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Etc.: March 2008
Snow in Style
Going away to the snow? Looking to make your break something special? Johnny Morgan takes a look at some of the most luxurious pads to rack up at with your board and blades this winter.
Where: Courchevel, France.
Style: Piste-side pizzazz.
Rooms: Sleeps up to ten people in five bedrooms including a mezzanine, which is ideal for kids.
Rates: £13,500 to £21,500 per week including chalet staff, champagne and canapes on arrival, breakfast and afternoon tea, fresh flowers and daily newspapers.
Must pack: Chanel ski suit and quilted leather skis.
Booking: Go to www.mrandmrssmith.com/ski-chalets or call the Smith travel team on 0845 034 7000
The accommodation: This stunning slope-side chalet is situated in the peaceful hamlet of Belvedere in Courchevel. The ski-in, ski-out chalet is a mere slip and slide away from the Three Valleys' 400 miles of runs, one of Europe's largest ski areas.
The decor is thoroughly Continental luxury and, as befitting such a chalet, you are ensconced by hearty Alpine timber. Fresh flowers, newspapers and firewood are delivered daily.
Eating, drinking and sleeping: A champagne and canape reception on arrival, served by staff who come as part of the package, sets the tone for eating and drinking at the Chalet Marmotte. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served daily, and the dining table, which easily seats eight, has views of the piste.
When it comes to dinner (or any other meal come to that), if you don't care for a visit to the local shops or getting in the kitchen, a private chef and shopping service are available. Both are extra, as is dipping into the chalet's wine cellar and bar.
If you want to give the chef the night off and hit the town, some Alpine glamour is not far away in the form of Courchevel 1850, a popular hangout for the Parisian jet set which boasts Michelin-starred delights.
After a hard day on the slopes and possibly harder night enjoying the apres-ski, you'll be ready for a good night's sleep. Large beds looking out onto the mountains spread with Egyptian cotton bed linen should help ensure a restful slumber.