High Demand For The Perfectly Designed Luxury Ski Break
As spring arrives and many took to the slopes for the last time this Easter, you would be forgiven in thinking that skiing will be the last thought for those booking their luxury holidays. However, the best chalets are in such demand that bookings are being made now for the season to guarantee savvy luxury travellers can enjoy only the finest on their next ski break. It’s not surprising considering the demand for such properties, as each year chalet design combined with formidable service levels are consistently surpassing expectations in the realms of luxury ski.
“chalet design has progressed significantly over the years, and today’s designers are becoming even more sensitive to the needs of its guests, taking into consideration the use of space, comfort, light and building materials but also key facilities and features to enhance the luxury ski chalet experience” says Rupert Longsdon, founder of The Oxford Ski Company who has been crafting tailor-made luxury ski experiences for over 15 years.
From traditional hot tubs, now whole floors are dedicated to spa and wellness. Soft play rooms and bunk rooms are being included to provide separate break out areas for those with families. For those who revel in the après ski scene, there are chalets with their own night club and entertainment space for up to 100 guests.
A few highlights of the top chalets which offer great design, style and impeccable service include:
Baita 1697, Milky Way, Italy – This stunning and authentically restored 17th century Piedmontese farmhouse chalet is fully furnished to an exceptionally luxurious standard with its celebrated professionally designed interior. The influence of the design was to provide a travel autobiography of trips to Asia which span over 15 years. Elegant touches include custom made Egyptian cotton bed sheets, carpets from Mongolia, rugs from Pakistan, top of the range luxury fittings ensure that supreme comfort can be enjoyed alongside the elegance of original artwork and antiques from China, France and Italy seamlessly blended together.
The mountain-view roof terrace comes complete with an eight person wooden hot tub and the spacious communal living space includes a media room where you can enjoy an international film and music library, complete with relaxing wood burning open-fire.
Located in a peaceful, tranquil hamlet close to Sestriere the chalet offers ski-in access and is a three minute walk to the cable car which takes you to the heart of the 400km pisted slopes of the Milky Way, six resorts offering beautiful scenery and diverse terrain for all to enjoy. Rates range from EUR 16,600 – EUR 26,400 a week
Blossom Hill, Courchevel Le Praz, France – Large and majestic with a contemporary look, its expansive interior provides a loft-like feel to its huge living areas with its floating industrial staircase greeting you upon arrival.
Inside, the living room is light and airy with its floor to ceiling windows yet offers comfort and warmth with its central fireplace, and its kitchen and dining room situated close by offer a warm and communal atmosphere to enjoy. The hidden wine cellar comes complete with its own Savoyard kitchen and the indoor/outdoor infinity pool allows guests to enjoy the fresh mountain air without leaving the water.
Relax in the lavish settings of the cinema room or retreat to the master bedroom which has its own fireplace and lounge area to relax in privately. The property sleeps 10 people and is a delightful surprise in the heart of Le Praz with access to the centre of Courchevel 1850 in minutes via the gondala which ensure exceptional value for its excellent design and wonderful service from its chef, resort manager, host and driver. Rates range from EUR 16,200 – EUR 28,000 a week.
Mont Tremblant, Méribel, France – This chalet is one of the best in Meribel and privately located within its own grounds, the chalet’s design blows the traditional Savoyard style out of the window. Offering a vast amount of space and natural light this truly is a welcoming retreat for up to 12 guests and with all the state of the art technology you could wish for, this chalet really sets the standard in this popular French resort.
The master bedroom occupies the entire first floor and with its double height windows offers spectacular views of the area and provides maximum comfort for guests with its large bathroom and walk in shower. The remaining five bedrooms are fitted to an equally luxury standard with plasma televisions and modern fireplaces, as well as their own monsoon showers and separate baths. The cinema room and second sitting room, which can double up as a children’s playroom, provides extra space for guests to relax, and the outdoor private swimming pool and hot tub and books, games, toys and sledges are available for guests’ enjoyment.
The service standards are as you could expect, exceptional, as guests are looked after by chalet manager, hosts, qualified chauffeur and chef. Rates range from £22,500 to £75,000 for a seven night break.
chalet Owens, Courchevel (1850), France – One of the most recent newcomers to the chalet scene meets the ever evolving luxury standards of the market and is one of the top chalets in the area if not the world.
Its six bedrooms suites sleep 12 people and use of space has been carefully thought out to ensure that each guest is provided with privacy and maximum comfort and are King or Queen of their domain! All rooms provide a calming and serene ambience with its muted colours and luxurious fabrics, which each marble bathroom gifted with their own colour scheme, adding to the sophisticate décor.
The children can enjoy their own playroom whilst the adults can retreat to the spa facility which includes indoor/outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna private gym, two massage rooms, hair salon and for those who wish to continue the après ski party – a 250 sq m party room perfect for entertaining large groups (up to 100 guests), complete with bar, lounging areas, cinema room and extensive wine cellar.
Moments from the Bellecote piste, this chalet can be paired with sister chalet next door chalet Tahoe, and provides an unforgettable experience with its grandeur and style. The service levels are exemplary with chalet manager, chef, butler, housekeeper and chauffeur at your request. Rates range from EUR 90,000 – EUR 200,000 a week.
Service levels are also becoming increasingly important within the luxury ski sector. “The chalet hosts, nanny, chef or ski instructors offer such intuitive care and attention to detail they equally make such an impact on the guests, who book immediately on their return to ensure they receive the exact same service again. With such excellent accommodation and services in high demand it’s best to plan and book ahead to ensure you enjoy the maximum luxury ski experience” concludes Longsdon.
The Oxford Ski Company has a portfolio of over 400 handpicked luxury ski chalets and hotels. Contact your Personal Travel Consultant on 01993 899 420 or email inspire@oxfordski.com who will ascertain your key requirements to best match your ideal property. For more information please visit www.oxfordski.com.
