Black Lodge, Courchevel 1850
Didier Delmas/Nancy Zienat Jastein Design
Where do billionaires stay when they go skiing in Europe? They rent a chalet for a week (or two or three) in the most exclusive resorts in the Alps. Now, while the word 'chalet' may conjure up images of quaint, cozy mountain cabins with all the amenities a modern-day Heidi might prefer, these properties are anything but quaint.
In general, traces of rustic charm are combined with high-tech facilities and top-of-the-line luxury. The best and largest of them are veritable winter palaces with glass walls, vast gathering spaces, expansive decks, indoor swimming pools, and multiple en-suite bedrooms. Hired staff do virtually all the cooking, so the kitchen is fully equipped for use by professional cooks (unless you choose to eat out). Do you want a ski room with a screening room, wine cellar, lockers and boot heaters? You're in luck, because privacy, comfort and luxury are a must for the finest chalets in the Alps. Of course, there's a cost involved, but it's not something that someone who flies privately would blink twice at. Here are five of the finest chalets offered by The Luxury Chalet Company.
Black Lodge: When all you need is a new chalet.
The Black Lodge is located in Courchevel 1850 and is home to some of Courchevel's best scene-makers. This 9,418-square-foot symphony of stone and glass features a prime location, seven bedrooms, and the requisite sauna, hammam, hot tub, and swimming pool. This property in the French Alps has a striking interior, thanks to designer Nancy Geeneart of Just'in Design in Paris. For an additional fee, you can enjoy premium services such as a personal chef, butler, two housekeepers, and a driver. Black Lodge rates range from €85,000 to €195,000 ($91,766 to $210,522) per week.
Chalet Izoard, Megève.
The Luxury Chalet Company
Chalet Izoard: When two pools are better than one
Megève is one of the most exclusive resorts in the French Alps, and Chalet Izoard is located in the Mont d'Arbois district, close to the Four Seasons Resort. A classic alpine chalet made of wood and stone with spacious balconies, five floors of living space, 10,764 square feet filled with reclaimed wood beams, and eight bedrooms, including a dorm room for the children. Equipped with: For those who like skiing and swimming, the hotel offers both indoor and outdoor pools. Here you can enjoy underwater life and then take a dip in the hot tub, hammam or sauna. Chalet Izoard rates range from €73,630 to €180,000 ($79,518 to $194,395) per week.
Chalet Teredo, Verbier
The Luxury Chalet Company
Chalet Teredo: Chalet with elegant spa
Many chalets come with pools and spas, but Chalet Teredo in Verbier, Switzerland takes those amenities to a very high level. It has facilities comparable to a luxury hotel, including a large hammam, a stylish glass-enclosed indoor pool perfect for laps, and an outdoor bathtub. The 6,780 square foot villa has five en suite bedrooms, a projection room, wine cellar and panoramic views of Verbier. Chalet Teredo costs between CHF 62,000 and CHF 120,000 ($71,525 – $138,435) per week.
Chalet N, Oberlech
The Luxury Chalet Company
Chalet N: When price doesn't matter
At 16,145 square feet, Chalet N in the Austrian luxury resort of Oberlech in Arlberg is larger than many boutique hotels. Featuring just seven private suites, this chalet features a Finnish sauna, hay sauna, salt cave steam bath and indoor pool. It features butler service, a projection room, dining room and lounge area, and a fully stocked wine cellar. If fondue is on the menu, another Walser Stüberl is also available. Prices at Chalet N, Oberlech range from 250,000 euros to 500,000 euros ($270,000 to $540,000) per week.
Alura Chalet, Lech.
The Luxury Chalet Company
Alura Chalet: For big gatherings
Arula Chalets offers Austrian hospitality in the Arlberg resort of Lech. It consists of two chalets that together can accommodate up to 30 people. Enjoy 24/7 butler and concierge service, twice-daily housekeeping, a staff of sommeliers and private chefs, in-house spa therapists, and chauffeur service with three in-house Mercedes at your disposal. There are two separate spa areas, each with an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam bath, treatment rooms, relaxation area and gym. Arula Chalets are priced from €280,000 to €400,000 ($302,288 to $431,840) per week.
