Best Chalet - Part 2 (Ski In Ski Out)

Part 2 of our best chalets series is taking a look at some of the best chalets in Val d'Isere. Unlike Best Chalet - Part 1 which was a relatively straight forward call, there are numerous luxury catered chalets in Val d'Isere so the decision is that much harder. Nevertheless here we go:

Part 2 of Best Chalet we have given to Chalet Mistral, a fabulous luxury Ski In Ski Out chalet, that is a special chalet with its quirky beams and high ceilings. But want gets it our vote is its cosy warmth, with a large open log fire and floor to ceiling windows framing the spectacular view of the Manchet Valley and beyond.

Seven bedrooms, sleeping 14, this ski in ski out luxury catered chalet has real character, a south facing terrace,and great mountain views. All bedrooms have luxury en-suites and a combination of Savoyard wood and Italian marblethat gives them real style. But its not only one of the best chalets for friends and corporate events, it is a great family chalet too with its ski in ski out convenience, a TV room with sofas, games, satellite TV and a DVD player, and room in abundance outdoor for snow games and sledging.

Luxury Ski Resorts

If you are going to the best chalets, which ski in ski out are, why ruin the choice other than by choosing one of the great luxury ski resorts that Europe and America has to offer. So here's my Top 10 recommendations for the ultimate in luxury ski resorts to guarantee the best chalets and best skiing in Europe:

1. Aspen (and Vail)
2. Chamonix
3. Courchevel
4. Meribel
5. Park City
6. St Anton
7. Val d'Isere
8. Verbier
9. Zermatt
10. Whistler

Probably missed one or two such as Banff, but its enough to get your teeth into for the time being!!

Best Chalet - Part 1 (Luxury Catered)

This week we are starting a periodic feature where we will feature some of the best chalets in the Alps and this week we are starting in Chamonix with Chalet Prarion. This chalet is not only one of the best chalets in Chamonix, it is also one, if not the best family chalet in the Chamonix Valley.

Situated on three floors and consisting of circa 250 square metres, with six en-suite bedrooms sleeping 12 in style, the ground floor consist of the Ski Room, a large double / twin bedroom and a Games Room that is 25 foot by 13 foot approximately and boasts a full size pool table, Wii play station, home cinema for the children, and a library of games and DVD's.

If you haven't already got a strong impression of why this is on our list of best chalets, although I guess you probably have, let me continue with the first floor. The centre piece is home for the double sided fire that lights up the Living Area and Dining Room. The latter is a place to behold, a large traditional farmhouse oak table, and in the Living Room leather sofas and oak continues the luxury theme, with high definition projection cinema providing the opportunity to spend in night at the movies, without leaving your ski chalet! The large french doors open on to a large decked terrace and secluded garden that at the bottom joins the piste, and on the south facing decking, there is a luxury sunken jacuzzi for a night of relaxation and a glass of champagne! There is also a large family sized bedroom on this floor.

The top floor consists of four good sized bedrooms, two large family rooms with south facing balconies looking out to the piste.

We hope you agree, a great chalet to start our 'Best Chalet' feature over the coming months!

Luxury Catered Chalet Val d'Isere

Val d'Isere has to be the epitome of luxury catered chalets, or maybe not. If the International Standards  were based on Val d'Isere, there would be very few luxury catered chalets, and certainly not enough to meet demand.

In a round about way, I guess what I am intimating here is that when people talk about luxury catered chalets Val d'Isere, they are typically talking a cut above the rest! Val d'Isere chalets take luxury to an extreme in terms of space, rooms, facilities, and service and as a consequence the chalets have facilities the 'mainstream' luxury chalets just couldn't compete on, such as indoor swimming pools, billiard rooms, and a lot more too!

Easter Ski

This Easter the Alps has seen an abundance of fresh snow so Easter ski visitors are in for a treat with many of the big luxury ski resorts expecting a further dump on Saturday and Sunday. Having skied myself today, the snow was fantastic, and with temperatures plummeting this week, the powder was immense (fluffy, deep, and light).

Personally i am often asked what it is like to ski Easter, and people I think struggle to believe me when I suggest that the Easter ski break is one of the best times to ski. Well, if you don't believe me, ski this Easter and then let me know what you think?