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This year's most spectacular new luxury ski chalets

Lodge Des Nants in Morzine is one of the hottest new properties opening this winter
Lodge Des Nants in Morzine is one of the hottest new properties opening this winter

Chalets in which families gather, groups of friends party, and sociable types mingle remain the most popular way for skiing Britons to head for the slopes.

Earlier this year The Telegraph reported that many of the UK’s key ski holiday operators have significantly reduced the number of chalets they are offering this season because of a drop in the value of the pound and increase in the cost of staffing in France and Austria. Britons have had to accept that chalet holidays are changing, and that they will be paying more for them.

These days guests often take over the whole place rather than mix with fellow holidaymakers - either by choice or because chalet companies only accept whole chalet rentals - and, as properties and facilities move upmarket, enjoy the services of a fleet of staff rather than one chalet host.

Chalet board, where half-board is supplemented by afternoon tea and often includes wine with dinner, has long been the norm for UK tour operators. Now the culinary choice is even more impressive, with freshly cooked breakfasts and gourmet dinners whipped up by highly trained chefs, mouthwatering patisserie and crudité platters at tea time, and fizz and canapés to kickstart the evening. Some operators are even using delivery services to cater for their guests for the first time this season, with early reports suggesting this approach is more five-star than fast-food.

At the highest echelons, chalets may be priced without food, with personalised catering and a choice of wine on offer, priced according to the choices guests make.

Chalet Serendipity, Meribel
Chalet Serendipity, Meribel

This season’s new digs open their doors to reveal designer interiors, pampering spas, indoor swimming pools, cinema rooms and even private gardens. But while it’s clear that choice, facilities and standards of service are rising ever higher, families are well catered for too. Toy-filled dens and fun, stylish bunk rooms abound.

Unless stated otherwise, prices are chalet board per person, based on two sharing and including flights and transfers.

Best for intermediates

Chalet Mistral, Courchevel

This smart, new eight-sleeping property is in Courchevel Moriond (1650) – a quieter and less glitzy alternative to 1850, but still seamlessly connected to the rest of Courchevel and the giant Trois Vallées beyond. Chalet Mistral’s living area is spacious, light and airy, with pale wood floors, high ceilings and quirky wood beams. The four bedrooms all have balconies and large en suite bathrooms. Plus there’s a sauna for relaxing muscles at the end of the skiing day.

Need to know

From £899 with Le Ski.

chalet mistral
Chalet Mistral, Courchevel
Best for families

Chalet Arberons, Chamonix

Situated in Argentière, five miles south of Chamonix, this ski-in ski-out property is in an unbeatable location at the base of the biggest mountain in Chamonix. Sleeping up to 14, it has two deluxe double bedrooms, three spacious twin bedrooms, and a self-contained studio - all ensuite. Features include an indoor spa room with sauna and hot tub, and an outdoor hot tub on the balcony. The mezzanine area can be used as a children’s den or chill-out room, and there’s a pool table on the ground floor. The chalet is a short walk from the village centre, with bars, restaurants and its own après-ski scene. A supermarket, pharmacy and ski shops are within walking distance, and the chalet’s private minibus provides in-resort transport.

Need to know

From £699 with Cold Fusion, excludes flights.

Best for first-timers

Ben Nevis, Les Gets

Located in the very heart of Les Gets, with its gentle nursery slopes and a good choice of ski and snowboard schools, Ben Nevis is a brand-new self-catering luxury Alpine apartment sleeping eight adults and four children. Set on the third and fourth floors above a lovely spa and pool complex, its third-floor balconies offer spectacular views of the resort. The entertaining area features a bar, pool table and a second seating area to relax around the fire. There’s also a sauna, a steam shower and a large hot tub on the balcony.

Need to know

From €6,200 for the whole property self-catered with Consensio, excludes flights.

Best for a large group

VIP Club Fritz, St Anton

Built with traditional stone and wood cladding, VIP Club Fritz is located in a peaceful, elevated spot with beautiful views across the popular Austrian resort of St Anton. It has 11 spacious en-suite bedrooms, sleeping up to 22. The large dining room has a cosy log fire and the in-house chef creates a flexible menu plan for guests. The chalet makes the perfect base from which to explore the extensive Arlberg ski area with its 305km of piste and 88 lifts. It’s just a six-minutes walk down to the main lift, piste and village centre.

Need to know

From £1,169 with VIP Ski.

Best for luxury

Lodge Des Nants, Morzine

The perfect chalet to indulge in a truly lavish escape, Lodge Des Nants is set over five spacious levels. The top level features a large outdoor deck and hot tub overlooking the Morzine valley and up to Avoriaz. Other features include an indoor swimming pool (with a current to swim against), a hammam, a spa treatment room, a log-barrel sauna, and a cinema room. Sleeping up to 15, each of the seven large en-suite bedrooms have bespoke furnishings and exquisite finishes. And there’s a private chef to attend to your every culinary need.

Need to know

From £20,000 for the whole property with Hunter Chalets, excludes flights.

Lodge Des Nants, Morzine - Credit: GioFleming
Lodge Des Nants, Morzine Credit: GioFleming
Best for self-catering

Chalet l’Ecrin,  La Rosière

Offering magical panoramic views and spectacular sunsets, the ski-in/ski-out Chalet d’Ecrin in La Rosière looks out over the Haute Tarentaise valley that straddles France and Italy. Its prime location is just 30 metres from the ski lift and within walking distance of the resort. Tasteful wood and stone Savoyard architecture and a crackling wood stove make for the cosiest of settings, while five en-suite bedrooms sleep 12.

Need to know

From €1,900 booked direct through the tourist board  La Rosière, excludes flights.

Best for off-piste-side location

Chalet Serendipity, Meribel

Located in a private enclave in Meribel Village, Chalet Serendipity’s south-facing aspect provides unrivalled views across Meribel Valley and is close to some of the area’s best skiing. Competent off-piste skiers can ski back to the front door. A floor-to-ceiling fireplace is at the heart of a spacious lounge, while six en-suite master bedrooms sleep 10-12. The dining space leads on to the terrace where there’s a swimming pool, sauna, games area and a bar for nightcaps under the stars.

Need to know

From €16,000 for the whole property with Firefly, excludes flights.

Best for designer chic

Chalet Valala, Val d’Isère

The tranquil setting of Chalet O Valala overlooks Val d’Isère, one of the most popular resorts with British skiers and snowboarders, and is just a five-minute walk to the nearest lift, providing access to the extensive ski area the resort shares with neighbour Tignes. Chic neutral tones and sleek furnishings are set off by quirky touches, such as a sledge-shaped coffee table. The six bedrooms sleep up to 14 guests and are spread across two of the property’s three floors, accessed by a show-stopping spiral staircase. The property, built at the end of last season, also features a pool, hammam, massage room, cinema room, al-fresco hot tub and a private garden.

Need to know

From £3,475 with Ski Solutions, excludes flights.