Hotels • December 2015
The world’s most spectacular ski chalets (still within budget)
From the snow-sure slopes of Verbier to the ever-trendy resort of Val d’Isère, ski writer Ben Clatworthy picks his selection of top chalets for the next winter season
Haus Alpina, Klosters
From the outside, Haus Alpina is unremarkable. But step inside and you’ll be seduced by one of the Alps’ best-appointed chalets. The living area is vast and airy, with huge sofas and a roaring fire. Next you’ll notice the number of candles, 60 in the communal areas alone. This may seem a lot, but not when you learn that the chalet belongs to The White Company founder Chrissie Rucker. Upstairs is the palatial master suite, and the opulence continues in the five smaller rooms.
The chalet sleeps 12, and a week’s stay is from £18,564 (or £13,926, excluding the master suite).
Nearest airport: Zurich
The Ecurie, St Martin de Belleville
For the past century a lowly stable stood in the village of Villarabout, just outside the chocolate-box resort of St Martin. Now a renovation has transformed it into a beautiful retreat. The original beams and timbers remain, complemented by sophisticated furnishing. Once darkness falls, rest your weary limbs next to the fire in the open-plan living area, admiring the chalet’s chefs at work.
The chalet sleeps eight, and a week’s stay is from £10,368.
Nearest airport: Grenoble or Geneva
Eagle’s Nest, Val d’Isère
The Eagle’s Nest perches on a rocky outcrop overlooking Val d’Isère and has a reputation as one of the town’s most iconic chalets. Thanks to a £550,000 renovation, its level of luxury has soared. Spread over four floors there’s a bar, pool, spa, outdoor hot tub and games room. And this year, menus at Scott Dunn properties have been crafted by 2014 MasterChef winner Ping Coombes.
The chalet sleeps 12, and a week’s stay is from £1,575pp based on full occupancy, including flights with British Airways and transfers.
Nearest airport: Geneva
Chalet Kashmir, Méribel
New for 2015, Kashmir is an impressive house with a traditional alpine feel, but ultra-modern furnishings. Situated in the small hamlet of La Gittaz, a short drive from Méribel village, the chalet has six en-suite bedrooms, including a top-floor master suite that’s especially expansive.
The chalet sleeps 12, and a week’s stay is from £9,950.
Nearest airport: Grenoble or Geneva
Place Blanche 2, Verbier
A spate of openings in the Swiss resort means Verbier’s already glitzy chalet scene has gone up a notch. At the less expensive end is the new Place Blanche 2 penthouse chalet, which features a spacious living area with open fire that leads onto a terrace. But the real treat is in the main bedroom: above the bath is a huge skylight window, which gives you the feeling of being among the treetops. There’s also a smaller twin room and a mezzanine level that’s particularly suitable for two children.
The chalet sleeps six, and a week’s stay is from £10,400.
Nearest airport: Geneva
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