There are some truly exceptional luxury ski chalets in the Alps. The facilities on offer have evolved over time as it becomes clear what is needed to provide the best experience for the discerning guests who choose to stay. In many respects a truly luxurious chalet is like a five star hotel in microcosm. They will typically have an indoor pool, a games room, a home cinema and many more facilities that have become expected. Some even boast a helicopter landing pad. The service will be professional and the chef will usually provide a fine dining experience. The benefits of a chalet over a hotel is the privacy afforded and the ability to spend the time with friends and family in a home from home. Here are five brand new luxury chalets that have been built with all the above in mind.
Chalet Saphire, Morzine
Having travelled the world, staying in some of the finest luxury ski chalets, the owner of Chalet Sapphire noticed one thing. Every one he stayed at came with a compromise. Whether that be the layout, facilities, location, or the logistics; nothing was truly built for purpose. And so came about the vision for Chalet Sapphire. A quest to build the ultimate luxury ski chalet. A property never conceived as a second home, but rather built from the ground up for one purpose; to be the most exceptional mountain residence, A haven for luxurious ski holidays in winter and incredible retreats come summer. Here in the owner’s own words is his rationale for this remarkable new residence.
“Chalet Sapphire is a result of being lucky enough for many years to stay in some of the best catered ski chalets around Europe with my friends and family. We enjoyed every trip but I couldn’t help but notice that on every holiday and in every chalet, there was always a compromise involved. Each chalet experience was unique with its own merits, but all came with their own challenges, whether that be in terms of the location, the way it was run day-to-day, the internal and external layout, or the facilities the chalet was able to offer.
What was needed was a luxury residence, built with the mind-set of a 5 star hotel, that offered you your own private and cosy hideaway from it all. Guests were experiencing only small glimpses of that. I wanted guests to have it all. It became a personal ambition to build a ski chalet that truly ticked all the boxes; and so it started and I spent over 5 years looking for the perfect location.
My mind was finally made up when I was offered a piece of land. I’d looked at lots of plots but that word, compromise, applied to most. They either had great views but were hard to access, or central but small and closed in. When I first walked onto the site in Morzine I knew it was the perfect location. It’s only a short stroll into town but it also enjoys the most fabulous view over the village and of the mountains beyond. I knew then that we could do it all here, and so it really started”
This isn’t just another high end ski chalet. It’s a new concept in luxury property development. All the best aspects of a luxurious five star hotel combined with the intimacy of a private residence. Guests are going to love staying here.
Chalet Denali, Zermatt
The 7 Heavens development comprises of magnificent chalets with impressively spacious surface areas. Built on three or four floors in a style blending tradition and modernity, the chalets benefit from very comfortable living space with lots of light and picture windows opening out to enchanting panoramic views. All day long, one never tires of watching the ever-changing mountain scenery.
A collaboration of innovative design and impeccable architecture has resulted in the ultimate luxury chalet development in the Alps to date, the un-rivalled 7 Heavens in Zermatt of which Chalet Denali is the final instalment. Understated elegance and exceptional attention to detail are the hallmarks of the newly completed Chalet Denali. Awash in earthen tones and textures, this extraordinary five-bedroom property is Zermatt’s latest treasure offering every indulgence you could dream of in a luxury mountain sanctuary.
Denali has one of the most prestigious addresses in the centre of Zermatt. Combined with spectacular views of the Matterhorn and south west facing balconies, it is a truly enviable location. The Sunnegga funicular is only a short stroll from the chalet and whisks you directly up to the ski slopes. Denali is ideally located at the very heart of the village, in immediate proximity to the shopping, night life and the main railway station.
Chalet Black Diamond, Tignes
Guerlain Chicherit is a four time world free ski champion, rally driver and the man behind Black Diamond. He knows the mountains like the back of his hand and he is fully aware of what it takes to provide the perfect home from home for his guests. He already has had a hand in developing several luxury ski chalets in Tignes.
“I didn’t want to create another run of the mill development, I wanted to create something bold and contemporary, a destination for the next generation of luxury ski travellers”
Black Diamond is a collection of unique residences found in one of the world’s most exclusive ski areas. Each residence is an exceptional private home in it’s own right which also have access to facilities and services that would leave many five star hotels envious. Black Diamond is modern living. A fusion of chalet, hotel and members club. This is changing the rules of luxury skiing.
A touch of urban style at altitude. A stay at Black Diamond is to be part of the most exclusive club in the Alps, where beats gently resonate from the après ski terrace and the buzz of local mountain culture takes over the ski lounge. This is a destination for the skiers and riders who appreciate contemporary design and provocative art, those who want to bring a touch of London’s energy with them
Each residence can be taken on one of three service packages, giving guests the flexibility to choose what is right for them. Regardless of your choice, you’ll still have access to all of Black Diamond’s central facilities including the Après Terrace Bar, the Ski Lounge and the complimentary transport services.
Chalet Machapuchare, Val d’Isere
This stunning, newly completed chalet is an exciting and exceptional private home in Val d’Isere. The finish and level of craftsmanship throughout the chalet is second to none and every piece has been carefully selected to create a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere. Sleeping 14 guests across 7 bedrooms, it is the perfect mountain retreat for families and friends.
You enter the chalet on the lower ground floor, via the shared garage. The private ski room is also located on this floor and there is lots of space to store your skis and boots. You can take the stairs or the lift up to the next floor where you find everything you could possibly need for an evening of relaxation and entertainment. The impressive spa comes complete with indoor swimming pool with counter current system, gym, hammam and massage room. There is also a cinema room with large sumptuous sofas.
Up to the first floor is where you will find a further three double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms or shower rooms and a family suite with a double bedroom and adjoining single bedroom, sharing a large en-suite shower room.
On the second floor is the open plan living and dining area with double height ceilings and huge windows. Through the glass sliding doors, you will find the spacious balcony with some of the best views in Val d’Isere that you can enjoy from the large sofas with an apres drink from the bar. You can also access the private garden from this floor which is where you will find the outdoor hot tub, a perfect spot to rest fatigued muscles after a long day on the mountain.
The two master bedrooms are on the top floor and each come with en-suite bathrooms and separate showers.
Ideally located, tucked away in the exclusive enclave of Le Crêt, the chalet has sublime views encompassing the village below and the breath-taking mountain panorama. The pistes are just a short two to three minute chauffeured drive away.
Chez Bugi, St Martin de Belleville
This exquisite new luxury chalet will be ready for the 2018/19 ski season. Situated in the Villarabout area of St Martin de Belleville, this luxury private chalet sleeps 8 and has spectacular uninterrupted mountain views across the valley. With a nod to the traditional whilst still achieving a contemporary and cosy feel, the chalet offers four fabulous double en-suite bedrooms with a large comfortable living space. Chez Bugi is the flagship chalet in a new development in central St Martin de Belleville, and offers spectacular piste, village and mountain views. Actually situated on-piste, Chez Bugi is in a genuine ski-in ski-out location,
The chalet is decorated throughout in a contemporary alpine style. Across the chalet is a muted and neutral palette of creams, taupes, and light greys with lots of sumptuous fabrics and textures, bespoke furniture, designer pieces and high-end fixtures and fittings. Flooded with natural light from large floor to ceiling windows and complimented with natural aged wood internal cladding, this chalet perfectly blends modern architecture with alpine elegance. The wonderful living area has a large corner sofa where guests can sit and relax with pre-dinner canapés in front of the spectacular glass-fronted log fire.
The dining area flows through from the living space and looks out over the stunning valley beyond St Martin de Belleville and the small hamlet of Le Chatelard. At night, the dining area benefits from the triple sided log fire that brings the dining and living areas together. The dining area opens out onto the large sun terrace with its panoramic views across the valley. Here you will also find a Hot Tub and beautiful outdoor seating.
Danny Frith is Director at SkiBoutique. SkiBoutique is a luxury ski chalet agency based in Switzerland.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Dan Frith is the Owner of SkiBoutique and SunBoutique. SkiBoutique was founded in 2011 and has gone from strength to strength. SunBoutique opened its doors for business in 2019. Dan specialises in high-end, luxury ski chalets in the Alps and luxury villas in several locations around the Mediterranean. Dan also ski guides in Zermatt, his winter home. Dan spends his summers in Mallorca so it’s fair to say he has his finger on the pulse of both winter and summer destinations. Dan is very much hands on with his clients and quite a few have become close friends. Dan is always looking for new properties that meet the high bar he has set for both winter and summer accommodation.
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7 Comments
The more I travel staying in phenomenal lodges, villas and hotels the more I come to understand what it is that sets them apart. Someone, somewhere has had an exceptional vision allied with the determination and resources to make it a reality. The quote on Chalet Sapphire says it all.
Sounds like you’re a lucky person Julie. I hope you continue to experience these amazing places. I am sure they’ll evolve even more in the coming years.
High ceilings, big picture windows, loads of exposed timber – I love the luxury chalet look.
I am definitely not a winter sports man, I’ve got no balance and I hate the cold, so you won’t see me visiting whilst there is snow on the ground. Though these chalets are so stylish and tempting that they would pull in people like me in the summer. I prefer my mountains green. I expect the rates might be a little lower in summer too.
The Alps are beautiful in Summer Ben and the rates are certainly lower.
I like the more modern feel of Chalet Machapuchare. It has the right amount of rustic and contemporary touches that makes you feel your far away from home, but not too much.
“Chalet Sapphire is a result of being lucky enough for many years to stay in some of the best catered ski chalets around Europe with my friends and family. We enjoyed every trip but I couldn’t help but notice that on every holiday and in every chalet, there was always a compromise involved. Each chalet experience was unique with its own merits, but all came with their own challenges, whether that be in terms of the location, the way it was run day-to-day, the internal and external layout, or the facilities the chalet was able to offer.
What was needed was a luxury residence, built with the mind-set of a 5 star hotel, that offered you your own private and cosy hideaway from it all. Guests were experiencing only small glimpses of that. I wanted guests to have it all. It became a personal ambition to build a ski chalet that truly ticked all the boxes; and so it started and I spent over 5 years looking for the perfect location.
My mind was finally made up when I was offered a piece of land. I’d looked at lots of plots but that word, compromise, applied to most. They either had great views but were hard to access, or central but small and closed in. When I first walked onto the site in Morzine I knew it was the perfect location. It’s only a short stroll into town but it also enjoys the most fabulous view over the village and of the mountains beyond. I knew then that we could do it all here, and so it really started”
This isn’t just another high end ski chalet. It’s a new concept in luxury property development. All the best aspects of a luxurious five star hotel combined with the intimacy of a private residence. Guests are going to love staying here.
Chalet Denali, Zermatt
The 7 Heavens development comprises of magnificent chalets with impressively spacious surface areas. Built on three or four floors in a style blending tradition and modernity, the chalets benefit from very comfortable living space with lots of light and picture windows opening out to enchanting panoramic views. All day long, one never tires of watching the ever-changing mountain scenery.
“Chalet Sapphire is a result of being lucky enough for many years to stay in some of the best catered ski chalets around Europe with my friends and family. We enjoyed every trip but I couldn’t help but notice that on every holiday and in every chalet, there was always a compromise involved. Each chalet experience was unique with its own merits, but all came with their own challenges, whether that be in terms of the location, the way it was run day-to-day, the internal and external layout, or the facilities the chalet was able to offer.
What was needed was a luxury residence, built with the mind-set of a 5 star hotel, that offered you your own private and cosy hideaway from it all. Guests were experiencing only small glimpses of that. I wanted guests to have it all. It became a personal ambition to build a ski chalet that truly ticked all the boxes; and so it started and I spent over 5 years looking for the perfect location.
My mind was finally made up when I was offered a piece of land. I’d looked at lots of plots but that word, compromise, applied to most. They either had great views but were hard to access, or central but small and closed in. When I first walked onto the site in Morzine I knew it was the perfect location. It’s only a short stroll into town but it also enjoys the most fabulous view over the village and of the mountains beyond. I knew then that we could do it all here, and so it really started”
This isn’t just another high end ski chalet. It’s a new concept in luxury property development. All the best aspects of a luxurious five star hotel combined with the intimacy of a private residence. Guests are going to love staying here.
Chalet Denali, Zermatt
The 7 Heavens development comprises of magnificent chalets with impressively spacious surface areas. Built on three or four floors in a style blending tradition and modernity, the chalets benefit from very comfortable living space with lots of light and picture windows opening out to enchanting panoramic views. All day long, one never tires of watching the ever-changing mountain scenery.
A collaboration of innovative design and impeccable architecture has resulted in the ultimate luxury chalet development in the Alps to date, the un-rivalled 7 Heavens in Zermatt of which Chalet Denali is the final instalment. Understated elegance and exceptional attention to detail are the hallmarks of the newly completed Chalet Denali. Awash in earthen tones and textures, this extraordinary five-bedroom property is Zermatt’s latest treasure offering every indulgence you could dream of in a luxury mountain sanctuary.
Denali has one of the most prestigious addresses in the centre of Zermatt. Combined with spectacular views of the Matterhorn and south west facing balconies, it is a truly enviable location. The Sunnegga funicular is only a short stroll from the chalet and whisks you directly up to the ski slopes. Denali is ideally located at the very heart of the village, in immediate proximity to the shopping, night life and the main railway station.
Chalet Black Diamond, Tignes
Guerlain Chicherit is a four time world free ski champion, rally driver and the man behind Black Diamond. He knows the mountains like the back of his hand and he is fully aware of what it takes to provide the perfect home from home for his guests. He already has had a hand in developing several luxury ski chalets in Tignes.
“I didn’t want to create another run of the mill development, I wanted to create something bold and contemporary, a destination for the next generation of luxury ski travellers”
Black Diamond is a collection of unique residences found in one of the world’s most exclusive ski areas. Each residence is an exceptional private home in it’s own right which also have access to facilities and services that would leave many five star hotels envious. Black Diamond is modern living. A fusion of chalet, hotel and members club. This is changing the rules of luxury skiing.
A touch of urban style at altitude. A stay at Black Diamond is to be part of the most exclusive club in the Alps, where beats gently resonate from the après ski terrace and the buzz of local mountain culture takes over the ski lounge. This is a destination for the skiers and riders who appreciate contemporary design and provocative art, those who want to bring a touch of London’s energy with them
Each residence can be taken on one of three service packages, giving guests the flexibility to choose what is right for them. Regardless of your choice, you’ll still have access to all of Black Diamond’s central facilities including the Après Terrace Bar, the Ski Lounge and the complimentary transport services.
Chalet Machapuchare, Val d’Isere
This stunning, newly completed chalet is an exciting and exceptional private home in Val d’Isere. The finish and level of craftsmanship throughout the chalet is second to none and every piece has been carefully selected to create a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere. Sleeping 14 guests across 7 bedrooms, it is the perfect mountain retreat for families and friends.
You enter the chalet on the lower ground floor, via the shared garage. The private ski room is also located on this floor and there is lots of space to store your skis and boots. You can take the stairs or the lift up to the next floor where you find everything you could possibly need for an evening of relaxation and entertainment. The impressive spa comes complete with indoor swimming pool with counter current system, gym, hammam and massage room. There is also a cinema room with large sumptuous sofas.
Up to the first floor is where you will find a further three double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms or shower rooms and a family suite with a double bedroom and adjoining single bedroom, sharing a large en-suite shower room.
On the second floor is the open plan living and dining area with double height ceilings and huge windows. Through the glass sliding doors, you will find the spacious balcony with some of the best views in Val d’Isere that you can enjoy from the large sofas with an apres drink from the bar. You can also access the private garden from this floor which is where you will find the outdoor hot tub, a perfect spot to rest fatigued muscles after a long day on the mountain.
The two master bedrooms are on the top floor and each come with en-suite bathrooms and separate showers.
Ideally located, tucked away in the exclusive enclave of Le Crêt, the chalet has sublime views encompassing the village below and the breath-taking mountain panorama. The pistes are just a short two to three minute chauffeured drive away.
Chez Bugi, St Martin de Belleville
This exquisite new luxury chalet will be ready for the 2018/19 ski season. Situated in the Villarabout area of St Martin de Belleville, this luxury private chalet sleeps 8 and has spectacular uninterrupted mountain views across the valley. With a nod to the traditional whilst still achieving a contemporary and cosy feel, the chalet offers four fabulous double en-suite bedrooms with a large comfortable living space. Chez Bugi is the flagship chalet in a new development in central St Martin de Belleville, and offers spectacular piste, village and mountain views. Actually situated on-piste, Chez Bugi is in a genuine ski-in ski-out location,
The chalet is decorated throughout in a contemporary alpine style. Across the chalet is a muted and neutral palette of creams, taupes, and light greys with lots of sumptuous fabrics and textures, bespoke furniture, designer pieces and high-end fixtures and fittings. Flooded with natural light from large floor to ceiling windows and complimented with natural aged wood internal cladding, this chalet perfectly blends modern architecture with alpine elegance. The wonderful living area has a large corner sofa where guests can sit and relax with pre-dinner canapés in front of the spectacular glass-fronted log fire.
The dining area flows through from the living space and looks out over the stunning valley beyond St Martin de Belleville and the small hamlet of Le Chatelard. At night, the dining area benefits from the triple sided log fire that brings the dining and living areas together. The dining area opens out onto the large sun terrace with its panoramic views across the valley. Here you will also find a Hot Tub and beautiful outdoor seating.
Danny Frith is Director at SkiBoutique. SkiBoutique is a luxury ski chalet agency based in Switzerland.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
The more I travel staying in phenomenal lodges, villas and hotels the more I come to understand what it is that sets them apart. Someone, somewhere has had an exceptional vision allied with the determination and resources to make it a reality. The quote on Chalet Sapphire says it all.
Sounds like you’re a lucky person Julie. I hope you continue to experience these amazing places. I am sure they’ll evolve even more in the coming years.
High ceilings, big picture windows, loads of exposed timber – I love the luxury chalet look.
I am definitely not a winter sports man, I’ve got no balance and I hate the cold, so you won’t see me visiting whilst there is snow on the ground. Though these chalets are so stylish and tempting that they would pull in people like me in the summer. I prefer my mountains green. I expect the rates might be a little lower in summer too.
The Alps are beautiful in Summer Ben and the rates are certainly lower.
I like the more modern feel of Chalet Machapuchare. It has the right amount of rustic and contemporary touches that makes you feel your far away from home, but not too much.
You can’t beat it Kate, and those views outside. We love it too :-)