Val d’Isere has some fantastic places to stay, including luxury hotels and chalets. While some visitors to Val d’Isere love the convenience of catered accommodation, others prefer the flexibility of self-catered chalets. In this article, we’ll highlight the top 5 self-catered chalets in Val d’Isere. But we’ll also discuss why you may prefer to go self-catered over catered.
An Overview Of Val d’Isere
The Village
Val d’Isere is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. It’s renowned for its high-end accommodation, fantastic slopes, vibrant nightlife and après ski scene. Unlike some purpose-built French ski resorts, Val d’Isere has managed to retain its charm by preventing the construction of high-rise concrete buildings. Instead, you’ll find traditional-style buildings and ones with architecture that fit seamlessly with their surroundings. These buildings include luxury hotels, apartments and chalets that attract people from all over the world to enjoy.
During a stroll through Val d’Isere, you come across a multitude of bars and restaurants. Most restaurants serve traditional Savoyard dishes such as fondue, raclette, tartiflette and other local specialities. However, there are also several high-end restaurants with incredible menus to tempt you through their doors. Val d’Isere is an excellent place to enjoy prime cuts of meat and is one of the best French resorts for catering to dietary requirements.
After a day on the slopes, Val d’Isere comes alive with its fantastic après-ski. You can expect cosy mountain bars serving vin chaud to lively establishments featuring DJs and live music. Some of the best après bars are slopeside, and you’ll often hear the music blasting across the snow long before you reach the bar.
Val d’Isere’s Ski Area
Val d’Isere’s ski area is world-class, especially as it links with neighbouring Tignes. The two resorts make up a vast area to explore, with pistes suitable for all levels. From gentle slopes for beginners to adrenaline-pumping descents for seasoned experts, there’s no shortage of terrain to tackle. With its high-altitude location and extensive snowmaking capabilities, Val d’Isere boasts superb conditions throughout the season.
Val d’Isere has some iconic runs, such as the legendary Face de Bellevarde. This challenging black piste is a rite of passage for advanced skiers, offering steep gradients and breathtaking vistas as rewards for those who conquer its slopes. Meanwhile, intermediate and beginner skiers can enjoy the resort’s variety of well-groomed pistes. But be warned, beginners may want to take the ski lift back down to the village, as the home runs are pretty challenging.
More adventurous skiers and snowboarders can have lots of fun in Val d’Isere’s off-piste terrain. We recommend you book a guide to find the best secret spots and stay safe.
Val d’Isère village center – Olympique Avenue
Why Choose A Self-Catered Chalet In Val d’Isere?
Flexibility
One of the main reasons someone would choose a self-catered chalet in Val d’Isere is the high level of flexibility. When you stay in a catered chalet, you agree on a time for your hosts to serve dinner each evening. However, sometimes plans change throughout the day, and you could be having a wonderful time but have to head back for dinner before you’re ready.
When staying in a self-catered chalet, you have no time restrictions. You can enjoy your après session until you feel hungry and drop into a restaurant of your choice. Also, you may prefer to have a long lunch on the mountain rather than having a full meal later in the evening.
Variety
The food in a catered chalet is often excellent; however, you usually miss out on the resort’s fantastic restaurants. By staying in a self-catered chalet, you can sample a different restaurant every day if you want to. You may want to try a traditional Savoyard meal one night, a Michellin-star meal another night, or even a simple burger, adding variety to your holiday.
On the other hand, some people like to book private chefs to cook in their self-catered chalet. Doing so means you can customise your meals and handpick your favourite chef.
Privacy
Chalet hosts are great. They look after your every need and give you many tips and advice to make your stay even more special. However, some prefer the more private and intimate holiday experience that self-catered chalets provide. Additionally, a luxury chalet like those on our list has excellent wellness amenities and even a spa. Therefore, you can relax in private, avoiding the crowds often found in public spaces.
However, you’re not 100% on your own when staying in the chalets on our list below. A chalet manager prepares breakfast and snacks and looks after housekeeping. There’s also a concierge service to ensure you have everything you need.
Val d’Isere has a great network of mainly modern ski lifts that provide fast access to the slopes
Top 5 Self-Catered Chalets In Val d’Isere
Our list of the top 5 self-catered chalets in Val d’Isere is based on what these fantastic options provide. They are stunning buildings, tastefully decorated, and have high-end features and amenities to make your stay incredible. Let’s take a close look at our favourites:
1. Chalet La Face
One of the key features of a fantastic self-catered chalet in Val d’Isere is its location. Chalet La Face is just a stone’s throw from the bottom of the Bellevarde chairlift, which takes you up to some of Val d’Isere’s best slopes. Its location also gives you easy access to some excellent bars and restaurants, making your stay incredibly convenient.
The chalet’s four floors measure 350m² and are decorated in a modern but authentic style. Its welcoming cosiness creates a fantastic base for your skiing holiday. This is enhanced by the tremendous alpine views through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and from the large terrace.
The lower floor of Chalet La Face is home to a selection of wellness facilities. Your private indoor swimming pool and hammam are ideal for relaxing after a day on the mountain. Alternatively, put your feet up in the TV snug before retiring to one of the lovely 5 ensuite bedrooms.
Chalet La Face’s chalet manager will look after you to make your stay as good as possible. They will take care of housekeeping and prepare breakfast and afternoon tea.
This stunning chalet is perfect for up to 10 guests looking for a convenient, luxurious, self-catered experience in Val d’Isere.
Chalet La Face is just a stone’s throw from the bottom of the Bellevarde chairlift, which takes you up to some of Val d’Isere’s best slopes. Its location also gives you easy access to some excellent bars and restaurants, making your stay incredibly convenient.
2. Chalet Papillon
Chalet Papillon is as convenient as it is luxurious. It is located less than 100m from the slopes and offers fantastic views of the legendary Face de Bellevarde. Additionally, Chalet Papillon is close to the village centre, so you can take a leisurely stroll to some wonderful shops. There are also some excellent establishments for food and drink along the way.
Thanks to its four bedrooms and family suites, the chalet is ideal for families and groups. Its four levels comprise 280m² of cosy luxury, ideal for relaxing and resting tired legs. The main lounge and dining area feature a roaring log fire. At the same time, the traditional but elegant decor gives the chalet the ambience of an opulent alpine cabin.
Chalet Papillon has a lovely Spa area that adds to the relaxing atmosphere. Here, you can rejuvenate in the jet pool and hammam while overlooking the Calabourdanne River through the picture window.
Chalet Papillon is as convenient as it is luxurious. It is located less than 100m from the slopes and offers fantastic views of the legendary Face de Bellevarde.
3. Chalet Le Alice
Chalet Le Alice is rated 5 stars and rightly deserves its place on our list of the top 5 self-catered chalets in Val d’Isere. This wonderful chalet sleeps up to 8 guests in luxury across 4 ensuite bedrooms. Its elegant and characterful decor creates a beautiful space, especially in the living area. This is enhanced by the double-height windows that show the valley in all its glory. You can also catch some rays on the south-facing terrace, ideal on a spring afternoon.
Guests also love Chalet Le Alice’s ground floor, which doubles as a relaxation space and playground. Here, you’ll find an indoor swimming pool with a jet stream and a hammam. There’s also a cosy TV room with a games console and satellite channels, which makes an excellent den for kids or a spot to chill out on bad weather days.
Chalet Alice offers a more private experience due to its location at the top of the road. Its elevated position also provides superior views of the Isère valley, which other chalets can’t match.
Chalet Alice offers a more private experience due to its location at the top of the road. Its elevated position also provides superior views of the Isère valley, which other chalets can’t match.
4. Chalet des Alpes
Chalet des Alpes is a stunning 350 m2 luxury chalet suitable for up to 10 guests. It’s located close to the old part of Val d’Isere, famous for its Baroque architecture and Christmas card aesthetics. The chalet is also close to the slopes and has views of La Face de Belvarde.
The chalet’s modern decor and architecture seamlessly fit the local style. Chalet des Alpes is comfortable and spacious, with separate living areas for large families and groups. When guests head up to the top floor, they’re welcomed by a large open-plan living area with balconies. The top floor is also home to the magnificent dining area, bar, banquettes and separate breakfast bar.
Four of the five bedrooms are on the first floor, and all have ensuite shower rooms and WCs. The fifth bedroom is on the ground floor, which also houses a luxurious swimming pool, hammam, and games room.
Chalet des Alpes is the perfect option if you’re looking for a magnificent chalet for up to 10 guests. Its location makes it incredibly convenient, while its decor and layout provide a cosy ambience to be enjoyed by all.
Chalet des Alpes’ modern decor and architecture seamlessly fit the local style.
5. Chalet Le Mathilda
Chalet Le Mathilda was built to match the standards of 5-star hotels. There are many reasons why we believe it is one of the top 5 self-catered chalets in Val d’Isere. Firstly, Chalet Le Mathilda is set in the quiet area of Le Hameau des Fermes de Val. But don’t be fooled by the tranquillity of the area; the chalet is still in the heart of Val d’Isere, allowing easy access to everything you need. It’s also just 300m from the slopes, making your morning excursion to the snow convenient.
This chalet has 300 m² of living space, making it ideal for socialising and chatting about your alpine adventures. It sleeps up to 12 people in absolute luxury in 6 bedrooms, each with private bathrooms. The decor varies throughout the chalet, adding to its uniqueness. The first-floor bedrooms feature reclaimed wood beams, giving them a rustic style fitting with the alpine location.
The open-plan living and dining space on the second floor features an authentic stone fireplace to enjoy on cold evenings. However, its large terrace is the ideal spot for warmer days while sipping a drink and admiring the views.
When you head up to the top floor, you’ll find the fifth ensuite bedroom. This characterful room is on its own beneath the eaves, giving you an original alpine chalet experience with added luxury.
A chalet like this wouldn’t be complete without a place to relax and unwind. That’s why the architects ensured they included a stunning indoor heated swimming pool with counter-current swimming and the hammam.
As with all of these chalets, you’re looked after by a chalet manager in Chalet Le Mathilda and a concierge. This means you’ll have everything you want and need throughout your stay. But each day, your breakfasts and afternoon snacks will be prepared, and your fire and wellness centre will be ready to enjoy when you return from the slopes.
The open-plan living and dining space on the second floor features an authentic stone fireplace to enjoy on cold evenings. However, its large terrace is the ideal spot for warmer days while sipping a drink and admiring the views.
Final Thoughts On The Top 5 Self-Catered Chalets in Val d’Isère
There are many high-end self-catered chalets in Val d’Isere, but not many come close to the ones on our list. The self-catered chalet experience is excellent for those who want the ultimate freedom during their holiday to Val d’Isere.
With its world-class ski terrain, vibrant après-ski scene, and breathtaking alpine scenery, Val d’Isere is one of France’s finest ski resorts. Whether carving turns on pristine pistes, unwinding in your luxury self-catered chalet, or exploring off-piste adventures, this iconic resort promises an unforgettable winter getaway.
If you need more help choosing the perfect luxury self-catered chalet in Val d’Isere, don’t hesitate to contact our travel experts. We can advise you and take care of everything to ensure you and your group have the best possible experience in the French Alps.
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