Country House: September 2008

HOTEL DOCTOR

QUESTION  A bunch of friends want to ski for a week but I'm a novice and while I want to learn, I'm more interested in some glamorous off-slope fun...

ANSWER  Courchevel is perfect for pistes and see-and-be-seen apres-ski.  Enjoy canapes, cocktails and five-course dinners at ultra-luxurious Chalet Marmotte.  It sleeps up to 10, and has three full-time staff - ideal house-party material.  Ski out of the back door onto some of the prettiest slopes in the Trois Vallees, or hit some of the Michelin-starred eateries on your doorstep.  One week from €13,500 (€1,350 a person).  Call 0845 034 0700 to book or go to Smithandski.com to find other stylish chalets.