After such a fabulous trip to the Portes du Soleil in December I wasn’t quite sure how my trip to Courchevel, more specifically to Courchevel Moriond, was going to match it, but boy was I mistaken. It was a whirlwind few days of visiting some very luxurious catered ski chalets, enjoying a spot of skiing, drinking delicious French wines and indulging in some divine gourmet food, which included my favourite…cheese.
Courchevel 1650 (aka Moriond) might not have the bling or the designer image of Courchevel 1850 but if you are like me and love a beautiful chalet which is a home away from home with fabulous service, some local traditional shops to browse and some fabulous restaurants such as Cucina Angelina, then this is the height for you.
Here’s a little more on why my trip was so unforgettable in the best possible way.
SERVICE
As soon as we arrived at Geneva airport we hopped into the transfer vehicle and were whisked up to Courchevel Belvedere, an exclusive hamlet that sits above Courchevel Moriond. From the moment we arrived the staff at the chalet were exceptional. Nothing was too much trouble and immediately we were welcomed out of the cold mountain air into the warmth of the luxury ski chalet and offered a rather delicious glass of Champagne. Perfect after my 4am wake up call, which of course had been completely forgotten upon arrival.
Jules was our driver for our mini stay and he was fabulous. Even taking the time, after collecting us from our day of skiing, to pop into a recommended local cheese shop with me. I was incredibly grateful for this, as shall I say my French is rather lacking and amounts to ‘un petit peu.’ I was thrilled to be walking out the door with an abundance of fabulous local cheese, all ready for my Raclette dinner party for when I get back. I can’t thank Jules enough as the experience was made so much more enjoyable with him there, explaining all of the different produce within the shop.
FOOD
Two words…blown away. The food in the chalet was exquisite and after some very delicious canapes, which included mini fois gras burgers, we went to sit down for a very enjoyable evening. This was a real highlight of my trip and included three spectacular courses, some more delicious cheese and of course some fabulous French wine, all served effortlessly and presented beautifully. I have to say the homemade ravioli served with fresh tomatoes and olives along with a refreshing balsamic dressing to start was just divine.
You would think that after all of the food from the night before I might not want breakfast. Normally I might even agree but how could one possibly resist the croissants, pain au chocolats, breads, cheese, yoghurts, salmon, eggs, cold meats and the deliciously ripe fruit which was laid out so beautifully in front of us. It was a very good thing I was heading up the mountain to burn some of it off!
CHALETS
Chalet Chamois, Courchevel
I was incredibly lucky to stay in this luxury catered chalet and must say even though we didn’t quite get the blue skies like the picture above, the views were still sensational nonetheless. I enjoyed a fabulous evening relaxing in the hot tub with the snowflakes falling all around. Everything one expects from the phrase “winter wonderland”. This chalet is perfect for a large group of 14 guests and has a wonderful mezzanine sleeping and play area for small children to enjoy or a cinema room if they would prefer, while the adults relax in the sauna.
Chalet Blanchot, Courchevel
Like Chalet Chamois, this beautiful chalet sits piste side and enjoys stunning views. Chalet Blanchot is ideal for a group of 10 guests who want to be completely and utterly spoilt rotten within a luxury catered chalet in a beautiful ski resort. The open plan living/dining area with an open fireplace perfectly situated in the middle is a perfect blend of traditional with contemporary. However, if you fancy a change of rooms and somewhere even more relaxing then head downstairs to the leisure area with a TV area, sauna, steam room and separate treatment room.
Chalet Marmotte, Courchevel
Chalet Marmotte is an idyllic chalet for 8 guests to enjoy. This stand alone chalet offers a wonderful open living area with a sumptuously squidgy sofa to sit and relax with your family and friends around the fire and enjoy the open bar. Or equally head outside and enjoy the fabulous hot tub.
Chalet Petite Marmotte, Courchevel
A beautiful and intimate 2 person chalet ideal for your romantic honeymoon or like my clients who were staying there an unforgettable proposal (in a good way). What is so special about Chalet Petite Marmotte is that you have your very own private outdoor hot tub and still get the luxuries of gourmet food, an open bar and in resort driver service. I couldn’t think of anywhere better for a romantic getaway. If I wasn’t already married I know what I would be not so subtly hinting at!
Portetta Loft 4, Courchevel
If you’re a smaller group of 4 or 6 and want the luxury of your very own apartment with the choice of 2 or 3 bedrooms each with their own individuality, then the Portetta Lofts are perfect for you. Each with their own kitchen and living area along with a fireplace but with the added bonus of a fabulous restaurant and beautiful bar and lounge area downstairs. Head to the welcoming atmospheric bar and lounge for a delicious pre-dinner cocktail and catch up before indulging in some exquisite food at the restaurant run by Angelina Hartnett. Oh and don’t forget to treat yourself to the in-house spa area.
All of the above luxury ski chalets are now offered at discounted rates for the rest of the season.
There you have it! A little insight into my fabulous getaway to The Three Valleys. Boy was it hard to come home! Do you have a favourite for your next family holiday?
If you would like an incredible holiday where you can enjoy any of the above luxury chalets and be pampered from the moment you arrive right up until you leave then please give us a call on +44 1202 203 650 or send us an email, as the Ski in Luxury team would love to help.
