traditional charm. There is even a strictly-enforced no parking policy on the town's roads and mature trees line the main street where cars once parked. New for the 2016/17 season is the Solaise gondola, a state-of-the-art lift to replace the old Solaise Express chairlift. The 10-person gondola, complete with heated seats and wifi to share those enviable, snow-filled shots straight fresh from the mountain!

The resort is home to a selection of the world's most prestigious shops, exclusive bars and Michelin star restaurants, there certainly won't be any shortage of things to do and the après ski is fantastic with ski in ski out bars nestled within the glistening slopes. Olympic Avenue is a must see, especially for your dining needs during your luxury ski retreat.

Skiing and Off-piste

Val d’Isere and the incredible Espace Killy ski area has some of the most varied, longest and best off piste skiing in Europe. There is a large selection of off-piste to explore and enjoy with each skiing area of the resort having something different to offer.

The advanced terrain is for confident skiiers to venture off to test their skills. It goes without saying that we highly recommend viewing the avalanche safety page for tips and hire an off piste guide who has the best local knowledge and tracks down the mountain. Val d’Isère is famous for its huge amount of back country skiing but it's also great for families and has 19 ski schools, many of which are multilingual.

Après ski

Val d’Isere is known for having some of the liveliest nightlife in the Alps with dozens of bars and nightclubs to choose from. There is the perfect balance for both party animals and those who prefer only the very best champagne or a quiet beer. Val d’Isere has great après ski options for everyone.

The famous La Folie Douce starts the party from 3pm at the top of the slopes and has a brave gathering of people dancing in their ski boots on the tables well into the evening! La Folie Douce also has a fantastic restaurant attached called the Fruitiere which offers a relaxed atmosphere with superb food and a good wine list.

At the bottom of the slopes, as well as plenty of lively bars offering happy hours, there are quieter options such as the sophisticated Rosee Blanche at the end of the piste in La Daille which is the place to be when the sun is out as it has a great deck to sit out on and the best vin chaud in town!

Linked to Tignes

Two ski resorts for the price of one! Val d’Isere is linked to Tignes to provide an amazing ski area totally 300km of pistes and 94 lifts! Unlike other resorts that claim a giant ski area, the pistes of Val and Tignes are naturally linked without the need for long and boring connecting trails or lifts. The standard of piste grooming is extremely high and the lift system is constantly being upgraded.

Val d’Isere itself has high quality, snow-sure slopes that are brilliant for both complete beginner up to veteran powder wizards. The season lasts from end of November all the way to the first week in May!

Incredible chalets

Chalet Le Chardon, view here: https://goo.gl/nGMjF8 

We have many beautiful Luxury chalets in Val d’Isere each offering the very best in alpine skiing you will be spoilt for choice, so to make the search process easier for you let our expert consultants take care of it for you. Choose from a variety of unique, resort centre or more private locations in the stunning village of Val d’Isère in the French Alps. Most of our chalets have luxury facilities such as indoor pools, Jacuzzis, private spas, private chef and more!

Chalet l'hotse, view here: https://goo.gl/YEmzEA

Chalet Marco Polo: https://goo.gl/5iB7LQ

Chalet Le Rocher: https://goo.gl/t8j5Dp

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.

Summer in Chamonix

Now we have sadly hung up our skis and snowboards for the summer, most ski resorts are winding down; not so in Chamonix! As one of the few resorts that is actually even busier in summer than in winter, Chamonix is a stunning place for a summer break.

Thrill-seekers can take on world-famous climbs, white water raft, hike across glaciers or cycle the steeps normally reserved for skiers and boarders. 

Those looking for a more relaxed stay can enjoy the very French feel of the town, against a fabulous mountain backdrop in the shadow of Mont Blanc. Sitting as it does on the Swiss and Italian borders, you can enjoy cuisine from all three countries, sample local wines, test out your swing on the golf course or relax in one of the many spas.

If this sounds like the summer break for you, we have some fantastic special offers at the moment; call us today for more details!

Valentine's Guide To The Alps

Jetting away for a romantic long weekend is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the person you love, and is a great present for both of you! Snuggled up by a burning log fire after a morning of skiing, it’s time to enjoy your homemade, delicious afternoon tea whilst looking out to a magnificent view of snowy mountains and sunshine…Pure romantic bliss!

There’s still time to book a last minute, romantic luxury stay in the Alps this Valentine’s Day and we would be delighted to help! To help you decide where you might like to go, we have created a list of beautiful resorts that will make any heart skip a beat…

Les Gets

For a more intimate and quieter romantic getaway the traditional style village of Les Get is the perfect choice. Located between Lake Geneva and Mont-Blanc, the village of Les Gets has preserved its mountain soul, it's typically Savoyard and its heritage is filled with historic and cultural riches as well as dozens of superb restaurant to indulge and enjoy.

In Les Gets, you can ski from your doorstep and venture out onto slopes that wind between trees and meadows, amid sumptuous panoramas and breath-taking views. Whether you're a superb skier or a beginner, it's up to you to experience all the pleasure of skiing and a feeling of freedom that you won't feel anywhere else”

On the other side of Les Gets is Mont Chery. This ski area, reached by gondola, has a variety of skiing, and spectacular views. At top is the Grand Ourse, a highly rated restaurant run by an English family with 180-degree views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

View our luxury chalets in Les Gets

Chamonix

If your Valentine is more of an adrenaline junkie who tears up the pistes rather than seeing chocolate-box scenery, incredible designer shops and luxury spas, then Chamonix is a great choice.

One of the quickest of Europe's high resorts to reach from Geneva, Chamonix is home to the magnificent Grands Montets ski area and offers endless opportunities to push your ability and test your nerve on legendary off-piste runs such as La Poubelle and the Pas de Chèvre.

Don’t miss one of the world’s most exhilarating cable-car rides up to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m) where you’ll find Europe’s highest restaurant, Le 3842, and an exquisite view of Mont Blanc. Of course no trip would be complete without standing in the famous 'glass box' over the mountains - Such a heartracing spot that there have been several marriage proposals there!

View our luxury chalets in Chamonix

St Moritz - Switzerland

With more five star hotels and luxury designer shops than any other Swiss resort, for a no-expense spared weekend of love and luxury then there is no better resort than St Moritz.

Famous for its healing waters, crystal-clear mountain air, spectacular views and 322 days of sunshine a year, St Moritz has been a favourite playground of the rich, royal and famous for decades, hosting everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Grace Kelly, George Clooney to Princess Caroline.

The ski terrain is diverse and challenging with spirit-lifting views in all directions. There are cruisers for intermediates, while experts can head to the more challenging terrain of Corvatsch or bomb down the 8km Hahnensee run.

To view our entire collection of world class luxury ski chalets visit our website: www.elegant-ski.com 

‘Ice Work! World’s biggest igloo built in Zermatt

The last snowy brick of World’s biggest igloo has been laid in a beautiful location looking out to the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland. The record breaking attempt took place at the Swiss Alps resort of Iglu-Dorf in front of Matterhorn, situated in Zermatt at an altitude of 2,727m.

The maginficent icy home broke the world record with an impressive 11m high ceiling and 13m wide. It took a total of 1,700 snow bricks, 11 days and a team of five to complete the construction. The giant igloo was built to celebrate the resorts 20^th anniversary.

The previous record holder of the largest igloo was built in February 2011 in Grand Falls, Canada, with a diameter of 9.2m and a ceiling height of 5.3m.

Tempted to enjoy the snow, slopes and sun for yourself in Zermatt? To view our luxury chalets to rent (made of more sturdy materials!) visit our Zermatt luxury chalets portfolio. We also have an amazing selection of special offers with fantastic offers on both Chalet Haus Uylsse and Chalet Binna in Zermatt. 

Can't find what you are looking for or aren't sure where is the best resort for what you want? Contact our award-winning, luxury ski specialists today on 01244 629963 or alternatively send us a message at ski@elegant-address.com - We would be delighted to talk through our exclusive properties!

Last minute Christmas & New Year Offers!

It's not too late to spent the festive season in fabulous style and make the most of time with family and friends.  Below, we have a selection of truly incredible, exclusive offers on some of our favourite chalets to tempt you to enjoy a last minute luxury trip the snow filled Alps...It is Christmas after all! Chalet Chamois, Courchevel - NOW  €45,000 for Christmas Grande Corniche, Les Gets - 20% off Christmas week, and full area lift passes for everyone! Haus Ulysse, Zermatt - 20% off Christmas, and half price lift passes!   Le Loup Blanc, Courchevel - 20% off Christmas week Chalet Marmotte, Courchevel - NOW €25,000 for Christmas Chalet Solyneou, Val d'Isere - 20% off Christmas week, and full area lift passes for everyone!

Chalet Abode, St Martin de Belleville - NOW £16,995 for New Year

Chalet Cragganmore, Chamonix - 20% off New Year

Chalet Katchina, Megeve - AMAZING DEALS contact us for more information

***View all of our spectacular special offers here***