These are the 10 most luxurious chalets to rent this year

From a modern home in Morzine to a traditional retreat in the resort of Whistler, these are our favourite chalets to rent in 2022…

When the word ‘chalet’ was first coined, it meant something very different to what it means today. The first chalets were modest, miniature affairs; remote herdsman’s huts built high in the Alps. But in 2022, the word calls something different to mind; snow-dusted, six-bedroomed palaces — designed in a classic Swiss style, but with more bells, whistles, dry rooms and home cinemas than you can shake a ski pole at.

Below, we’ve rounded up a handful of the finest modern, luxurious chalets from around the world. Whether you’re touching down in the French Alps for a weekend away or putting down frosty roots for the season in one of Canada’s vast resorts or retreats, these are the most sumptuous, stately chalets to rent this year…

Chalet Face à Face, Val d’Isère

Let’s start off by hitting the slopes of Val d’Isère, one of the most luxurious resorts in the French Alps, found tucked away by Tignes in the Espace Killy ski area. And this chalet, the perfect blend of traditional alpine style and modern architecture, is the ideal base from which to explore the region.

Just a 15-minute walk (or, let’s be honest, a 5-minute chauffeured drive) from the centre of the village, Chalet Face à Face has a large ski room fitted with boot warmers, a dedicated cinema room and a decadent spa area — complete with sauna, steam shower, yoga area and swimming pool.

Chalet Makini, Verbier

Fast approaching its frosty tenth anniversary, Chalet Makini is one of the most striking ski-in/ski-out home in this already impressive round-up. Found in Verbier, the storied alpine village in Switzerland’s Valais Canton, Makini sits gloriously on the banks of an icy pond in the highly exclusive Hameau development.

Like Chalet Face à Face above, Makini is a sumptuous, seamless blending of old and new. There’s exposed beams, polished oak flooring, natural stonework and antique decor — but also contemporary furniture, glittering chandeliers and both an in-built sound system and alluring ‘wine cave’.

Chalet 1597, Lech

This, Chalet 1597, is perhaps the most exclusive home in town. Originally built in 1597 (yes, really), it was renovated fully around 10 years ago, and was awarded the title of Austria’s Best Ski Chalet at the World Ski Awards in 2014.

We can see why. The chalet is set out over three floors, sleeping a total of 12 guests in five spacious en-suite bedrooms and — like Chalet Makini above — it boasts a traditional stone cave and wine cellar. There’s also a cinema room for stormy nights, a winter wet room for stormy days — and a ‘bio-sauna’ with unparalleled mountain views.

Snowridge Retreat, Whistler

We’re crossing the pond for our next chalet suggestion. Whistler is a town north of Vancouver, where the ‘Whistler Blackcomb’ resort is one of the largest on the entire continent of North America. Famous around the world, it’s brimming with luxury options; but we’ve plumped for the snow-dusted, log-built charms of Snowridge Retreat.

Self-catered, this lodge sleeps eight guests and is one of the most traditionally Canadian ski-in/ski-out lodges available to rent at the resort. With panoramic views over the iconic Mount Tantalus, there’s a fireplace ready to roar, a steam shower to warm you up and a 10 person hot tub if you’re looking to entertain. Also, a jukebox.

Mont Tremblant, Meribel

In English, ‘Tremblant’ roughly translates to ‘trembling’. And you would be, if you were lucky enough to check into this Meribel bolthole. Famous for its aprés-ski bars and lively nightlife, the French resort is the perfect place to unwind this winter — and this 12-guest chalet is the perfect place to call home.

The cornerstone of this frosty, five-star experience is the heated outdoor infinity pool and elevated hot tub, all situated within private grounds and boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-cloaked mountains. Other highlights include an in-house chef, a dedicated chauffeur and boot delivery service.

Chalet Daphne, Verbier

It’s back to Verbier for our next alpine option. Another jewel in Switzerland’s Valais Canton is this; Chalet Daphne. Completed in 2016, it’s a relatively new player in the game, but occupies prime position in the village — just over a five-minute walk to the Médran lift.

Inside, the chalet is split over three floors, and is designed and built — from authentic alpine wood — to make the most of the exquisite views outside the vast windows. The top floor is dedicated to a huge master bedroom, but we’re most taken by the ground floor’s facilities, which include a ski room, and excellently-appointed hammam.

460 Thunderbowl Lane, Aspen

In Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, you’ll find one of the most famous ski resorts in the world; Aspen. Known for its high-end restaurants and top-drawer boutiques, it’s the perfect place for an extravagant escape — and 460 Thunderbowl Lane (as well as having a cracking name) is kitted out with some of the best amenities in the area.

It’s a six-bedroom, slopeside masterpiece — and the term ‘ski-in/ski-out’ could have been invented for this home’s access, so excellent its location is. The real draw here is the authenticity of the decor; 460 Thunderbowl Lane is built using large wood beams, custom ironwork, etched Crystal River Glass, and Colorado quarried farmer’s stone.

Villa Villekulla, St Anton

Next, to Austria — and the quaint, quintessentially Alpine village of St. Anton am Arlberg in the Tyrolean Alps. Villa Villekulla offers something a little different; a more modern, stripped-back spin on the classic chalet — but one just as luxurious as the other opulent rentals on this list.

With the capacity to sleep up to 12 people, the main piste leading into St Anton is only a few minutes from the chalet — where you’ll find an open living, dining and kitchen area perfect for entertaining on the top floor. The best bit, however, is the terrace — where you’ll find two individual warm baths; perfect for relieving achy, frosty limbs.

Bighorn Revelstoke, British Columbia

Our final flit across the pond to North American takes us to Revelstoke, a city in southeastern British Columbia where skiers come if they’re also passionate about nature. With more boardwalk trails and paths than you could ever fully explore during your stay, there’s even a place called ‘The Enchanted Forest’, if you’re looking for a really magical experience.

And Bighorn, this gargantuan castle of a Canadian chalet, is the sort of fairytale home you’d expect to find here. Exclusive in the extreme, it’s accessible via a private helipad, features a triple-height great room with log fire and stunning views over the Columbia River and Monashee Mountains. Elsewhere, there’s an outdoor hot rub, pool table and bar.

Chalet Joux Plane, Morzine

And finally, back to France. Specifically, to the Portes du Soleil resort of Morzine, where you’ll find this exquisitely-designed home; Chalet Joux Plane. Drenched in character and dripping with charisma, it’s like a bachelor pad set high in the Alps. Think secluded terraces, free standing baths and cosy hanging seats.

There’s also a Bamford Spa including treatment room, a 23-meter indoor-outdoor swimming pool, a private gym, a cinema room and an art gallery. We particularly like the luxurious library area (with log fire), but the crowning glory is surely a floating mezzanine bar — with a balcony overlooking the mountains.

Looking to travel a little farther afield? These are 6 of the most beautiful wellness retreats in China…

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