Chalet Eléphant-Blanc

For fabulous skiing you can’t do better than the Espace Killy area of Val d’Isère and for easy access to the slopes you couldn’t ask for more than Eléphant Blanc which has the Solaise piste right on its doorstep. It only takes a few minutes on a lift to be whisked to some of the area’s more challenging terrain, while the resort’s nursery slopes are also conveniently close by.

Val d’Isère is a magnet for dedicated skiers throughout the winter but a visit to one of the French Alp’s foremost resorts isn’t just about the skiing – fantastic though it is. The resort’s aficionados certainly give Val d’Isère a varied and lively social scene and as for chalet itself, Eléphant Blanc is one of the most refined and inviting chalets in the mountains, with service and facilities to match.

Up to ten guests can be accommodated in five relaxing en suite bedrooms, styled in neutral tones to create a soothing atmosphere. The two bedrooms at the front of the chalet have a particular sense of light and space. Two large south and west-facing balconies provide wonderful views across the valley to the Face de Bellvarde. The bedrooms at the back of the chalet, including the spacious master bedroom on the top floor, have dark pine panelling, creating a cosy Alpine feel.

The double-height living room is the focus of the chalet, with a towering stone fireplace and large picture windows. Guests gather on the comfortable sofas in front of the roaring fire before enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared by the chalet chef. Whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. The five staff will make you feel most welcome and are there to ensure your stay goes without a hitch.

The chalet manager provides a concierge service throughout your stay and their expert knowledge and contacts will ensure a wonderful holiday. A whole host of Alpine sports can be arranged whether you’re looking for the best ski instructor or want to get the adrenaline flowing with ice driving or parapenting. The chalet manager can book the best restaurants in the centre of the resort which is only three minutes away in the chalet’s chauffeur-driven 4x4. The chef’s well-deserved evening off is normally used as an opportunity to dine out and sample some more of the excellent Savoyarde specialities in town.

Alternatively you could simply enjoy the peaceful and homely ambience of the chalet. A TV snug on the top mezzanine level has a wide selection of DVDs and games, as well as a full cable package. There’s a hot tube out on the balcony for you to relax in after a strenuous day on the slopes and The Eléphant Blanc experience is completed with a fabulous spa on the lower ground floor. Here you’ll find a sauna, steam room and a massage room where you can enjoy a range of treatments.

The chalet in Val D'isère for ten guests was reviewed by Jim Whyte