Chalet Edelweiss, Courchevel
This stylish chalet is a fantastic base from which to experience Courchevel’s legendary skiing, located just a two-minute stroll from all the action. Spread over seven beautifully designed floors in the style of a boutique hotel, the magnificent property sleeps up to 16 people in eight bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, and boasts an unrivalled range of luxury facilities.
Built around a spiral staircase, the chalet is elegantly decorated with antiques and original artwork. A dedicated spa floor features massage rooms and a sauna, steam room, gym, hammam, indoor pool and hot tub. There’s no need to head out for fantastic après-ski – the basement boasts a private nightclub complete with DJ booth and bar. Those preferring a quieter night in can watch a film in the private cinema while being catered to by the chalet staff, which includes two chefs and two butlers.
Chalet Edelweiss is nestled on the Bellecote piste, a stone’s throw from Courchevel 1850 and the Pralong chair lift. The resort’s centre, where the main La Croisette ski lifts are located, is just a short stroll away. Courchevel sits within the world’s biggest ski area, Les Trois Vallées, whose 600km of pistes mostly sit above 1,800 metres and are north-facing for plenty of snow. France’s largest artificial snow system keeps this topped up from early December to the end of April. The chalet includes a private ski instructor to help guests explore the region’s world-renowned slopes.
Courchevel 1850 is France’s glitziest ski resort and a magnet for rich jetsetters from around the globe, so it’s no surprise to find it bursting with Michelin star restaurants and swanky wine bars. The après-ski is also second-to-none, from karaoke and Parisian cabaret acts to exclusive nightclubs where Champagne flows freely all through the night. In terms of exclusivity, the general rule of thumb is that the higher the altitude, the heftier the price tag – so head to the mountaintop for the area’s most sought-after hangouts.
GETTING THERE FROM MOSCOW: Return private jet flights direct from Moscow (Vnukovo Airport) to Chambery, flying in a 8-seat Cessna Citation XLS. Journey time: 3h30 direct. Distance from airport to chalet: 1h 45.
GETTING THERE FROM ST PETERSBURG: Return private jet flights direct from Saint Petersburg (Pulkovo Airport) to Chambery, flying in a 8-seat Cessna Citation XLS. Journey time: 3h15 direct. Distance from airport to chalet: 1h 45.
