L'Aiguille Grive Chalets Hotel ★★★★

The Les Arcs resort was founded in the 1960s by a group of passionate visionaries and oozes a cool, sporty vibe, but is also a fantastic family resort. The chalets sit on the slopes of the les Arc 1800 resort, less than 20 minutes from SNCF station Bourg-St-Maurice by connecting funicular. They’re only accessible on foot or on skis, but don’t worry as the hotel will arrange for you to be picked up in a snow jeep. With its metaphorical feet buried in the snow and its head in the clouds your chalet is an idyllic mountain refuge of pale wood and simple, pure design.

Fuelled by the buffet breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant, it’s off to ski school and, after a few comedy moments on the first morning, we slowly re-awaken our muscle memory and find our snow legs. Les Arcs 1800 offers long descents with plenty of steep slopes for the more adventurous. There are a range of lessons on offer, including ones for beginners and even private lessons so you can really focus on your technique. There’s also full or half-day off-piste skiing on offer. For those who don’t ski, or just fancy trying something different, there are plenty of mountain trails for snow-shoe walking and there’s also an ice-rink where you can perfect your triple-Lutz...

After a long day in the fresh air, it’s a nice feeling to be able to come back to the privacy and comfort of your own chalet. The construction of the six stylish chalets reflects the avant-garde spirit of les Arcs, and the influence of architect Charlotte Periand. The interior decor is the work of famous interior designerPierre-Marie Couturier, and the result is a modern cocoon that sleeps up to 12. Bathed in natural light, the bedrooms are all you could wish for after a tough day tackling the slopes. Decorated with pale wood, soft greys and pastels with the occasional bright splash of colour, it manages to be cosy yet stylish. The chic living room is ideal for putting your feet up with a mug of hot chocolate. It’s fully equipped with free Wi-Fi and a flat screen TV. The chalet also has an American-style kitchen and a little dining room, which opens out onto a private terrace with mountain views of Mont Blanc or L’Aiguille Grive. Your bathroom is complete with hair-dryer, robe and slippers. You even have your own secure place for your ski equipment. It marries the charm and independence of an alpine chalet with the luxury and service of a four-star hotel.

We developed a little routine of returning to the hotel in the afternoon for a mulled wine and a well-earned slice of blueberry tart, or a cheeky cocktail by the open fire in the lounge-bar. Dinner in the l’Aiguille Grive restaurant was one of the highlights. The restaurant opens out onto a south-facing terrace with large recycled teak tables. In the evenings, lit with the flickering candles, it becomes a magical place. Even better though was the option of having a bespoke menu prepared for us – at an extra cost – and enjoying it complete with waiter service in the comfort of the chalet. A sommelier can even recommend the ideal wine to accompany each dish. Sipping a glass of a rich Mondeuse on your terrace whilst waiting to be summoned in for dinner - you can’t get more luxurious that that.