Chalet Hermine

Chalet Hermine has the rare combination of exclusivity and seclusion. Although it is set in the heart of one of the most elite resorts in the French Alps, you can still experience utter privacy in this sublime family home. The renowned restaurants and nightspots of Courchevel 1850 are minutes away and the Cospillot piste is a 20-metre tramp through the trees. Step inside the chalet, however, and you are instantly transported to a effortlessly comfortable environment where you can relax and unwind with family and friends.

The style is traditional and cosy throughout with dark pine panelling, rich fur throws and sumptuous fabrics. Savoyard details, such as the hand-carved wooden banisters decorated with hearts, painted travel chests and intriguing antler lamps add character and charm. Ranged over four floors, the chalet has a tranquil appeal and the cosy sitting room is the centrepiece. Settle down for the evening around the ornate fireplace and allow yourself to be indulged by Chalet Hermine’s expert staff.

Little touches such as fresh coffee in bed in the morning and champagne and canapés in the evening make all the difference, and the focus is on providing you with a totally tailor-made experience. The chalet has a staff of five, including a fabulous chef who prepares breakfast and afternoon tea every day and a gourmet dinner six nights a week. This gives you an evening to explore Courchevel’s Michelin-starred delights.

The staff are on hand to cater to your every whim. Two chauffeur-driven 4x4s are on stand-by to take you anywhere in the valley and the chalet manager can make recommendations and bookings. If you’re travelling with children, Chalet Hermine is very well equipped and staff can arrange childminders and nannies on request. Courchevel is a great place to learn to ski and lessons can be booked in advance.

Courchevel’s position in the enormous Trois Vallées ski region means that the area is suitable for all levels of ability. For experienced skiers, there are over 350 runs and the opportunity for some challenging off-piste skiing. Hand-picked mountain guides can take you to fresh powder and uncrowded slopes, even choosing the best time to ski a piste so that you’re in sunshine all day. You can try your hand at heli-skiing, parapenting and bobsleighing, as well as many other activities. Again, the staff will organise lift passes, equipment hire and in-chalet fittings in order to get you on the slopes as quickly as possible.

However you spend your day, there’s always the warmth and serentiy of Chalet Hermine to return to. Each of the five individually designed bedrooms is remarkably comfortable, but the master bedroom on the top floor steals the show; from the comfort of the freestanding bath, you can enjoy magnificent views down the valley. You can also pamper yourself in the spa room, with its Jacuzzi and sauna. If you fancy a break from Alpine sports, indulge in a muscle-soothing massage or beauty treatment.

This chalet in Courchevel sleeping ten guests was reviewed by Jim Whyte