You can make an argument that the best accommodation in the top European ski resorts is found in luxury chalets, not five-star hotels. The word “chalet” might connote a rustic mountain hut. While those places exist, the chalets I’m referring to are at the top of the lodging chain, exceptional homes that are deeply luxurious and filled with high-tech amenities. Think walls of glass, prime locations, multiple gathering spaces, and ensuite bedrooms. Then maybe add in a screening room, a wine cellar, and a ski room with lockers and boot heaters, as well as a heated pool. Fully catered is the way to go, so that private chefs are the only ones who are busy in the cooks’ kitchens that these properties invariably offer. Privacy, comfort, and luxury count for a lot in weekly rentals that can easily climb into the six figures. Here are five chalets that are newly offered this year from Leo Trippi, Bramble Ski by Le Collectionist, and The Luxury Chalet Company.
Villa Butterfly: Belle Epoque History in Chamonix
Villa Butterfly is a restored Belle Époque property in the French alpine town of Chamonix with a screening room, a sauna, and panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Accommodating 10 guests plus up to six children in six bedrooms, the 5,166 square foot villa from Leo Trippi offers a hot tub, sauna, multiple fireplaces, a gym, several balconies, and a screening room. Built between 1911 and 1913 in a unique arch shape to protect against avalanches, this home has been restored over three years, retaining its grandeur while transforming it into a contemporary abode. At the heart of the villa is a grand living area with two fireplaces, a library, and a light-filled veranda. The open-plan layout leads into a fully equipped kitchen and a separate service kitchen. The chalet is a short walk from Chamonix’s pedestrian center and 10 minutes from the Brévent ski lifts. Price on demand.
Villa Erica 1: A Taste of the Old World in St. Moritz
Chic St. Moritz is considered the birthplace of modern-day winter sports, having hosted both the 1928 and the 1948 Winter Olympic Games and offering diversions like Winter Polo on the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz. In this jet set bastion of Switzerland, Villa Erica 1 spans three elegantly appointed floors in the heart of the city, a luxury old-world apartment. Accommodating 10 Guests in five bedrooms, this villa from Leo Trippi is a few minutes’ stroll to the social hub of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. It has an elevator, multiple fireplaces, a three-car garage, a ski room, and various balconies. What really sets this 4,197 square foot chalet apart is that it’s in a formidable residential building, where the elegant interior is filled with paintings and antiques. It feels like a home, not a ski chalet. There’s a central apartment and a separate guest apartment, and unobstructed views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The primary bedroom features two private balconies, a dressing area, and an en-suite bathroom on the third floor. Priced from CH100,000 ($126,000) per week, fully-serviced.
Chalet Le Folie: Chic Interiors & Wonderful Views in 3Vallees
Located in the Routes des Chalets in Meribel, France, Chalet La Folie from Bramble Ski by Le Collectionist is a standalone alpine chalet. Interiors feature stylish décor, rich wood tones, sheepskins, and contemporary lighting. With five en-suite bedrooms, Chalet La Folie comfortably sleeps up to 10 guests in a 4,521 square foot space. The ground floor is dedicated to relaxation and entertainment, with an outdoor hot tub, private sauna, and a spacious terrace. The games room includes a pool table, a foosball table, and a TV area. The Alps Doron slope and the Adret ski lift are a short walk away, while the heart of Meribel is five minutes away by car. Priced from EUR 23,560 to EUR 86,170 ($27,402 to $100,479) per week.
Matterhorn Penthouse: Views of the Iconic Peak
Located in the center of Zermatt, a short walk from the train station and close to the Sunnegga-Express lift, the Matterhorn Penthouse from The Luxury Chalet Company is a newly built 2,691-square-foot penthouse on the top two floors of Sierrahaus Alpine Suites. Zermatt is a pedestrian-only village, and the penthouse is easily walkable to shops, cafés, and restaurants. Sleeping up to 12 guests, the accommodation includes four ensuite bedrooms and a dedicated bunk room with its own shower, making it ideal for children or teenagers. Open-plan living consists of a living area and a dining area for up to 14 guests, a contemporary kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a large balcony with uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn. There is also complete access to the amenities of Sierrahaus, which include a full spa with hammam, both Finnish and infrared saunas, an aromatherapy shower, and a state-of-the-art TechnoGym. There is also a private cinema, a club lounge, and a ski & bike room with individual lockers. Breakfast service is available in winter, and optional catering is available upon request. Priced from CHF28,900 to CHF40,000 ($36,384 to $50,403) per week.
Chalet La Paus’Altitude: Paris Chic at Courchevel1850
Courchevel1850 is considered the apex of French luxury skiing, and Chalet La Paus’Altitude from The Luxury Chalet Company offers it in spades. The 10,764 square foot chalet was built from traditional timber and stone, with floor-to-ceiling windows in its living and dining areas. There is an open kitchen, a professional kitchen, and a wine-tasting room. There are multiple balconies across the home’s seven levels. The chalet has five bedrooms and a quad bunk room, all with en-suites, comfortably sleeping 14 guests. The top floor hosts the primary suite with its own fireplace. The wellness component of the chalet includes an indoor swimming pool, stone Jacuzzi, sauna, Hammam, plunge pool, sensory shower, sound bath, and massage room. There’s also a gym and dedicated hair and nail stations, not to mention a screening room and even a private nightclub, with a bar and wine cellar. The seven-level home has an elevator, a ski room with boot warmers, laundry facilities, and garage parking. Priced from €110,000 to €280,000 ($128,265 to $326,494) per week.