Five chalets worth the ascent
Fancy some high luxury? Try these high places
- Words by: Gentleman's Journal
The ultimate luxury is in creating a home away from home among the mountains.
And so, with this in mind, we have curated five of the best chalets in some of the world’s finest resorts – places where every need is catered for. From breakfast laid out by your personal chef to make those early mornings a little easier, to spa-like facilities designed to ease aching muscles after a black run you may have slightly overexerted yourself on; from gourmet dinners beside a crackling fire, without the need to brave treacherous black ice on the journey home; to nighttime screenings from the comfort of your own private cinema room before retreating upstairs to recharge for another day on the slopes…
These chalets promise the ultimate in all of these and more. They offer luxury and privacy, allowing you to enjoy the mountains entirely on your own terms, both on and off the slopes.
01. Chalet Markhor, Val d’Isère, France
For an alpine escape that truly feels like one, the wood-clad walls and fur-covered furnishings of Chalet Markhor offer exactly that, resembling the kind of remote hunting lodge we’ve all longed to be snowed into. Yet despite the fantasy, its location makes the dream all the more accessible. Set in Val d’Isère, bordering the snow front, it offers unparalleled access to the slopes, with no mountain guide required. The vast property spans four spacious floors, with six bedrooms, a wellness area and private cinema, the essential ingredients for truly embracing cabin life. If the après-ski scene has become a little too repetitive, the chalet’s private bar, complete with fleecy bar stools and a rather tempting table football table, would give even the most enviable man-caves a run for their money, providing the perfect spot for a stiff drink. With the internal elevator on hand to ensure nothing more is added to your step count, head up to the top floor balcony to bask in the views as the sun sets.
In Val d’Isère, bordering the snow front, Chalet Markhor offers unparalleled access to the slopes, with no mountain guide required
02. Chalet Mont Tremblant, Méribel, France
Within the storied Three Valleys, Chalet Mont Tremblant sits in its own secluded grounds in Méribel, offering the rare combination of proximity and privacy. Inside, double-height ceilings and vast windows draw the Alpine light deep into the six-bedroom retreat, creating an effortless sense of space and calm. Here, the art of doing very little is taken seriously. A chalet manager, private chef, driver and dedicated concierge ensure that everything is taken care of before you even think to ask. Days can drift from long lunches and evenings of drinks with friends to quieter hours curled up in a cosy corner, well away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes. Outside, the chalet’s generous decking gives way to a heated infinity pool and elevated hot tub, framed by uninterrupted mountain views. Whether you have spent the day carving through fresh powder or never quite made it to the lifts, the setting makes a compelling case for staying put.
03. Chalet 1551, Oberlech, Austria
Chalet 1551 certainly delivers. Perched high above Lech and within touching distance of Ski Arlberg’s nearest run, this ski-in, ski-out chalet offers uninterrupted views across the glorious Alpine landscape. Spread across three levels, the chalet’s layout is a masterclass in thoughtful design, centred around an imposing stone fireplace and enveloped in dark, moody interiors and rich wood panelling that seem to invite you to retreat from the elements. The open-plan show kitchen is supported by a fully equipped professional kitchen, where the gastronomically inclined can indulge in Michelin-star dinners six nights a week, with a commitment to sustainability woven throughout. With three balconies, there is no shortage of natural light and no escaping the imposing mountain views. For those seeking both indulgence and balance, the wellness facilities offer everything from a Finnish sauna, infrared cabin and hammam to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and hyperbaric oxygen chamber. It is a place designed to maximise both time and enjoyment, and surely, we all deserve a little more of both.
04. Chalet Vicuña, Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier has long understood that skiing is only part of the equation; the right chalet, the right après and a certain instinct for style are equally important. Chalet Vicuña fits neatly into this world, pairing a distinctly modern design sensibility with the warmth expected of an Alpine retreat. Light wood, soaring ceilings and expansive open-plan spaces are punctuated by intricate lighting, creating interiors that feel contemporary without ever competing with the landscape beyond. Each bedroom offers its own invitation to retreat, but the master suite takes the idea of escape a little further, with a marble bathtub, hammam shower and private dressing room upstairs. Downstairs, the chalet reveals its more indulgent side. A fully equipped gym, private cinema and bar set the scene for evenings that may stretch well beyond après, while an indoor pool, cold plunge, sauna, hammam and private treatment room provide everything needed to recover from a day skiing hard on the mountain. Because even the most seasoned skier knows that sometimes the best part of the trip is knowing when to stop.
The interiors of Chalet Vicuña feel contemporary without ever competing with the landscape beyond
05. Fermes à La Leonthine, Megève, France
In a small meadow above the hills of Megève, this converted farmhouse blends seamlessly into its surroundings while still commanding attention. Sleeping up to 14 guests, its traditional Alpine exterior gives way to a distinctly modern interior, where soaring ceilings, exposed beams and expansive picture windows frame spectacular views across the mountainous landscape. Designed for hosting, it is an airy, loft-like space where attention is constantly pulled between the majesty of the views and the considered contemporary design, which sits effortlessly alongside the warmth of the surrounding wood. Drift from the swimming pool to the sauna and hammam, retreat to the cinema room, or pull on your warmed boots in the ski room before heading out onto the mountain. It is a space that respects its roots while leaving no luxury unaccounted for, making the hardest part of the stay deciding when to actually leave all this comfort for the ski lifts.
Designed for hosting, it’s an airy, loft-like space where attention is constantly pulled between the majesty of the views and the considered design
