A snowy interlude in Alpine tranquillity Exceptional chalets and Michelin-starred cuisine

Our approach to avoiding the crowds: schedule your trip outside of school holidays and, above all, stay in chalets steeped in character and history, in the heart of resorts that have kept their authentic village feel very much alive. This is the setting that lends itself to your winter getaway pleasure, with all that this entails: outdoor adventures, memorable encounters and cosy atmospheres. To experience this, first head to the area around Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, in the heart of the Three Valleys, the largest ski area in the world (600 km, or 373 miles of slopes). However, the atmosphere here is nothing like that of the resorts that evoke glitz and wild nights. We return to the roots of Alpine life - to tranquillity and a crackling fire, warm meals and genuine chats over a steaming cup. That doesn’t stop you from enjoying the extraordinary experience of a three-star restaurant - your hotel’s very own, no less! We then spend a few days in Le Grand-Bornand, a scenic village nestled for centuries at the foot of the Aravis mountain range. The village, which has stayed true to its original Savoyard character, has preserved a charming historic centre. The surrounding streets and squares are packed with small shops and restaurants where you can sample comforting regional cuisine, with cured meats, crozets, and melted cheese taking pride of place - after all, this is Reblochon Land. Outdoors, you can embrace the Alpine art of living with a  thrilling snowshoe walk led by a private guide and a dog sledding excursion, gliding smoothly across the glistening slopes. The swish of runners on snow, the enthusiastic barking of the dog team, the deep silence of the snow-capped plains - this unique soundtrack is an integral part of the experience. Not to mention the actual skiing, of course, which you can enjoy here over a smaller area - 86 km (53 miles) of slopes - but just as enthusiastically, and even at night, once a week. Moreover, at both resorts, we book your equipment and lift passes for you. And if, once on site, you feel like trying something else - a private ski lesson or an evening at altitude, for example - our Concierges, available at any time, would be happy to arrange it for you.

Your private chalets

Near to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
You step into an elegant Relais & Châteaux accommodation venue, a beautiful Savoyard chalet exuding comfort and styled in dream-like mountain decor with weathered wood that, if it could speak, would surely have many stories to tell. Here and there, bells, pottery, woollen fabric and hay forks - family heirlooms or unearthed treasures - all breathe life and charm into the setting. In sunny moments during the day, you unwind on your balcony, a blanket over your legs, absorbed by the snowy mountain. In the evening, sink into one of the bar’s plush armchairs or head to the spa, which offers a true escape from the cold - hay sauna, citrus steam room, treatments with milk and aromatic herbs. But above all, the story of this place has been written at the table. The simple raclettes and fondues of earlier years have made way for more refined dishes - the result of the imagination and hard work of father and son, both self-trained chefs. A cuisine always inspired by terroir produce, offering refined interpretations paired with mountain wines. The restaurant was awarded a third Michelin star a few years ago.

In Le Grand-Bornand
, set slightly apart from the slopes and facing the Aravis mountains, this chalet is a well-kept secret whose story is woven into that of the Grand-Bornand resort. This is a century-old Alpine farm, meticulously restored without losing any of its character.  Stone sits alongside old beams, linen is paired with cosy cushions, tones range from white to cream, and vintage finds are complemented by more contemporary additions. Rooms and suites have been created in the former barns and mazots. The fire crackles in the lounges, while guests curl up on the sofa to read or watch the snow fall behind the picture windows - everywhere, a delightfully warm atmosphere prevails. Hot chocolate and Savoie cake are served daily when, with a red nose and a smile, you return from a day outdoors. Once you’ve readjusted to the cosy indoors, head to the spa - the property’s latest addition. The latter is housed in the former stables, at the end of a stone path - mosaic-tiled hammam, swimming pool, massage room. A nod to the past: the cows’ names remain engraved in the polished wood.