An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From £13,700 B&B exclusive chalet per week,
£18,900 half board
Beautiful modern chalet in
exclusive part of 1650
usp
Chalet Chamois, aptly named after the local mountain animal, is one of a group of four beautifully appointed modern chalets located in the exclusive hamlet of Belvedere in Courchevel 1650.
location
Belvedere is a discreet residential area on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, about 20 minutes’ walk up from the shops and buzz of Courchevel 1650. The chalet, which has no buildings in front or behind it, is totally accessible from the slopes and is properly ski-in ski-out (we almost skied into our bedroom from the piste), while Belvedere itself is quiet and consists simply of a road of extremely smart, privately-owned fellow chalets. As such, it is posher than the rest of 1650 but without the obscenely over-the-top prices (and the Russians) of 1850.
style
Tastefully styled rustic chic. Chamois, like its three sister chalets Marmotte, Blanchot and Petite Marmotte, was built a few years ago to a traditional Swiss design with modern twists. There are lots of old wooden beams but it is light and airy, with huge floor to ceiling windows facing up the slope, exposed stone floors, and a big, central four-way fireplace dividing the living space from the dining area. There are several sink-into sofas and the odd stylish touch such as a giant metal chamois sitting on the floor. ^
rooms
The chalet has two twin bedrooms and four double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, as well as a mezzanine area with two extra single beds. Each room has lovely views, either of the piste (which is far enough away for privacy) or the quiet road at the front. Some of the ones at the back have balconies or terraces, but they are all perfectly comfortable, if not huge. The master suite is roomy though, with its own terrace, dressing room and double windows, and the colour palette throughout is a homely, utterly cosy combo of soft creams and deep rustic browns The toiletries are generous and supplied by UK brand Aromatherapy. ^
food & drink
At present the chalet only offers a bed & breakfast option, with daily morning delivery of bread and pastries, but a private chef and service staff can be supplied. Lunch and dinner can also be taken at the chalet’s stylish, lodge-style sister hotel just down the road in 1650, Le Portetta. When we were there we dined in the chalet and it was an excellent three course meal, although the canapés were rather unexciting and the sweet buffet was really only for the extremely sweet-toothed. ^
service
Once again, at present the chalet is not staffed but the company is looking to install staff full time for next season. Staff were leant from Le Portetta for the duration of our stay, and the chef was French but the host was English, witty and friendly. Not sure the black bow-tie and waistcoat combo with the in-chalet slippers quite worked, however! ^
spa facilities
Chamois has a generous ground floor spa area, complete with bar and big sauna. There is no outdoor hot tub as yet (there are plans to install one). Treatments are laid on for an extra charge down the road at Le Portetta which has a really cool chill-out area as well as hammam and sauna too. ^
children
There is a charming mezzanine area tucked under the eaves which has two single beds in it for kids, although most adults who saw it said they wouldn’t mind staying there themselves. Babysitting can be arranged and ski guides organised specially for children. Just four minutes from the chalet there is also a Mickey Mouse slope which has a play area for children as young as three and another for older children to have lessons. Separate mealtimes can also be laid on for little ones, while the chalet has a Sony PlayStation 2 and Sky TV. ^
extras
Wifi throughout, the biggest boot room we’ve possibly seen (no scrabbling for a seat in the morning when trying to pull on your boots), and car parking on a heated drive plus two double garages should you wish to park your car under cover. There are various luxury appliances too, such as a BOSE sound system and Netspresso coffee machine. Oh, and you can hire out a delightful converted hayloft next door, called La Petite Marmotte, to add an extra two to the chalet’s accommodation. ^
for skiers
Chalet Chamois can arrange everything for skiers, from qualified ski guides to ski lessons and in-chalet delivery of ski equipment and lift passes. The chalet has a close relationship with Ecole De Ski Francais (ESF), the largest ski school in Les 3 Vallees, as well as New Generation ski school, which is slightly smaller but also very well established and considered the best English ski school in the region. Instructors from both can collect and drop off guests back at the chalet at the end of the day. The chalet is also perfect for cross-country skiing, being right beside a track which takes you into the heart of the national park. ^
for non skiers
Non-skiers should definitely not miss out on the sledging run down from 1850 to 1650 (you catch the bubble back up). This is hilarious fun and seemingly dangerous, but all you have to do is fling yourself off the sledge if you can’t stop – or just dig the brakes in on either side. Other activities include snowshoe walking in the park or you could catch the regular free bus up to 1850 for some fancy shopping, relax in the sauna or watch a film on the DVD player. ^
best thing
The privacy and genuine ski-in/ski-outness -- and the views up the slope to the piste. ^
worst thing
The lack of full board facilities and lack of dedicated transport, although this is not so necessary given its ski-in/ski-outness. Lifts are needed down to Le Portetta however, as well as 1650 or up to 1850 even. ^
getting there
Geneva is probably the easiest and nearest big airport, with a transfer of around two hours depending on traffic and snow conditions. Transfers, including heli transfers, can be arranged through the chalet but cost extra. Chambéry is only one and a half hours away but has fewer flights. ^
bottom line
Chalet Chamois costs from 13,000 euros (around £11,400) per week, which works at around £815pp. ^
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 - 9
Service - N/A
Room - 8
Food & Drink - N/A
Luxury - 8
Don’t miss out on a treatment (and a trip) to Le Portetta. The spa is heavenly, and the hotel bar is a stylish spot for a post-pampering glass of wine.
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Bookings and enquiries: enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk Telephone:
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