If you are looking for a skiing holiday this season away from the ever increasing swarms of well known resorts, but one that still provides easy access to arguably the best skiing area in the world then look no further that St Martin de Belleville. Read on further to discover what to expect from a St Martin de Belleville chalet holiday…
St Martin de Belleville has managed to retain the charm you wish for when thinking of a magical winter resort and is exactly what I envisaged as a child when I was first thrown into skiing at the tender age of 6. That was after my initial horror of “WHAT you’re taking me away to somewhere even colder than England…for Christmas! But how is Santa Claus going to find me?”…
St Martin de Belleville Village
Video: St Martin de Belleville ski holiday. Credit St Martin de Belleville Tourisme
A traditional Savoyard hamlet dating right back to the 17th and 18th century, it really is a hidden gem within the Three Valleys. This charming unspoilt village is a mainly French speaking community with family owned delicatessens and patisseries, quaint boutiques, rural buildings including an old church floodlit at night, a modest square and beautiful buildings carved of both wood and stone. There are a selection of delicious restaurants and lively bars in keeping with the theme of the town, but also a little more extravagance if desired with the 2 Michelin star La Bouitte restaurant just a 5 minute drive from the village (or a short helicopter ride from Courchevel which is the preferred method of transport for the rich and famous!)
Skiing in St Martin de Belleville
The general misconception with St Martin de Belleville is that it is a low altitude resort cut off from the rest of the Three Valleys, however with a height of 1450m it is in fact at the same altitude as it’s more famous ‘sister’ resort of Méribel. There is 600 kilometres of skiing within the Three Valleys, 300 kilometres of which are in the Belleville Valley alone! Two lifts and two runs gets you into Val Thorens in approximately 30 minutes and for the intermediate skier you can be sat enjoying a Vin Chaud drink in Courchevel 1650 within the hour.
Because St Martin de Belleville is set predominantly on pasture land, the resort only needs 10cm of snow to be able to ski in comparison to neighbouring resorts where 1 metre plus is required. Queues are rare for the lifts and there is a huge range of fantastic off-piste skiing available alongside tree lined cruisey runs. The village is blessed with the afternoon sun which is ideal to ski back into after a day trip across neighbouring valleys. The entire Three Valleys resort is accessible by foot for the non skiers of the group and there are plenty of other activities including local dog sledding, a swimming pool, ice rink and skidooing to name a few in the nearby ‘ugly sister’ resort of Les Menuires!
….If we haven’t managed to convince you already, the following beautiful boutique chalets will leave you in no doubt that a St Martin de Belleville chalet holiday is a must on your ski holiday bucket list!
St Martin de Belleville Ski Chalets
We have a growing collection of luxury properties to help you find the perfect place to stay on your St Martin de Belleville chalet holiday. Below, I have just featured a couple to give you a taster….
Chalet Astilla
In-keeping with the surrounding buildings, Chalet Astilla is a beautiful St Martin de Belleville chalet, perfect for a group of up to 10 guests. Although located in a peaceful location, you access the drag lift and closest ski slopes just 350m away.
When you arrive back to Chalet Astilla after a day on the slopes, you can choose from a range of options to ensure you relax and recover. Sunny spring afternoons can be perfect for a little après ski on the terrace, with a stunning mountainous backdrop. Or enjoy stunning views from the comfort of the living room but the fire; the large floor to ceiling windows allow the light to flood in, and perfectly frame the mountain peaks. Or head straight for a glass of Champagne and the hot tub for the ultimate treat!
This luxury St Martin de Belleville chalet comfortably accommodates 10 guests in 5 unique bedrooms. Two of the bedrooms can be arranged as doubles or twins, whilst another two are fixed double beds. The final bedroom is a cosy, alpine bunkroom which are adult size but the children in the group will be sure to love!
Chalet Chamois
This contemporary chalet is the left side of a stunning property, nestled in the peaceful hamlet of Villarabout and can accommodate 6-9 guests. Although technically adjoined to the neighbouring chalet, the balconies are set back maintaining privacy for guests at all times. The main living and dining area is again positioned on the top floor to maximize the spectacular views down the valley.
There are 3 king/twin bedrooms and a triple bunk room for smaller members of the group. Each of the bedrooms has large windows, 2 with balcony/terrace, so you can make the most of the gorgeous views, and all rooms offer the same high levels of comfort & style with luxury pocket sprung beds, Egyptian cotton bed linen & hotel standard en-suite bathrooms.
Beautifully run along the lines of a boutique hotel, the company owners are always on hand, discreetly, to ensure consistently high standards, exemplary service & sumptuous food. A professional team of Chef, Host, Chauffeur & Chalet Manager provide an exceptional service.
All staff live out and the driver service is available from 7am – 10pm daily, ensuring you never carry your skis anywhere! The sumptuous food you’ll experience is just one of the many reasons so many guests return with this season welcoming a chef and host duo who have both previously worked in the world famous Claridge’s of London.
Please click on the chalet names and follow the links to our website or alternatively contact our Ski In Luxury office on +44 1202 203650.
Check out our Pinterest board for more inspiration on luxury chalets in the Three Valleys
