Exclusive ski properties, à la carte services

[caption id="attachment_10252" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Residence La Canadienne in Val d'Isère[/caption] We're delighted to introduce The Ski Independence Private Collection, a brand new luxury product for Winter 2017/18. The Ski Independence Private Collection is a selection of private chalets and apartments boasting excellent facilities and à la carte services. We're offering this exclusive new product in sought-after European ski resorts including Val d’Isère, Courchevel, Méribel, St Anton and La Clusaz. Three of our Ski Specialists visited a range of Private Collection chalets and residences last winter; here's what Morven had to say: From picture-perfect traditional Alpine chalets, complete with original features and full of character, to modern, luxurious interiors, ski chalets come in all different shapes, sizes and styles. Originating as farmers' abodes in the summer months, the modern chalet provides a home-from-home for holidaymakers.

From luxury self-catering to fully staffed, 5-star service, we ventured out to three of France’s top ski resorts to check out the very latest in luxury lodging.

Val d'Isère - International Prestige

Val d’Isère is known for its great skiing, buzzing night life and alpine charm. There is a huge selection of accommodation available in resort including some beautiful chalets and apartments. [caption id="attachment_10229" align="aligncenter" width="566"]Ski Independence Private Collection Val d'Isère by Andy Parant[/caption] First on our list was the Chalet Tasna. Located in the Petit Alaska area of Val d’Isère, this property offers modern alpine accommodation with views over the village. Think wooden beams and an impressive fireplace with tactile soft furnishings, flat screen TVs and natural stone. What really makes this place is the mezzanine (the perfect den!) and the fantastic outdoor Jacuzzi, situated off the master bedroom. [caption id="attachment_10208" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Ski Independence Private Collection Chalet Tasna[/caption] Beside the Chalet Tasna is the equally stunning Chalet Silvretta, which also offers four bedrooms and a very similar feel. Both properties are ideal for larger families or groups wanting to enjoy all that Val d’Isère has to offer, but at the same time having the privacy that a chalet affords. Located in the same area we visited a number of private apartments in the Residence La Canadienne. Recently built, the development offers 3 and 4 bedroom apartments for those who want the cosy, luxury feeling of a chalet but don’t require a standalone unit. The apartments are beautifully finished with modern kitchens, and some have the added bonus of a hot tub on the terrace. Book these luxury apartments with Ski Independence and we can arrange a breakfast service, half board or extra cleaning. [caption id="attachment_10213" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Ski Independence Private Collection Recently-built Residence La Canadienne[/caption] We then wound our way up to the exclusive ‘Les Carats’ area of Val d’Isère, situated on the edge of the black Face Olympique de Bellevarde slope, where there’s a hamlet of chalets, just behind the Hotel Les Barmes de l’Ours. We loved Chalet Le Petit Yeti, which is a 5 bedroom property with an incredible double height vaulted ceiling over the living area leading on to a large terrace overlooking the village – just the spot for a glass of wine at the end of a hard ski day. As our visit coincided with the end of the winter season the options for dinner were limited, but we lucked out at La Baraque, a lovely restaurant in the centre of the resort offering great quality French food with a relaxed vibe, and enduringly popular with the locals. The Wagyu beef steak tartare was amazing and was one of many reasons I plan on returning to Val d’Isère soon!

Méribel - Heart of The 3 Valleys

[caption id="attachment_10230" align="aligncenter" width="553"]Ski Independence Private Collection Chocolate-box pretty Méribel[/caption] The following day we headed to Méribel, which offers access to the enormous Trois Vallées ski area and is home to a huge range of chalets – we saw many and have picked out those that we think our clients will love. [caption id="attachment_10215" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Ski Independence Private Collection Chalet Haapiti[/caption] First on the list was Chalet Haapiti, a comfortable family-friendly property in Méribel Centre, owned by a world champion kite surfer. It really does feel like a home-from-home with a fantastic pool offering stunning views, a spectacular fireplace in the open-plan living/dining room and a kids’ room with 4 single beds that will be sure to become the centre of the fun if you have little ones in tow. This chalet is located in a quiet area of Méribel around a 10-15 minute walk to the centre of the village as well as the ski school meeting point. [caption id="attachment_10217" align="aligncenter" width="501"]Ski Independence Private Collection Beautiful views from the terrace at Residence Aspen Lodge[/caption] Up at Méribel’s Le Rond Point des Pistes is the new development of Residence Aspen Park and Aspen Lodge (formerly the old Club Med but now totally unrecognisable as such). The two buildings are linked underground and provide excellent quality apartments suitable for all different sizes of groups: from 2 – 5 bedrooms, with underfloor heating as standard, fully equipped with top of the range appliances and offering spectacular mountain views and easy access to the slopes. At the top of Aspen Lodge is number 61 – the penthouse in the building and my favourite. This stunning 5 bedroom duplex apartment offers unbeatable views, a great sound system and more than enough space to accommodate 10 people. [caption id="attachment_10218" align="aligncenter" width="499"]Ski Independence Private Collection Aspen Lodge Living in penthouse Apartment #61[/caption]

Courchevel - the Exclusive Alpine Playground

Our final stop was Courchevel 1850 where we were greeted by snow on the ground (in late April!) to explore some of the most exclusive properties in the Alps. Service in Courchevel is second to none, and I confess to having quite a soft spot for 1850 so I couldn’t wait to see what lay in store. [caption id="attachment_10231" align="aligncenter" width="551"]Ski Independence Private Collection Pristine pistes in Courchevel[/caption] We started with Chalet Nanuq, and it didn’t disappoint! One of three neighbouring chalets that all connect underground, with a door behind a bookcase should you require all three properties - very James Bond! It has a beautiful pool and spa area as well as easy access to the slopes 30m away. [caption id="attachment_10219" align="aligncenter" width="501"]Ski Independence Private Collection Chalet Nanuq[/caption] Next up was Chalet Aspen, a more traditional, 6 bedroom chalet with bags of character and a lovely homely feel. [caption id="attachment_10220" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Ski Independence Private Collection Chalet Aspen[/caption] While many chalets are large 4 or 5 bedroom properties, Chalet Ajacour is the picture of a small, cosy alpine home with plenty of charm, located in a peaceful area of Courchevel 1850. With 2 bedrooms plus a bunk room this would be perfect for a small family or a couple looking for a home-from-home. The master bedroom is a romantic rustic room in the eaves and there is a hidden sauna downstairs big enough for two people. Cross the road and you’re on the Dou du Midi slope. [caption id="attachment_10221" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Ski Independence Private Collection Chalet Ajacour in Val d'Isère[/caption] Over by the other side of the resort, towards the Altiport, is Chalet Totara, a spacious 5 bedroom chalet with light wood and a huge outdoor Jacuzzi. This was followed by Chalet Rossignol, a chocolate-box 6 bedroom chalet with small pool, outdoor hot tub, and easy access to the Cospillot slope – fantastic for families! [caption id="attachment_10222" align="aligncenter" width="461"]Ski Independence Private Collection Fantastic kids' room at Chalet Rossignol[/caption] As is often the case with property visits, the best is saved until last and this time was no exception. Our final stop was Chalet Perce Neige – one of the most luxurious properties in resort. With accommodation for up to 15 people (5 main bedrooms, 2 cabin rooms and a bunk room) it has a stunning cinema room, bar, indoor pool, kids’ room and double height ceilings and a chef, driver, and butler are all on-hand for your every need. For me , Chalet Perce Neige is the epitome of Courchevel luxury and was the perfect way to round off our trip. [caption id="attachment_10258" align="aligncenter" width="501"]Ski Independence Private Collection Ultimate luxury at Chalet Perce Neige[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10223" align="aligncenter" width="501"]Ski Independence Private Collection Private spa area, Chalet Perce Neige[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10224" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Ski Independence Private Collection Wine cellar, Chalet Perce Neige[/caption] Sleeping up to 15 people, the superb properties in the Ski Independence Private Collection are an exciting addition to our luxury accommodation range. Please contact us with your requirements to receive a tailor-made quotation; call our team of Ski Specialists on 0131 243 8097.

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